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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 < Registered in acco rdanoe wi th the Copyright Act) OF thp: IRISH CATHOLICS OF qUBBEO Saint Patrick's Church to the death of Rev. P. McMahon BY JAMES M. O'LEARY QUEBEC DAILY TELEGRAPH PRINT 1805 ^1} 3 y / ^3 CONTENTS, Diffienltios in biiiUlin;ra cliurch 5 First celebration of St. Patrick's day in Q;Uebec ' ^ Irish Catholics. A separate Conjrrega- tion g French Cathedral, placed at disposal of the Irish Catholics g Lower Town Church, placed at'disposal of the Irish Catholics 9 Efforts to buihl a chnrch '.'. . . .'. . 9 8t. Patri ck's Church started. ............ 12 First Mass in St. Patrick's Church.... ... 13 Donations to St. Patrick's Church 14 Attempt to open street through St. Pat- rick 's Church property 15 The church extended ip Farewell address to Rev. A.' Campeau ' ' * '^i Farewell address to Rev. B. O'Reilly 23 Presentation to Rev. Mr. McMahon. " ^8 Death of Rev. P McMjUiou 37 Funeral obsequies of Rev. P. McMahon * 3 guaniuteed by the treaty of Paris hi The Catholic religion, therefore, was not only free from the penal enactments directed against it in other portions of British Kmpire, hut, in fact, it was the religion of tlie country, recognized l>y law, so far, at least as Lower Canada was concerned The ])ayment of tithes, and other dues, and the erection of churchesy when deemed necessary, were- enforced by law, and the church tem- poralities were administered by mar- guilliers, or church wardens, who were elected by the hiity, and who jw)ssessed very extensive legal powers. The Irish Catholics, as a matter of course, l>ecame subject to these lavv^s, on settling in the province of Quebec Speaking a language diftei\)nt from the- majority of their co-religionists, they found it absolutely necessary to have a separate place of worship, with full con- trol of its temporalities This could not be done, unless the marguilliers of Quebec gave up scmie of the powers they held, but they })ersistently refused to make any c(mcession on this point, nor could they be induced to build a church fen' the exclusive use of the Irish Catholics, and retain the manage- ment of itsrevenuesy although promised -7- etticient uid l)y our people Indeed thi'()UL(li<>ut the whole of the lengthened negotiations, the nuirguilliers, with few exceptions, {ip[)eMred to be ignorant of tlie fact tliat the peculiar position of the Knglish speaking Catholics rendered it necessary, chat an exception to the general hiws, l)y which the temporal ati'airs of the church in the province of Quebec, were hitherto managed, should l)e made in their favor. ti FERST (CELEBRATION OF ST TATRTCK S DAY IX QUEBEC. The first meeting of the Irish Catho- lics of Quebec, for religious purposes, was lield in March, 1819, when it was resolved that eft'cjrts be made to cele- })rate St. Patrick's day, by a High Mass. A subscription was taken up to defray the necessary expenses, and the festival was cele])rated in the chapel of the Congregation ists, on the Esplanade Hill. A sermon was preached by the Reverend Michael Dufresne, vicar at Quebec. This gentleman took a deep interest in the temporal and spiritual afi'airs of the Irish Catholic emigrants, then arriving in Quebec, where there were very few of their nationality, in a position to render them any assistance. From this 8 time, the colebnition of St. Patrick's day has l)uou continued, but there was no other distinct service for the Irish Catholics until 1822, when they were formed into A SKI'ARATR CONGREGATION, under tlie temporary charge of tlie Reverend Simon Lawlor. He was suc- ceeded by the Reverend Henry McKeagney, who also remained for a short time, and was replaced by the Reverend Patrick McMahon in October, 1822. As the latter was sent, in 1825, as missicmary to St. John, N.B., at that time included in the diocese of Quebec, the Reverend Hugh Paisley took charge From 1822, the Irish Catholics at- tended Divine service in the I FRENCH CATHEDRAL, at 8 o'clock on Sundays As the Can- adians met in the same edifice at 9 o'clock, for the Parochical Mass, there was hardly time for a Low Mass, and a short instruction for the Irish. Then the coming in of one congregation^ before the other was dismissed, render- ed the arrangement very inconvenient for all parties. This state of affairs was — 9 — remoclied to some extent, shortly after the return of the Reverend Mr. McMahon, in 1828, when he once more became pastor of the Irish Oorigregation^ ])y the church of ■* OUR LADY OF VICTORIES in the Lower Town, l>eing placed at his disposal, but this building, even at that time, was Uk> small for all who desired U) attend, as hundreds were obliged to remain in the little market scpiare, exposed at all seasons to all kinds of weather without the slightest shelter. The Irish Catholics, at this time, numbered between 6,000 and 7,000. EFFORTS TO BITTLI) A CHURCH. During the pastorship of the Rev- erend Mr. Paisley, in March 1828, several prominent members of the con- gregation endeavoured to obtain per- mission from the marguilliers