s.aJ
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0
I.I
IIM
IIIIM
1^
Mi
M
M
1.8
1.25
1.4
1.6
.4 6" —
►
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
€3
W'
.r
^■
\
\
a
'^^
>
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
"%
V
K
.<?
CIHM/ICMH
Microfiche
Series.
CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.
Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques
The Institute has attempted f.o obtain the best
original copy available for fiSming. Features of this
copy which may be bibliographically unique,
which may alter any of the images in the
reprod'iction, or which may significantly change
the usual method of filming, are checked below.
L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire
qu'il lui a 6td possible de se procurer. Les details
de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques Hy
point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier
une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une
modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage
sont indiquds ci-dessous.
D
D
D
D
D
Coloured covers/
Couverture de couleur
□ Covers damaged/
Couverture endommag^e
□ Covers restored and/or laminated/
Couvertur restaur^e et/ou peiiiculde
Cover title missing/
Le titre de couverture manque
I I Coloured maps/
Cartes g6ographiques en couleur
□ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/
Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire)
□ Coloured plates and/or illustrations/
Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur
n
Bound with other material/
Relid avec d'autres documents
Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion
along interior margin/
La reliure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la
distortion le long de la marge int6rieure
Blank leaves added during restoration may
appear within the text. Whenever possible, these
have been omitted from filming/
II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es
lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte,
mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont
pas 6t6 filmdes.
Additional comments:/
Commentaires suppldmentaires;
□ Coloured pages/
Pages de coulaur
D
D
D
D
n
Pages damaged/
Pages endommagdes
Pages restored and/or laminated/
Pages restaurdes et/ou pellicul^es
Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/
Pages ddcolor^es, tachetdes ou piqu6es
Pages detached/
Pages d^tach^es
CT Showthrough/
Li Transparence
I I Quality of print varies/
Quality indgale de I'impression
Includes supplementary material/
Comprend du materiel supplementaire
Only edition available/
Seule Edition disponible
Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata
slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to
ensure the best possible image/
Les pa{|es totalement ou partiellement
obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure,
etc., ont 6t§ filmdes d nouveau de faqon h
obtenir la meilleure image possible.
This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/
Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-dessous.
10X 14X 18X 22X
26X
30X
J
12X
16X
20X
24X
28X
32X
The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks
to the generosity of:
Nationdl Library of Canada
L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdce d la
gdn6rosit6 de:
Bibliothdque nationale du Canada
The images appearing here are the best quality
possible considering the condition and legitiiity
of the original copy and in keeping with the
filming contract specifications.
Les images suivantes ont 6td reproduites avec le
plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et
de la nettetd de l'exemplaire film6, et en
conformity avec les conditions du contra* de
filmage.
Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed
beginning with the front cover and ending on
the last page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All
other original copies are filmed beginning on the
first page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, and ending on the last page with a printed
or illustrated impression.
Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en
pap:-: est imprimde sont filmds en commencant
par le premier plat et en terminant soit par L
dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second
plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires
originaux sont filmds en commengant par la
premidre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par
la dernidre page qui comporte une telle
empreinte.
The last recorded frame on each microfiche
shall contain the symbol ^^> (meaning "CON-
TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END"),
whichever applies.
Un des symboles suivants apparaTtra sur la
derni^re image de chaque microfiche, seion le
cas: le symbole — ♦» signifie "A SUIVRE", le
symbole V signifie "FIN".
Maps, plates, charts, etc., may bo filmed at
different reduction ratios. Those too large to be
entirely included in one exposure are filmed
beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to
right and top to bottom, as many frames as
required. The following diagrams illustrate the
method:
Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre
film6s i des taux de reduction diffdrents.
Lorsque le document est trop grand pour §tre
reproduit en un seul cliche, il est filmd d partir
de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite,
et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre
d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants
illustrent la m6thode.
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
;
GOLDEN JUBILEE
OF THE
REVEREND FATHERS
DO WD AND TOUPIN,
WITH
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF IRISH COMMUNITY
OF MONTREAL.
BIOGRAPHIES OF PASTORS OF " RECOLLET "
AND "ST. PATRICK'S," ETC.
EDITED BY
J. J. CURRAN, Q.C., M.P.
PRINTED B\- JOHN LOVELL &> SON"
1887.
INDEX.
Address of Hon. J. S. D. Thompson, Minister of Justice
" " Mayor and Aldermen
" " Congregation and Societies
A double priestly Jubilee (John Lesperance)
Biography— Right Kev, Bishop Phelan
Rev. John Joseph Connolly
" Patrick Dowd
" Joseph Toupin
Celebration St. Patrick's School
Clergy of St. Patrick's Past and Present
Concert of St, Patrick's choir
Golden Jubilee Services
Letters— Rev. Gavin J.ang
" Rev. W. S. Barnes
List of Subscribers to Jubilee Fund
New St. Patrick's Parish
Poems— Miss Anna T. Sadlier
" Miss B. Guerin
" VV. O. Farmer, Esq.
•* A Pinch of Snuff
Proceedings of Jubilee Celebration Committee, etc
Religious Societies of St. Patrick's
Reply of Rev. Father Dowd to Addresses
Rise and Progress of Irish Catholic Community
Sermon by Right Rev. Bi.shop Walsh
St. Patrick's Church
" Girls' Sciiool
" Orplian Asylum
<< it (( I,
l)azaars
Thanks of Rev. Fathers Dowd and T(jupin
Victims of Typhus F'ever
Page
37
39
40
81
20
24
76
79
72
16
68
2.S
83
84
I
IS
70
85
74
73
89
16
60
8
27
15
20
16
»7
88
H
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS
TO THE
JUBILEE CELEBRATION FUND OF REV. FATHER
DOVVD.
FOR THE REDUCTION OF THE DEBT ON ST. PATRICKS CHURCH.
Assetts, Mrs $500
Aliein, Ann i 00
Ahern, John 3 00
Ahern, Ellen 5 qo
Anderson, J. T 10 00
Alt y, Thomas 4 00
Prannan, J. B 50 00
Barry, John 40 00
Byrne, Miss R 25 00
Bermin<rham, John 20 00
Burress, Widow 5 qo
Barron, iJenis e qo
Brady, Widow 4 qo
Bradley, Mrs 200
Brennan, Thomas S 00
Buchanan, Thomas 50 00
Brosnan, Ijriclget 2 00
Breen, John ^ 00
Burns, Michael
5 oo
2 00
1 CO
2 00
2 00
10 00
Behan, Thomas lo 00
Brennan, Edward
Bully, Mrs. Wm
Burke, Mary
Byrne, Thomas
Beaudry, Widow
Booth, William 1000
Barbeau, E. J 25 00
Barbeau, Henry lo 00
Bantree, Harvey 5 00
Brennan, Arthur 20 cx)
Cunningham, W. H loo 00
Carroll, Michael ,. loo 00
Christy,T 50 00
Curran, J. J., M.P 50 00
Crowe, John 5000
Conaughton, James 25 00
ClifTord, Danie! 20 oo
CiitTord, Uenis 20 00
Callaghan, John, sen 2000
Corbett, Pati ick lo 00
Clifford, John 1000
Cummings, Mrs. George.... 5 co
Callahan, Michael ^ c.o
Chambers, John 5 co
Carroll, Jane lo 00
CuUen, Margaret 5 00
Caffeny, Paul 5 00
Carroll, Daniel S 00
Conway, Widow Alice 25 00
Callaghan, John, jun 5 00
Collins, Thos. C 50 co
Ca laghan, James 5 00
Cuddihy, Widow Michael. .. 25 00
Carroll, Margaret 6 00
Co'inoUy, Wm lo co
Connolly, Jas., jun 500
Collins, John e 00
P> E 25 00
75
1 00
I CO
I CO
Chantelou
Carr, Emma
Coolahan, Sarah
Cassidy, Cath . . .
Connolly, Sarah,
Cluin,John 1000
Cross, Samuel , . 5 00
Conway, James 20 co
Cunningham, Catherine loco
Cunningham, Mary Ann .... lo 00
Callahiin, Mrs. Felix 10 co
Connolly, John 500
Campbell, Cassie 2 00
Collins, James 4000
Coyle,P.J 25 00
Costello, Ellen
Cunnis, Mrs. John
C.innon, Miss Ann
Clarke, John
Callaghan, Johanna
Cuddy, Michael
Curran, John
Creamer, W
Cliflrord, Widow John
Carroll, James
Carroll, Joseph , . . .
Collection May 19th
Callery, Jamps
Conaiighton, Margaret
Carroll, Philip
Clayton, John
Callahan, Felix
Coghlin, B.J
Calgay, Mrs
ClifTord, Mrs. Daniel
Cass, Mrs. Widow
Cunningham, Thomas
Dwane, John
Delahanty, Michael
Doherty, Charles J
Doran, William E
Dunlop, James
Daly, Thomas
Dunlop, B
Drury, Widow
Devins, R.J
Duflfy.J.J
Duggan, Rev. John, Water-
bury, Conn., U.S
Doran, William
Dredge, Anr ie
Dowd, Francis
Dwyer, John
Doyle, Patrick (baker)
Downs, Terence
Drake, Richard
Dowling, William .........