to build a church, but without success. , In 1830, a subscription, amounting to £2,250 was raised among the Irish Catholics to secure a church A petition was drawn up, addressed to Sir James Kempt, asking for a lot belonging to the (xovernment (where the Parliament bu J dings now stand) but His Lordship 10 ti the Bishop declined signing it, and the petition thus fell to the ground. The Connnittee, however, did not suiter their energies to abate, and ap])ointed a sub-coiuniittee to examine certain lots of i^round in the city and suburl). Whilst engaged in this duty, the Committee received a connnunica- tion from the Coadjutor Bishop, and themarguilliers, in which they expressed a wish that the Irish Catholics should l)ersevere in thei: intentions to build a church ; and stated that they W(juld cheerfully assist in the work, and that a connnittee was a])|)ointed to C()mmu- nicate with a connnittee of the Lower Town church on the subject Messrs. William Burke, Michael C^uigley, John Stillini^s John C^annon and Gordian Koran were named to meet the marguil- liers, and endeavor to learn their inten- ti(ms. They met them, submitted their l)lans, etc., but although an answer was repeatedly asked, they could never i)ro- cure any information from the marguil- liers, of the manner in which their plans were received At one of the intervi^^ws, the Coad- jutor Bishop gave the leverend Mr McMahon to understand that the mar- guilliers were disposed to assist the promotion of the religious views (►f the 11 Irisli Catholics l)y the grant of £500, annually for* 3 years, but it seemed that this proposal had not been authorized » The Coniuiittee then resolved t(^ pur- chase, en coustitut, the ground belong- ing to Colonel Yoyer, on St. Joachim street, near the present Montcalm market They waited on the Bishop re( [nesting him to hold the land, in trust, for them, but he declined, iniless the church to be erected would be used, in common, with the Canadians Again the marguilliers came forward, and desired to act conjointly with the Connuittee in the choice of a proper site for the clnu'gh. Although they would give no guarantee that the Irisli Catholics shoidd have the exclusive use of the church, and reipiired the Irish to contribute a certain specific sum towards its erection, the Connuittee of manage- ment, rather than that the Congrega- tion should remain any longer in the inconvenient |)<>sition in wliich they were ]jlaced, waived all further object- ions, which were created by the un- acconnnodating spirit of the Fabri(jue, and promised on the {)ai't of the con- gregation £500 towards the defraying of the expenses to be incuri'ed in the first year of the undert;iking, and a similar sum annually until the work was I — 12 — completed. A deputation from both ])odie.s were named, and, after several conferences, it was agreed that two lots (m Gallow's Hill should be purchased by the Fabriciue for £2,000. The Fabrique, however, refused to give more than <-£l,800, and although the Irish Catholics agreed to pay the difffer- ence, the purchase was not completed. The Fabri(|ue then instructed their deputation to look after other lots, and to re])ort within two mtrnths. As the (yommittee's patience was now ex- hausted, and having come to the con- clusion that the marguilliers, as a body, never intended to supply the Irish Catholics with a place of worshi}), pur- chased the lots on wdiich the Church and Presbytery now stand. SAINT PATKKJK's. CHURCH. In October 1831, ground was broken for a church, 14(> feet long, and ()5 feet broad. The following gentlemen composed the Committee of Management at that time : The Reverend Patrick McMahon, Messrs. John Cannon, Michael Quigley, J(.)hn Teed, William Downes, William Burke, William Stillings, John Patrick O'Meara, Huj^h Maguire, Michael Con- — 1:3 nolly, Thomas Murphy (Upper Town), John Byrne, Thomas Murphy (Lower Town), Michael Green, John MoHoy, Richard McGrath, John Coote, Michael Mci^voy, Hugh Murraj^ and Ednuuid Baillie O'Callavrhan. Work progressed so favorably, that preparations were made for the laying of the corner stone of the church at 4 p.m., on Monday, 11th June, 1832, but as the cholera broke out on the 8th June, the ceremony was postponed. During the reign of terror that existed during that summer, the stone was laid without any public display FIRST MASS IN ST. PATRICK S. The last Sunday service for the Irish in the Lower Town church was on the 30th June, 1833, for at 9 o'ch)ck, on the 7th July, the ceremony of the dedication of St. Patrick's took place, the Very Reverend Jerome Demers, ofticiating, in the absence of His Lordship the Bisho}), and his Coadjutor. High Mass was sung by the Reverend C. F. Bail- largeon, afterwards Archbishop of Quebec. In the sanctuary were the Reverends Thomas Maguire, chap- lain of the Ursulines, Louis Joseph Demers, one of the many priests who I ; i ■ I: 14 were forced to leave France, in the revolution of 171^3, James Nelligan, afterwards pastor of St. Patrick's, and Thoaias L. Brassard, vicar at Quebec. The sermon was preached by the Reverend Mr. McMahon. who