Drumm, Francis
Dillon, Ned
Doherty, Hon. Justice
Daly, Bridget
I 00
1 00
8 00
2 00
2 00
S 00
25 00
S 00
19 72
25 00
5 00
»5S 18
5 00
2 00
S 00
10 00
lo 00
50 00
1 00
10 00
10 00
5 00
loo 00
50 00
50 00
50 00
10 00
10 00
5 00
2 00
100 00
20 oo
25 00
100 00
S 00
20 00
5 00
25 00
5 00
5 00
20 00
10 00
S 00
125 00
I 00
Dooner, Mrs, George , S 00
DufT, Ann i 00
Dunn, John 25 00
Durack, Widow Patrick.... 15 00
Dillon, J. T 5 00
Dillon, J. St. G 10 00
Dillon, R. Lacy 500
Dillon, Frank 5 00
Donnelly, Theresa 3 00
Donnelly, James 5 00
Dunn, James 20 00
Dillon, Frederick 3 00
Dunning, Widow Jas 5 00
Dowling. Michael lo 00
Downey, Mrs. Nora 2 00
Delaney, Mrs 5 00
Elliott Edward loo 00
Emerson, Bernard 10 00
Edwards. Joseph 5 00
Egginton, Jos. A 20 00 •
Egan, Michael 2 00
Egan , Patrick 5 00
Elliott, Martin 5000
Enright, Widow John 2 00
Egan, Mary 2 oo
Fogarty, Jeremiah loo 00
Feron, Michael 5000
Foley, Jeremiah 50 00
Fallon, John 25 00
Furlong, Mrs. Anne 10 00
Finnan, Bridget i 00
Fr.jnd, A 100
Friend, A 5 00
Feron, Widow Arthur ...... 2 00
Fox, John 2 00
Friend, A lo 00
Friend, A 5000
Friend, A i 00
Fogarty, Timothy Frs 100 00
Friend, A i 00
Friend, A 10 00
Friend, A .... , 10 Oq
Fitzgerald, Mary I 00
Friend, A ,, 10 00
Friend, A 2 00
Friend, A 3 00
8
Friend, A lo oo
Fogarty, Pat rick 2 oo
Friends, Three 3 oo
Friend , A 5 oo
Friends, Three 3 oo
Friend, A 500
Friend, A i 00
Foley, Ann and Winifred, ... 5 00
Friend, A loo 00
Flood, Mary 2 00
P'eeney, Cath 6 00
Friend, A.. l 00
Friend, A 2 00
Friend, A i 00
Friend, A i 00
Friend, A (per Father Toupin,
name forgotten) 5 00
Ferguson, Thos 500
Friend, A 5 00
Fal -.on, Martin 400
Farrell, Widow John 5 00
Friend, A 2 00
Friend, A i 00
Fayer, Miss 050
Flanagan, M. M. J ro 00
Funchion, Mary i 00
Friend, A 200
Friend, A i 00
Fit/,gerald, Thomas 5 00
Finn, Timothy 5 00
Friend, A 3 00
Farrell, Mrs. Wm 5 00
Friend, A i 50
Friend, A 100
Friend, A 2 00
Friend, A 2 00
Friend, A lo 00
Friend, A 025
Friend, A 5 00
Fallon, Rev. P 25 00
Friend, A 200
Friend, A 1 00
Friend, A i 00
Friend, A o 25
Farrell, William 50 00
Fitzpatrick, Jane 5 00
Friends, Two 2 00
Fowler, Prof, J. A . . 20 00
Friend, A 2 00
Friend, A o 50
Friend, A 5 00
Friend, A 5 00
'^'^ley, Mrs. Jeremiah 5 00
Friend, A I co
Friend, A 375 0°
Friend, A I 50
Flynn, Mrs. Lawrence 5 00
Grant, George K loo 00
Griffin, Widow 5 00
Gorrie, Michael 5 00
Gleeson, Bridget lo 00
Gaherty, John 5 00
Grace, Patrick , . . . loo 00
Groome, P. M 25 00
Gorman, Michael lo oj
Gilligan, John 5 00
Gunning, Bernard 5 00
Green, Thomas 10 00
Gallagher, Widow Patrick . . 25 00
Grubert, Lawrence ic 00
George, W., (surname forgotten) 4 86
Geherty, Denis (Cardlon). .. 5 00
Hingston, Dr. W. H 250 00
Hodson, William li 50 00
Hewitt, Thomas.... 4 00
Hamill, Patrick, jun 2 00
Hamill, Patrick, sen 2 co
Hearn, Ann 2 00
Hamilton, Widow John.... 2 00
Hughes, Michael, sergt 15 00
Hart, Martin 25 00
Hallinan, John 3 00
Heaney, Widow 2 00
Harris — I 00
Harris, Arthur I 00
Hart, Widow Martin 10 00
Hackett, Widow James 2 00
Harvey, Thomas 1000
Hughes, Louis ............ 30 00
Hay vern, John 2 00
Hetherson, Mary 4 00
Hunt, John J 4 00
r-
Hart, O. and E 5000
I lasselt, Mrs. Thos 10 00
Iloiland, Mrs. Tnos 2 00
Hea{,'arty, John 25 00
1 larrinyton, Mary 20 00
Hanton, Mary i 00
Irwin, Kdward loo o
Irwin, Eddy D lo l
Irwin, Mary Eleanor.... ... lo 00
Irwin, Walter Patrick lo 00
Irwin, Katy lo 00
Irwin, Frank Hartley lo 00
Irwin, Ethel Clare lo 00
Ivery, Widow James 4 00
Jones, Widow o 50
Johnston, Anastasia i 00
Jensen John L loo 00
Jolinston, Mrs i 00
Kavanagh, Michael 250 00
Kelly, Patrick loo 00
Kn vanagh, Walter loo 00
Kennedy, Mrs. John 5 00
Kennedy, Catherine 5 00
Kennedy, J met 5 00
Kelly, Mary 200
Kelly, Mary (another) , 2 00
Kennedy, Jolin 5 00
Ker, Thomas 25 00
Kelly, William 5 00
Kehoe, Patrick S 00
Kavanagh. Mary 3 00
Kiernan, William 5 00
Kitiy, Mrs 5 00
Kelly, Mrs 5 00
Kirby, Patrick 5 00
Kinsella, James 10 00
Kennedy, J. G 2000
Kennedy, N lo 00
Kennedy, Patrick loo 00
Kane, Sarah 5 00
Kiely Richard 5 00
Kenehan, James 5 00
Kavanagh, Henry 30 qo
Kenny, Bridj^et i 00
Lanning, J. J 2500
I-ove, T. H 100 00
I.yf s, Uridget ... 500
l.ogiic, Jane 5 00
Lynch, MichicI 2 00
Lawless, Marcella 3I 75
Loye, Francis 5 00
Lovit, Mrs 500
Laverty, M. P lo 00
Laverty, Mrs. Jo-tph. 2 00
Laforce, Mrs. Widow 5 00
Murphy, Edward looo 00
Murphy, John B looo oo
MuUin, James E 50000
Milloy, J. J 100 00
Mullin, Widow John 50 00
Menzies, Augustus 50 00
Maloney, Michael 25 00
Moore, Mary Ann 25 00
Massett, Robert 12 00
Marshall, Miss I 00
Murphy, James 5 00
Martin, Patrick 20 00
Muldoon, Patrick Neil 3 00
Moynaugh, Patrick 20 00
Mullin, Daniel 50 co
Moran, Edward 25 00
Murphy, Patrick 5 00
Marshall, Miss Ann 5 00
Murren, Henry 5 00
Mansfield, Richard 5 00
Morley, Michael 50 00
Mullin, Patrick 100 00
Mulcair, Bros 50 00
Murphy, Ann 400
Morgan, Edward 2 00
Maddock, Patrick 4 00
Moore, M rs 5 00
Mullin, Thomas 10 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
S 00
5 00
5 c^
5 o.
Maher, Bridget
Mathews, Patrick
Malone, Ellen
Morrissey, Thomas
Murphy, Mrs. Ed. ( St- Jos. St
Murphy, James
Murphy, Patrick Edw
Malone, Ann 10 00
I MuUarkey, Michael 50 00
M.ilone, Kate
Maher, Mrs. Terence
Main, James. . .,
Mcdarvcy, Owen.
McCready, James
McSliane, (I Ion . ) James ....
MclCniyre, I )aniel
McEntyie.John
McCrory, P
McCJoldrick, I»
Mc Andrew. M. J
Mc Anally, R
McCarthy, Callaghan
Mclnerney, Jolin
McDonald, Mary
McCarthy, Mrs
McDonald,! nily
McBrarty, John
McClanngan, D
McDermott, Widow
McDonald, Daniel
McKenna, Widow Thos....
McCready. " ' 'ow Robt....
McNama
McM.ihon ,, ..'W
McAran, James
McCarthy, James
McCarthy, Mrs. Elizabeth...
McLaugiilin, Miss Ann
McCormiick , Maggie
McFee, Mrs
McCall, Philip
McMalion, Ellen
McCulloch, Miss Mary
McCall, Edward
McCann, Josepii
McMahon, Michael
McCarthy, Win
McDonald, Ann
McDonnell, Mrs. John
McCready, Michael
McGreevy, Patrick
McCabe, Patrick
McDonald, Kate ,
McDonald, Lizzie
McCaffrey, Mrs. Margaret . .
3 oo
5 oo
20 OO
lOOO OO
500 00
2CO 00
100 00
100 00
' 1 00
50 00
25 00
25 00
10 CO
10 00
5 00
I 00
I 0.