took as his text, Genesis, chapter 28, verse 18 ' And Jacob arising in the morning, took the stone, which lie had laid under his head and set it up for a pillar, ])ouring oil upon the top of it." The collection amounted to $700. The church then contained IIH pews, which were leased for three years, at an average of $17 a year. In 183(:), the galleries were completed, and on the 28th August, the pews there were hased. noNATIONS Were received, at the opening of the church from the following pers(ms, namelv : Six sets of vestments, one from His Lordship the Bishop, as well as a magnificent clialice, and rich altar front, one set from the Coadjutor Bishop, one from the Reverend Ladies oi the Ursulines, one from Mrs. John Teed, one from a Mrs. O'Neill, one from a member of the Congregation, albs, etc , from the Curate of Quebec, cruets and basin, all of solid silver, from Mrs. A 15 Aniyot, and a full length painting of the Crucitixion, from Mr. Bowman, an American artist. On the 2;3rd Decenil)er 18;]4, the Honorables John Frazer, James Hastings Kerr, fcldwaul Bowen, George Pemberton, and Messrs. Henry Leme- surier, J. B Forsyth, (1. 1>. Cullen, and Benjamin Cole, as a committee on the part of the Protestants of Que ec, presented the Reverend Mr. McMahon with £220 for the purchase of an organ. The organ arrived from England, on the 8th June, 18157, and was used for the tirsttime, cm Sunday, the 9th July, 18.S7. On the 8th 8epteud)er, 18135, Lord Aylmer ])resented, for the use of the church, two valuable and richly framed paintings, and in 18,%, Mr. Joset)h Legare gave his life size }>ainting of tlie Crucitixion, now in the St. Bridget's ^Lsylum, while Mr. Bowman's gift, on the same subject found its way to Sher- ])r()oke, Que ATTEMPT TO OPEN A STREET THKOLMJH THE CHUKCH PROPERTY. In February, 1841, a petition was jvresented to the City Council, signed by Dr Jas. A. Sewell, Pieire Dugal, and others, }>raying that D'Aiguillon Ifi (row Charlevoix) Htreet be continued from Palace to St Stanislas streets. As this request, if granted, would lead to the appropriation of 2'A feet of the ohurch property, the Coinniittte of Management of St Patrick's church [)rotested that the proposed street was not required for the convenience of the jjubUc, adding that it was intended tr) i)uild a school house in the rear of the church Those in favor of the street urged thab the property claimed, ap- peared as a street, in the original deeds of concession, and in proof of this, called attention to the Magistrate's Book, for 1824, in whicli would be found the re]»ort of a jury of twelve <;itizens, declaring that ''there is a reserve made for the Rue D'AiguiUon. and that the property for the street bekmgs to the public." The question was referred to the Road Committee, who, on the i)th March, 1841 reported. "That in the opinion oi the Commit- tee, there can exist no doubt of a reserve having been made, and still existing, for the prolongation of D'Ai ^uillon street, from Palace to St. Stanislas, there to join St. Henry, (now Elgin) street. 'That the opening of the said street would be of an advantage to the pro- h -17 priebors, und residents in the iniuic- diate neighborhood. ' That the Ooniniittee would reconi- niend tliat the line of street, running from Palace to St. Henry street, be o{)ened as soon as the necessary funds for purchasing the private property, situate i in it, be obtained, either from the City Clerk, or by means of indivi- dual subscriptions " There the matter rested, until March, 1845, when Dr. St- well and Mr. Dugal forwarded a petition to the City Coun- -cil, in which they stated that the (Unn mittee (*f Management were taking measures for the enlargement of St. Patrick's church, which, when com- pleted, would extend across that portion of D'Aiguillon street, situated between the Rue des Pauvres (Pabice street) and St Stanislas street, and asked the Council to take up the report of the Road Committee, on the 9th March, 1841, and to ado[)t such immediate steps 4is they might deem tit. A petition from the Connnittee of Management was also sent in, request- ing that the prayer of Dr. Sewell and Mr. Dugal be not entertained. Both petitions were referred to the Road Committee. On the 12th March, they reported that they had obtained 2 'A |! ! iri 1 18 the opinion of tlio lu<^al advisor of tho Corporation, the lato Honorable .Jndgo Duval, on the subject, which was, that the claims of the Corporation, to the ground in (|uestion, was not wellfounded in law, an(l that the {u-esent j)roprietors could not be compelled to give u}) the property without being ])aid the value thereof. The Committee were filso of opini(m, that this point being settled, aad they being divided on the propriety of recom- mending to the Council, the purchase of the ground recjuired for the continua- tion of D'Aiguillon street, decided on recjuesting to be allowed simply to report the above opinion of the legal adviser. Moved by Councillor Michael Con- nolly, seconded by Councillor John Doran: "That the public has no right to the property alluded to in the petition of Messrs. Sewell and Dugal, and that it is inexpedient to purchase the ground for opening the street, as mentioned in the Fame." After a long discussion. Councillor H S. Scott, moved in amendment, seconded by Councillor John McLeod : *'That the Road Committee be in- structed to prepare and lay before the Council, at its next meeting, an estimate 1 — 11) ~ of the pn)b;il)le expuiiso of openiiii; D'Aiguillon street, from Palace street to St HtanislaH. Yeas.