5 00
50 GO
25 00
2 00
10 00
25 00
2 00
3 00
10 00
5 00
2 00
40 00
I 00
I 00
5 00
3 00
10 00
10 00
5 00
10 00
5 00
I 00
4 00
50 00
10 00
15 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
McCuire, Julia 5 00
McIIenry, Miss Isaljella 5 00
McQuilken, Mrs 2 00
McKcown, Patrick 10 00
McNally, Uernard 50 00
McKenna, Patrick (florist).. 10 00
McCabe, Mary 2 43
McDonald, Elizabeth 5 00
McDonald, Emily 5 00
McDon;.,d, Janet I 00
McDonough, John 5 c
McCaffrey, Dennis lo 00
McGuire, Jami s 5 00
McManus, Mary Ann 5 00
McNulty, Elizabeth 5 00
AlcCarthy, Rev. Father 50 00
McDonald, Maggie 2 00
McDonnell, Ann i 00
McGuire, Wm 4 00
M.icdonald, Dr. J. A 10 co
McCurragh, T'^nbella 20 00
McCornnck, Widow Michael 5 00
McPhersufi, A 5 00
McDonald, Margaret 2 00
McCrory, Joseph 25 00
McPhail, E''...c'.)eth 2 00
McGarr, > ichael 5 00
McKenzie, John 10 00
Nugent, J. P 5000
Nelligan, Patrick 10 00
Nugent , James 5 00
Nolan, Charles 2 00
Nolan, John 2 co
Nibbs, Mrs 5 00
Nolan, Julia 500
Newman, Mrs i 00
O' Ikien, James looo 00
O'Hara, William J 50000
O'Connor, James lo 00
O'Sulliv.in, Florence 3 00
O'Shaughnessy, M lo 00
O'Neil, Cath 200
O'Sullivan, Mrs. Margt 5 00
O'Connell, Michael lo 00
O'Loughlin, Martin J 10 00
O'Neil, Patrick 10 00
liN
0'I.eary, John
O'Neil, T.J ,
O'Reilly, Bernard
O'Sullivan, Michael
O'Brien, Mrs. T....
O'Brien, Patrick
O'Shaughnessy, James
ONeil, D
rhelan, M
Potts, John
Power, Bridget, widow
Powers, Misses
Piatt, — (Plate.iu St)
Pendergast, Ann
Pendergast, Mary
Power, Widow Richard
Price, Martin
Parishioner, A
Phelan, D
Quinn, Michael
Quipp.J. E, H
Quinn, Widow Mary
Qiielch, Ellen
Q'inn, Widow James
Ryan, Hon. Thomas
Ryan, M. P
Reiplinger, John
Reynolds, P
Rawley, Richard
Redmond, Widow
Reilly, Jane
Reilly, William
Ryan, Mrs. Patrick
Rowell, Mrs
Reilly, Thos. (Valine St.)...
Ryan, widow Michael
Ryan, Hon. Thos. and Mrs. (2nd)
Ronayne, Edw. P
Routh, Widow
Ryan, Elizabeth
Rowan, Peter
Ryan, Catherine
Rabaut, Chas. P. (Detroit) . .
Roerty, Julia
Rutledge, Mary , ,
Styles, Thomas . . . , ,
S oo
S Oo
2 oo
lO CO
S oo
lo oo
lo oo
lo oo
50 00
25 00
2 00
5 00
4 00
5 00
2 00
2 00
5 00
5 00
50 00
loo 00
10 00
5 00
2 00
5 00
I 000 00
500 00
50 00
25 00
20 00
20 00
10 00
25 00
10 00
5 00
loo 00
lo 00
50 00
25 00
2 00
I GO 00
lO 00
I 25
20 00
I 00
5 00
20 00
6
Shea, Jeremiah lo 00
Sinnett, D e 00
Sinneft, Mrs 500
Stuart, Mrs i 00
Smith, Patrick 5 00
Sadlier, Mrs 25 00
Sadlier, James A 200 00
Servant girl, A i 00
Semple, J. H 20000
."Servants, Two 2 00
Sharkey, James 3 00
Stapleton, Miss Mary 5 00
Smith, Chas. F loo 00
Sheridan, Wm. Patrick 5 00
Sharkey, Ellen 5 00
Scanlan, Mrs 5 00
Scullion, Edward 5 00
Stark, Patrick 6 00
Sibbins, Mary Ann i 00
Silby, William 400
Sharkey, Michael lo 00
Sheppard, Jonathan i 00
Starr, Timothy 10 00
Starr, Mrs. Christina lo 00
Symmons, Mrs 400
Smith, Widow Bridget 5 00
Sparks, Misses 5 00
Scullion, H. M 200
Servant girl, A 5000
Stewart, Wm 200
Servants, '1 wo 400
Smith, James o 50
Stack, Edward lo 00
Shea, John S 200
Smith, James H 2 00
Slavin, Agnes 2 00
Tansey, Bernard loo oo
liflin, Widow Thos 100 00
Tierney, Henry 500
Toomey, John ... i 00
Trumble, Mrs. Margaret .... 1 00
Tansey, James 5 00
'ITiompson, The Hon. Mr.
(Minister of Justice) 20 00
Todd, Ann i 00
Wright, P 100 00
Wright, Michael
Waddell, Thomas H
Waddell, Henry >.
Whelan, Widow Edw
Walsh, Julia
Warnock, M ss Elien
Waddell, Mrs.T.H
Wall, Henry
Wood, Arthur
Walsh, James Jos
Warren, Robt. (Mayor St). . .