— Messrs. Scott. Wilson, Lloyd Hud McLeod. Nays.— Messrs. Glackuieyer, Robi- taille, Connolly, Rousseau, O'Brien, Doran, Savard, Tourangeau and Pla- niondon. Another anienduient was then pro- posed by (Jouncillor John Wilson, se- conded b' (^)unciUor H. S. Scott : "That tile Corjjoration will cause the said street to be opened, provided the whole expense of doing so, be paid by tlie parties iaterested." This amendment was also lost, and the niain motion carried on the follow^- ing division : — Yeas.— Messrs. Glackmeyer, Robi- taille, Connolly, Rousseau, O'Brien, Doran, Tourangeau and Plamondon. Nays —Messrs. Scott, Wilson, Lloyd, McLeod and Savard. And this action set the (piestion at rest, forever. THE CHURCH EXTENDED, In 1845, St. Patrick's church was extended, but as the Irish -Catholics of Quebec then numbered between ten and h I ii j! : --20 <] 1 I twelve thousand, more ground was re([uired,Hnd a lot in rear of the church was perchased from Mrs. Henrietta Smith, widow of Chief Justice Sewell The deed was passed before R. J. Belleau, N P., on the 22nd September, 1840, and conveyed to the church the lot on which the old sacristy, and the hall of the St. Patrick s Catholic Ins- titute were erected together with the yard, between these buildings The lot was stated to be 70 feet broad, and 97 feet deep On it sto(:>d, at the date of sale, a building known as the Royal Circus or Theatre. The deed also conveyed a strip of ground on the western side of the above lot accpiired by Mrs. Sew^ell, from her son, Dr James A. Sewell, whicii was afterwards used as a passage leading to the Institute The wall between the property, owned at that time by Dr. Sewell, and the church is mefoifeii, and the right of drop into the property of the Doctor w^as con- ceded, so long as any portion of the theatre remains standing, but no longer. It may be interesting to say that i he return of births, marriages and deaths among the Catholic population of Quebec in 1846, shows the following : — 21 Baptisms. (Vinadians . 514 Marrijii^os. Deaths 110 434 125 455 FAREWELL ADDKESSES. Among tlie vicars, ap|)uiiite(l to St. 1 atrick's cliurcli, few were more !)eloved by tlie Congregation than tlie Keverend Antonie Campeaii wlio died on tlie 1st Februajy, 181)0. To the close of liis life he remembered the many acts of kind- ness he received from the Irish Catho- lics. ^ On Sunday, 2nd October, 1842, the Congregation i)resented liim, with' tlie folhnving address : — Reverend and Dear Sir, "Your sudden and unexpected re- moval IS a subject of sincere regret to a very Lirge portion of the Irish Catholics ot this city, for the humility and zeal you manifested in the discharge, of the duties of your ministry, even towards the humblest <'f our C(mgregation, ])ar- ticularly m the catechising, a]id in- structing of our youth, in the tirst princii)les of our Holy religion ; and at your departure from amongst us we renew our attachment towards you 'and fervently pray that God may grant you theblessnigs of health, hmg life, and a 22 — continuance of that Christian fortitude and i)atience, that characterized you^ whilst amongst us, to enable you to dis- charge the duties of a new and extensive mission, (at Perc^) "Taking leave, we l)eg to assure you^ Reverend Sir, you will carry with yoUy our sincere esteem and regard, and we fervently })ray the Giver of ail good U>' reward you, for the services you have rendered, and the labors you have en- dured amongst us, with unmeasura])le and lasting happiness l)eyond the grave. The Reverend gentleman implied as follows r Gentlemen. — ''Please accept my sin- cerest thanks, for the sentiments of benevoleiice expressed in the address presented to me, in the name of the Irish Catholics of this city, as also for the liberal and generous donation, whicli you have depc^sited in my hands. Be assured, gentlemen, that I am deeply sensiWe of the steps you liave taken, in my favor, which will contribute to- strengthen the ties, tliat have already Ixnmd me, to the Irish Roman Catholie |)opulation of this city. "Called by the will of God, and that of my superiors to lal)or in another por- tion, oi His vineyard, [ hope tliat. 2:^ Almighty God, who had designed me to labor for a time amongst you, will vouchsafe to look upon and bless what- ever little i'ood I mav have done during that time. May Heaven pour down its choicest blessings upon that interesting jxirtion of His tlock, upon those dear children, the hopes of our religion, and country, who, during live years, have ))een the greatest object of my care 'VFor you, gentlemen, wherever I may pass the remainder of my days, the same remembrance of your esteem and generosity will be always present to my mind, and I will never cease to pray for your spiritual and temporal welfare, hoping that you will not forget me in your prayers." RKVERENl) BERNARD O REILLY No little ex:citement was created in the congregation of St. Patrick's church, when in September, 1846, it was learned that the Reverend, now Monsignor, Bernard O'Reilly, vicar at St. Patrick's, was to be removed. This cast a i^loom over an attached and aft'ectionate Hock, and their regret was shared in by their Protestant fellow-citizens, who ackow- ledged his worth, and admired his zeal 24 in the dischargo of his duties, as exhib- ited, ill an earnest desire to maintain peace and good will among all creeds, and different races. They looked upon him as warm hearted, liberal in thought^ and deed, while consistently and ardent- ly attached to his religion, and pos- sessed of a dispositiim overflowing with charity. <>n Wednesday, l()th September, the coiigrei^ation met to consider the (juestion of his removal. At this meet- ing a deputation was mimed to wait upon His ( Trace the Archbishop of Quebec to represent the serious injury which would be inflicted upon the St Patrick's congregation by the removal of the Reverend Mr () Reilly, iuore- especially while the Reverend Mr. McMahon was dangerously ill. The following gentlemen composedi the deputation : — Honbles J. Fraser, tfudge Power, Messrs. Edward Ryan, J. P. O'Meara, Chas. Alleyn, Chas. Sharpies, John Sharpies, Henry O'Connor, Michael Connolly, J. P. Bradley, Jas. Kelly, J. J. Nesbitt, Wm. Downes, Wm, Cronin, Hugh Murray, T. C Lee, L.. A. Cannon, John Maguire, Miles Kelly, Wm. O'Brien, John Doran, Maurice O'Leary, J. R. Day, Wm. Ricbirdsoiii,, 2.") Wm. Quinn, Rodk MoGillis, Josoplii CMntillou, Luke Brothers, Denis. Maguire, Jas. Farley, Peter Doiioluie. Chas. McDonald, Chris FlanaTan^ Edward Duggan, Kicliard Charhon' Jas Walsh, James Colford, Edward Byrne, and William Tims. His Grace the Archbishop, in reply to an address from the deputation, said that tlie interests of religion alone actuated him in the spiritual authority which h.ui l>een entrusted to him, and assured them tliat it was this, and this alone, which induced him to withdraw the Reverend Mr O'Reilly from amongst them, to give him charge of the mission at Sherbrooke, where the presence of a clergyman of his talents, and ability were so indisj^ensably necessary On Sunday, 27th September, the c(jngregation met, and the chairman, John Sharpies, Esq., presented Father O'Reilly with a purse of £450, accom- panied by the following address :~ "To the Reverend Bernard O'Reilly. "REVERENn axdDearSir.— We, the congregation of St Patrick's Churclu over whose spiritual interests you have wa,tched, in connection with the Rev- erend Mr. McMahon, during the last I -- 2(> — four years, canuot ponuit you to leave us without publicly declarinj< to you the sense wJiich we entertain of your past services. "With an untiring but tolerant zeal, you have labored to advance our reli- gion. Where the wants of your flock were most urgent, you have been found, and actuated by a truly enlightened policy, you have particularly devoted yourself to tlie s])iritual education of the youth of this congregation. *'In difficulty, we have found you a guide, in sorrow, a comfoicer, and we are convinced that your unwearied exertions of those occasions of public misfortune, with which our city has been so painfully afflicted (the Suburbs' hres of 1845) have contributed to draw closer those bonds of regard, by which should be bound. Christians of all denominations. "We owe it to you to declare that your removal will be a severe loss to all, but to the youth of the congrega- tion, especially, (so much improved by your efforts), it will be a grievous in- jury- "Permit us. Reverend Sir, to present you a purse containing £450, as a tes- t^iTiionial of our regard and gratitude, v..-ting that ere long we may have the if) 27 — u () benefit} and pleasure of beholding you among us, and begging of you to ))e assured that wherever Providence may cast your lot, you will l>ear with you the best wishes of this congregation for your happiness and other fervent prayers to the Ruler of all things for your temporal and spiritual vvellfare." After a few moments pause, and amid the stillness that reigned, Father O'Reilly came forvvjii'd and said : "Gentlemen. — Since I first had the happiness of being placed among you, I have invariably received ^ om the con- gregation of St. Patrick's Church, the Connnittee of Management, and your revered Pastor, daily and hourly, marks of your kindness and esteem. But the past four years has elicited from my countrymen in Quebec so many de- monstrations of unexpected and un- wonted affection, that I cannot forbear, on the present occasion, from express- ing my deep and fervent thanks. •'For the sentiments conveyed in your address, I beg you will receive my best, and uiost sincere acknowledge- ments. For the generous donatiim accompanying it, h(^w can I ever suffi- ciently testify my gratitude. ''It breaks my heart to