Wall, Thomas
Wall, Thos., jun
50 00
20 00
10 00
5 00
2 00
2 00
10 00
5 00
5 00
3 00
20 00
S 00
5 00
Wall, Joseph 500
Wall, James (Donegana St.). 50 00
Wilson, William , 20 00
Ward, William 200
Ward, Henry J i,, 00
Watt, Ellen 5 00
Walsh, Widow Michael 20 00
Whelan, Widow Ann loo 00
Walsh, Catherine 5 00
Whelan, Widow John 5 00
Whelan, John P 50000
Wallace, John 200
SOCIETIES,
St. Patrick's Society $100 00
" Choir 230 00
" School (girls). 300 00
Ex-pupils, St. Patrick's Sch.
(girls) 65 GO
St. Patrick's T. A. &> B.Soc. 500 00
Ladies of Charity and friends. looo 00
Living Rosary
Children of Catechism
Cath. Young Men's Society.
Leo Club
Children of Mary
Orphans, Relatives of.
Non-Catholic friends
251 25
544 25
205 00
106 49
200 00
50 00
387 00
mm
INTRODUCTORY.
RISE AND PROGRESS
OF THE
IRISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
IN THE
CITY OK IvlONTREAL AND VICINITY.
^HE 19th day of May, 1887, will long be remembered by
1^ the citizens of Montreal, and more especially by the Irish
Catholic worshippers at the shrine of Saint Patrick. It was
truly a great day, great for the city because its celebration
called forth Christian sentiments of brotherly love amongst
all classes and creeds in the community, evoked by a feeling
of admiration for a lifetime spent in the practice of heroic
virtues ; great for those specially committed to the charge of
the venerable Pastor whose Jubilee was being held because
of the magnificent results it has already produced and those
that are likely to flow from it in the early future.
A narrative of the many forms in which the gratitude of a
people to a beloved pastor, and one of his most zealous asso-
ciates, honoring together the 50th anniversary of the day on
which they consecrated themselves to the service of the Most
High, and were ordained His priests for ever, would form a
neat little memento of so auspicious an event ; yet we may be
permitted to make of that day an epoch, in another sense,
and choose it as the point from which to glance at the history
of the congregation engaged in its celebration. To-day the
position of the Irish Catholic community of Montreal and
its vicinity is one of influence, power and prestige. The
assessment rolls are evidence of the interest they command
to the extent of millions of dollars. Their hold on commerce
and manufactures, their representation in the Judiciary, in
9
the Senate and Commons of the Dominion, in the Local Legis-
lature, at the Aldermanic board, in the various ofifices of trust
and emolument connected with public affairs and their place
in the learned professions, by men of their race and creed,
leave no room for cavil. Census returns are scarcely needed
to establish numerical strength, when not only the throngs
that worship at St. Patrick's from early morn until noon at
the successive masses, but the congregations of Saint Ann
and Saint Anthony, Saint Gabriel and Saint Mary m, be
viewed every Sunday, and are the living evidence of how
the Irish Catholic population of this great and growing city
have increased and multiplied and preserved the inestimable
boon of the faith of their fathers. With all this in view, and
other unmistakeable signs of moral and material progress,
can it be realized that only a few years ago the Irish Catholics
of Montreal were so mere a handful as not even to attract
notice to their existence, and that it was only in 1817 a
zealous priest of Saint Sulpice learned that a small colony
of the sons and daughters of the Green Isle were to be met
every Sunday, pouring forth their supplication to God at the
shrine of His Immaculate Mother, Notre Dame de Bonseconrs.
It was but natural they should have flocked there, their lively
faith was intensified by their isolation in a strange land, and
the sequel shows that they appealed not in vain for the pro-
tection of Our Lady of Good Help. In 18 17 the Rev. Father
Richards of the S* S. discovered this little band of Irish
Catholic worshippers, numbering not more than from 30 to
50 adults. They increased but slowly, since in a directory
of the city published in 18 19 we find not more than 30 names
that could be identified as hailing from Ireland, and in 1820
their number was still so small that a prominent gentleman
who visited the Bonsccours church in that year stated, "he
"could have covered with a good sized parlor carpet all the
" Irish Catholics worshipping there on Sundays." The tide
of immigration soon set in, and in 1830, the congregation
had largely increased. At that time the old "RecoUet"
mr
10
church on Notre Dame street was considerably enlarged, and
in the following year was reopened for the use of the Irish
Catholics of the centre and western portion of the city, those
of the eastern section still remaining attached to Notre Dame
de Bonscconrs. From that time until the opening of St. Pat-
rick's the Recollet was the religious head-quartersof the Irish
Catholics of Montreal. There the Rev. Father, afterwards
Bishop, Phelan commenced his most remarkable career of
usefulness as pastor of our people.
The indefatigable Father Richards still continued his labors
in the interest of the section of the community to which he
was so devotedly attached. In 1 829 the church of Notre Dame,
commonly known amongst the English speaking residents of
Montreal to this day as the " French Church," was opened.