leave such a \)eople, and God, I trust, will accept 2 a[r. m'mahon. Mindful of the hmg and faithful services rendered by the Reverend Patrick McMahon, to the St. Patrick's •Jl) - coui^i'egatiou, the congi'egatiou resolved to present hiui with a testiiiioiiial of their esteem and gratitude. They accordingly ap[)ointed the following gentlemen, a committee to collect sul)- scriptions and carry out their wishes : John iShar[)les, Esip, Chairman ; J. P. Bradley, Es(p, Secretary ; Chas. Shar[)les, Es([ , Treasurer ; ilonble Judge Powei', Messrs. Michael Con- nolly, Charles Alleyn, Maurice ( )'Leary, Thomas Mur[)hy, Denis Maguire, Wil- liam Downes, Charles McDonald, J. P. O'Meara, Henry O Connor, Hugh Murray, Roderick McCillis, William C^uiini James Walsh Joseph Cantillon, John J. Nesl)itc, Thomas Gahan, James Prendergast, VVilliam Cronin, Edward G. Cannon, John Maguire aiid William Richardson. The Conunittee waited upon the Reverend Mr. McMahon, after Grand Mass on Sunday, 2ist March, 1847, in St. Patrick's Church, and in the pre- sence of the congregation, the chair- man, John Sharpies, Es([., read the following address : — "Reverend and Dear Sir, "We, the Committee, api)ointe I at the meeting of the congregation of St. Patrick's Church, of this city, forming — 30 ! I E). I 1 L your spiritual Hock, held on the 5th day of July last, have the honor, on the ])art of this congregation, in obedience to the resolution passed onthatoccasion, t(^ pray your acceptance of a com; lete altar service of silver "Though, in tlie performance of this duty, it is unnecessary to express our sentiments, and tliose of this congrega- tion towards you, standing as we do, within this splendid edifice, the monu- ment alike (►f your i)iety and your t)atriotism, still we cannot def)rive our- selves of the j)lea}sure of ])ublicly de- claring our unanimous opinion of your private virtues and your })rofessional worth. "By your untiring energy and zeal, careless of the sacritice of health itself, you have collected the scattered wan- derers from a distant land, into a ha])py, numerous, and a powerful class, con- scious of their civil duties and careful to perform them. You have established schools for the use and benefit of the youth of this congregation, and in your lectures from the pulpit you have taught the adults to respect themselves, iind to compete, through the unavoid- able struggles wf life, in honest emula- tion with their fellow men. "With a devoted charity, during two ;n - sucuessivo years, when an infectious and fatal disease (Asiatic cholera) de- cimated this city, your attendance, in the cause of religion, and humanity, at the couch of poverty, contagion and death, was unwearied, and upon all occasions, and under all circumstances, the orphan, the widow and the emigrant have found in you their comforter, their counsellor and their friend. ''This congregation, by your preach ing, has been taugiit, and, by your example, has been shown a spirit of friendship to their fellow-citizens, of loyalty to their Sovereign, and of devotion to their religion. "On the part of this cong egation, Reverend Sir, we are instructed to thank you for the favor conferred on them, by sitting for your i)ortrait, which they have caused Mr. Hamel, a native artist of great merit, to take, and which, in its execution, fully realizes the high idea we have been led to form of his talents, and, in common, with the admirable design and finish of the altar service, also the work of a native artist, Mr. Sasseville, of this city, shows a high state of the tine arts in Canada. "The congregation have made the necessary arrangements to having this :vj nil ^xn'Mviit, ill tlie sacristy of this Chut \ iliat within the wall of the eJihco itself, thoir (loscoiidoiits may loarn to know the featui'es and gratefully to cherish the uieuiory of the founder of the first [rish Catholic Church in Canada, and that they may not remember their fore- fathers as men uiuuindful (►f him, who bore the heat a.nd bur len of the day, not sympathizing in his trials and sacri- fices, and ungrateful for his most valu- able services. "Your whole flock, Reverend and Dear Sir, offer their prayers to the (xreat Disposer of all things, that Hu may be graciously jdeased to spare you, many, uiany years in health and liapi)i- ness over them, to increase the benefit of the great work which you have [jerspected, to experience the love of your people, and their veneration for your virtues, and to preserve them, by your exertions, and your example, as citizens, res[)ectable, as a class, united, and as a congregation, viiti.^ous." The Reverend Mr. McMahon made the following : "Beloved Friends. — The ardor wifch which you push forward to compliment me, the affectionate spirit of attach- ment, and esteem breathed in your f, w h St d 3- i- d e a I, i- t e y s '"gJ-VB rtSa»- I' ^ !<[■ .:'!, ! f tjf) Tiddress, the magnitude and generosity of the splendid donation that accompa- nies it, amounting in value to upwards of £200, all 3xcite such a tumult of feeling in my bosom as to render me ur venerable Archbishop, in every matter that concerns the v* elfare and prosperity of this establishment It is for you to turn all these circumstances to your advantage, and by faithfully persevering in your characteristic love of your religion, respect for your clergy and obedience to the church to merit a continuation of these favors. "I accept, beloved friends, with heartfelt thanks the magniticent present which your generous aU'ection profers to me. I shall use it, according to your pious wishes, and ever regard it as a monument of the love atid esteem of a people dear to my heart. I am deeply conscious how little my services among you deserve so high a com[)liment, but it will serve as a memorial to stimulate me to future zeal and exertion, and t(j remind me how fervently and incessant- ly 1 should pray for the temporal and eternal happiness of the good, the generous and noble minded congrega- tion of 8t. Patrick's Church. "I beg once more to return you my most grateful acknowledgments, for your unmixed kindness to me, and pray that the Great Giver of all good may shower down his choicest blessings upon you and yours, during this life, and perfect them by bringing you all to the imperishable riches of Heaven." , — .)/ DEATH OF THE REVEREND I'ATRK'K m'.mahox The Irish CathoKcs were now, thanks to their sobriety, industry and per- severance, holding an honorable {)osition among their felh)w citizens in Quebec. In the trades, as hi the learned profes- sions, they were forging ahead. Froin Ponit a Carey to JSillery, in the mer- chant's ottices, as on the now deserted wharves and a])an.doned coves, the hum of Irish labor was heard from break of day to starlight, from May to Novem- ber, while Irish footprints were be- comnig more plainly visible in the Canadiau sanctuary and Canadian cloister. The leading- thcnight of the Irish set- tlers was to give their children a good education, and one has only to refer to the records of the educational houses in Que})ec, religious and lay, and there he will see that in the race after know- ledge, the children of other creeds and origins found able competitors in the sons and daughters of the emigrants who, on lauding in Quebec, had (mly their physical strength and powers of endurance to depend on. No wonder then that the Reverend Mr. McMalion, felt ''both ju-ide and ;^8~ pleasure," on the 21st March, 1847, in addressing the St Patrick's congrega- tion, as he could not help thinking of the great advancement made by them since his appointment as pastor. On this day from the altar steps he s>iw his flock united and zealous in the dis- charge of their religious duties, and from the steps of the church the same union prevailed, each willing to help the other and all eager to show their atteciion for ^im at every turn. Frou» the far away coves, from the distant [Kvrts of the city, in all weathers, at all sej^.suii , tho irish Catholics assisted at the Divine otHces in St. Patrick's church, 'S)ur own church," as they fondly termed it. In this way they became acquainted with each other. A union was formed, and the strength of this union was shown on niore than (jne occasion. Priest and people were one. Priest — he was of the |>eople. he had grown up among them, he had devoted tiie ]jest years of this life in their service, he kijew their manners, and customs^ their faults and their failing People, they felt that in him, they had, at all times, in health, or in sickness, in prosperity or adversity, a sincere friend and wise counsellor, whose constant 1 I — :59 — aim was to advjuice their spiritual and tonij)orHl interests. In doul)t, he advi.sed them. In necessity, he re- lieved them, and in afiiiction aUayed their i^rief. It was therefore, with the most poig- nant regret, tlie congregation of 8t Patrick's learned that' tlieir esteemed pastor was ill beyond recovery. Too true were his words, that his shattered constitu ion and his fast declining health forbade him to look forward to any length of days, for at half-past hve o clock on the morning of the livd October, 1851, the tolling of the 8t. Patrick's Church bell announced that liis life was ended. THE FirXERAL OBSEQUIES. At 10..S0 a.m. on Monday, fjth October, the funeral took place amid the greatest concourse of people ever witnessed in Quebec on a like occasion. The procession left his late residence in the following order : Children of the Christ an Brothers School. ^ The Clergy. The Undertaker. The attendent physicians, Painchaud, Morin and Nault 1 ^_. 4(jr _. 1 1 ' Tlie cottin carried by young meu^ members of St. Patrick's Church. The pall being borne })y the following; reverend gentlemen : Jos Auclair, Curate of Quebec. E G Plante, Chaplain of the Gen- eral Hospital John C. O'Grady, Curate of St. Catherine, Que K J. Casault, Su|)erior of the Quebec- Seminary Jas. Nelligan, Curate of St. Sylvester. Michael Kerrigan, vicar of St. Patrick's Church. The Relatives. Committee of Management of St.. Patrick's Church. Marguilliers of Notre Dame de Quebec. City Council Magistrates. Heads of the Military Departments Advocates. Doctors. Notaries. St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Catholic Soldiers of tlie Garrison.