There the Rev. Father gathered the Irish soldiers in the
British Garrison then stationed here every Sunday morning
at eight o'clock mass, and numbers of Irish Catholic civilians
unable to attend morning service at the " Recollet," used to
flock and assist at the holy sacrifice at the Virgin's Altar
when a short but impressive sermon was invariably preached.
The contingent from Ireland swelled to large proportions in
1831-32, and the "Recollet" became altogether inadequate
to the wants of the people. Not only was the sacred edifice
crammed to suff"ocation at High Mass, but across Notre
Dame street and in Dollard lane, opposite to the line of St.
James street, the devout worshippers actually knelt in the
road way in rain or sunshine.
This rapid increase necessarily gave rise to a demand for
further accommodation, and room had to be found for the
Irish who could not attend Mass at the Recollet, and
crowded the low masses in Notre Dame, Bonsecours and
other churches. R.ev. Father Patrick Phelan, who was
ordained in 1825, continued his pastorate at the Recollet
Church till his consecration as co-adjutor Bishop of Kingston
in 1843. His successor was Rev. J. J. Connolly. Tlie relief
came at last. After several meetings of the Irish Catholics, in
11
which urgent representations were made to the Seminary and
Fabrique on the absolute necf^ssity of a new church, the
Fabrique determined upon buildinf^ one which should bear
the title of their patron St. Patrick. In this consummation
they were efficaciously assisted by the Abbe Qu;blier, Superior
of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, who held the Irish in high
esteem, with full appreciation of their services tc the cause
of religion, in consequence of which he stror.gly supported
their claims in the premises.
No time was lost ; on the 20th May, 1C43, the purchase of
the land was made, comprising the area bounded by Lagauche-
tiere, St. Alexander and Dorchester streets (including the
sites of St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum and St. Bridget's Home
and Night Refuge, the property was bought of the Roche-
blave family for ;{:5,ooo or $20,000. Shortly afterwards the
ground was broken and blessed by the Bishop of Montreal
and a cross was planted according to usage. Immediately the
work of digging the foundation was begun, and on the 26th
of September of the same year, the corner stones were
blessed and laid. They were seven in number ; they were
blessed by the Bishop, Monseigneur Ig. Bourget, and laid by
the following:— 1st by the Bishop, 2nd by the Mayor, 3rd
Speaker of House of Assembly, 4th by Chief Justice, 5th by
President Irish Temperance Association, 6th by President St.
Patrick's Society, 7th by President Hibernian Benevolent
Society.
The work was prosecuted with vigor, through the zealous
efforts of the Fabrique, under the superintendence of Messrs.
Compte & Marr, and all the materials employed \vere of the'
most desirable and substantial character. Finally, on the 17th
March, 1847, the church was dedicated to the honor of St.
Patrick, and the inauguration partook largely of the cere-
monial generally observed on the festival of the patron Saint
of Ireland. Early in the morning of that day, all the Irish
Societi 3 comprising the St. Patrick's Society, the Hiber-
nian Benevolent Society and the Irish Catholic Temperance
nil!
13
Society, with the children of the Christian Brothers attached
to the RecoUet Church, and the whole body of the Irish
Cathoh'cs of the city, joined in grand procession, accompanied
by banners and bands at the Recollet Church, on Notre
Dame street, and marched to the Place d'Armes, where they
were joined by the Bishop of Montreal and a number of the
clergy of Notre Dame and others, whom the societies con-
ducted to the new church. The attendance of clergy and
laity was so large that th(! sacred edifice was packed to the
doors. High Mass was celebrated by Right Rev. J. C. Prince,
coadjutor of the Bishop of Montreal, assisted by a number of
gentlemen of the Seminary. The eloquent sermon on the
occasion was preached by Rev. J. J. Connolly, director of
the Irish Catholics of Montreal, to the text : " Build the
house and it shall be acceptable to me. I shall be glorified."
The further success of the demonstration may be gathered
from the collection taken up at mass, amounting to ;^53 or
$212, a large sum for those times. After the celebration of
the Holy Sacrifice, the procession was reformed and paraded
the street, according to the custom on St. Patrick's Day.
Father Connolly continued to preside over the fortunes of
the new church and parish until i860, when he resigned and
it became necessary to find his successor. Several years
before, in 1846, very Rev. M. Quiblier, superior of the Se-
minary, who always remained the staunch friend of the Irish
Catholics, had visited Ireland expressly to recruit priests
for them, and obtained permission from the then Primate
of all Ireland, the Most Rev. Dr. Crolly, for the transfer to
Montreal of Revs. Fathers Dowd, O'Brien, McCullough and
others, all of them distinguished for their piety, zeal and
eloquence, while Fathers Dowd and O'Brien were further
noted for their great administrative abilities. The choice of
a new pastor was therefore an easy task, and Father Dowd,
appointed by the Seminary, entered upon those duties which
he has discharged uninterruptedly for the past 27 years.