- Police. Citizens, eight abreast. The route was Sfc. Sanislas, St. Ann^ Treasure, Buade, Fabrique, St. John^ Palace aiul St Helen streets to St.. 1^ « . 41 . Patrick's Church, vvliich was hung iiii l)lack from altar bo organ. His Lordship 0, V Baillargeoii, Bishoj). of Tioa, and coadjutor to His (Irace- the Archl)isho() of Quebec, otMciated. The Reverend Mr. Kerrigan pre.iched In the course of hissernion, hestatedthat the Reverend Mr McMjdion was l)oi*n at Abbeyleix, Queen's county, Irehmd, on the 24th August, 17t)(>, that he com- pleted his classical studies in Carlow 'Jollege, and in 1818 arrived in Canada, and was aj>pointed one of the professors- in the college at 8t. Hyacinthe, Que., where he prosecuted his theological studies until ordained priest, on the iith October, 1822, when he was for a short time attached to the parish of Notre Dame de Quebec, in charge of that portion of it speaking the English language. The important mission of 8t John, N B , having become vacant in 1825, His Lordship Bishop Plessis, of Quebec, contided it to the charge of the Reverend Mr. McMahon, whose merit and capacity he had already ap{)reciated The deep sorrow manifested by the in- habitants of St. John, N.B., when ii) 1828 their much esteemed pastor wa.s recalled to re&ume the exercise of his- ministry among his old parishioners in Quebec, sutticiently proved how much T l! 42 in the short s[);icu of three years he ha-1851) your efforts have been alike unceasing in consoling the sick and administering to the dying the rites of the religion. "In the pulpit they have heard the truths of religion expounded l)y you, with the grace of a scholar and the zeal of the divine. Nor can it Ije forgotten that in his li^ng last ilhiess, you were the esteeuied com{)anion a)id friend of that admirable man, the lleverend Patrick McMahon, the founder of our Church, whose memory will ever l)e fresh in the hearts of the Irish of Quebec. "On the part of the congregation, 46 — I they beg to present you with the sum of £200, as an earnest of their sympa- thy, and kind feeling, and while they regret the necessity which removes you from Quebec, be assured, dear Sir, you will boar with ycHi the l)est wishes of the congregation for your tempora*l and spiritual welfare. Si)jrii(3d, John Shakplks, President. Mauriok O' Leahy, Secretary. Quebec, .*h'd November 1851 The Reverend Mr. Kerrigan replied as follows: — "Gentlemex. — I receive with feelings of the highest gratitication and pleasure the kind and com[)limentary address which you have just presented to me, and return you my most sincere and warmest thanks for the sentiments it contains, and for the valuable and ini- deserved present which accompanies it. I cannot but feel that you appreciate, altogether beyond their merits, the humble services, I have during my residence amongst you rendered the St. Patrick's congregation, services so far from being irksome to me, though multi[)lied, were tur ed into a source of delight by the consoling and Christian wpirit in which they were alwaysreceived II -47 i- y u LI f I "If there be one part of your address to whi(3li I have cause to refer with pride, though alloyed with sorrow and affliction, more than to any other, it is that wherein you allude to my close connection with that good and saintly minister of God, whose nol)le spirit has so lately departed from amongst us, and whose loss we shall all so dee[)ly and so long deplore "T will not fail to remember, with gratitude, your generosity towards me, and to otlVr to the Most High my earnest and most fervent prayers for your prosperity in this life and your eternal happiness in the next " COMMITTKK OF MAXAlJEMHXT. The following gentlemen were mem- bers of the Committee during the life- time of the Reverend Mr. McMahon : Messrs. John Cannon, Michael Quigley, John Teed, William Downes, William Burke, William Stillings, John Patrick O'Meara, Hugh Maguire, Michael Connolly, Thomas Murphy, (Upper Town), .John Byrne, Thomas Murphy (Lower Town), Michael Green, John Molloy, Richard Mc(h'atli, John Coote, Michael McAvoy, Hugh Murray, Edmund Baillie O'Callaghan, William O'Brien, Honble William Power. 48 Elected. 1837 — Edward George Cannon, Patrick Mclnenly. 1838 — John Sharpies, Chas McDonald. 1839 —Edward Ryan, Patrick McGarvey. 1840 Joseph Patrick Bradley, Owen McNally. 1841— William Cronin, Roderick McGillis. 1842-Houl)]e Charles Alleyn, Thad- deus Kelly. 1843 — VVilliaui Richardson, .lames Prendergasfc. 1844 -John J. Nesbitt, Wilham Quinn. 1845 — Honble John Maguire, John Do ran. 184B — James Walsh, Joseph Archer. 1847 -Charles Sharpies, Henry O'Con- nor. 1848 -Patrick McMahon, Thomas (jahan. 1849- Maurice O'Leary, Lawrence Statiord. 1850 Mathew Enright, Miles Kelly. 1851— Henson Bennett, Edward Quinn, Mr. William Richardson was ordained priestatQuebeconthe 18th August, 1850. x\nd with the death of the Reverend Mr. McMahon closes the history of dear old St Patrick's Church, which stands to this day a monument of Irish per- mit' verance and Protectant liberality. I.