The year 1847 was further painfully memorable for the
13
Irish Catholics of Montreal in the outbreak and ravages of
cyphus fever. A few months after the opening of St. Patrick's
Church, a number of the clergy of St. Sulpice contracted the
pestilence, while attending the poor Irish immigrants at the
fever sheds. Point St. Ciiar'es, where the pastor, P^ather Con-
nolly, had distmguished himself by his zeal and great labors
among the infected, and several of these devoted men died
the death of martyrs, among them being the venerable
P\ither Richards and Father Morgan, a cousin of Father
Dowd, who had pre^^eded him to Canada by a few years, and
several others. In consequence of this great mortality, the
Seminary secured the aid of five Jesuit P'athers, just arrived
in the country, and for a few years these assisted in the min-
istry of St. Patrick's until the Seminary found means to do
the work once more through its own members. The more
recent history of the congregation is fresh in the minds of all
who feel an interest therein. One of its pleasing features
was the pilgrimage to Rome headed by the Rev. P'ather Dowd
in 1877 when the good priest had the pleasure of laying at
the feet of Pope Pius IX. the sum of $6,000 as the contribu-
tion of his parishioners to His Holiness.
A brief sketch of tne new parish of St. Patrick's under the
late parochial distribution will be found in another part of this
little volume. As already mentioned, the parishes of St. Ann
and St. Anthony, St. Gabriel and St. Mary each have their
large contingent of the Irish Catholic population of the City of
Montreal, but all look up to the venerable pastor of St. Pat-
rick's as the father of the Irish Catholic people of this city and
district. His career proves him to have been a Providential
man. Coming at a critical moment in our people's his^^ory,
he has guided their steps and unceasingly watched and un-
flinchingly contended for their interests. They were growing
in number but lacking the institutions necessary to consolida-
tion ; these his great powers of administration have provided.
His like we may never see again, but the influence of his
master mind will be felt long after the call shall have gone forth
14
summoning him to the eternal reward of his .- rduous labors.
The Irish Catholics ot' Montreal v/ill ^ver look to St. Patrick's
as the great centre towards which all their general interests
converge. Animalpd by the zeal and formed in the school of
the venerable pastor, others will, in God's own time, be found
to carry out the broad and comprehensive policy he has so
wisely devised ; but Heaven grant that the day may be far
distant when our people shall be deprived of the inestimable
benefits that are daily being conferred upon them by the
powerful intellect and boundless sympathies of their ever
loving and beloved Father Dowd.
Priests who died during the Typhus. .
Rev. Father Morgan.
" «' Richards.
Rev. Father Richard.
" " Mclnerney.
Rev. Father Hudon, V.G.
Mayor Mills.
Sisters.
M. Adeline Limoges (Novice),
M. Angelique Chevrefils.
Janet Collins (Novice).
M. Rose Barbeau.
M. Alodie Bruydre (Postulant).
Charlotte Pominville.
M. Anne Nobles.
)ors.
ick's
*ests
)1 of
lund
s so
: far
able
the
ever
nt).
r
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
<
u
rt
o
5
^^T. PATRICK'S CHURCH is of the Gothic style of archi-
J»^^ tc'cture of tlie 14th and 15th centuries. Its extreme length is
233ft and extreme width, 105ft. The foundation walls are loft
thick and the height of the ceiling is 85ft. The height of tlie steeple
is 228ft. The CInirch has three han^.ome and very appropriate
altars — the main and two in the lateral chapels, and stained glass
windows which are a highly effective ecclesiastical ornament. These
altars were erected in place of the temporary shrines used before, and
a*; the same date, the gilding, painting and ornamentation of the
Church was done, and the stained glass also put in, by means of the
voluntary subscriptions of the congregation, at a cost of between
$40,000 to $50,000.
The acoustic properties of St. Patrick's are admirably adapted for
preaching and music; and the organ, a gift of the congregatitjn, has
an excellent tone, while for size and volume it is well adapted
to the requirements of the temple. There are two bells, having
been chosen from four that formerly hung in the steeple of the old
French Church or Notre Dame. The large one v.hich was called La
Vieille Chartotte, is of French make, and it is said like old bells
generally, made in France, to have silver in its composition, which
would account for it singularly fine tone. Litde is known about the
smaller bell, but it must be added that a third is much required,
having the tone a pitch between the two. It is to be hoped that
some member or members of the congregation will appreciate the
need of completing the set by presenting this third bell to the
Church.
NEW ST. PATRICK'S PARISH.
small territory included within the following bounds was as-
signed to St. Patrick's, by the late Bishop Bourget, viz:
bounded on the East by Bleury Street from Craig to Sherbrooke
Streets, on the North by Sherbrooke from Bleury to Mountain
Streets, on the West by Mountain from Sherbrooke to St. Antoine
and South by St. Antoine and Craig to the corner of Bleury Street.
ir.
The French Canadians within this territory were to be parishioners
of St. Patrick's ?
This state of things was not approved of by the Holy See — the
systeni wf national churches or l)y language was adoi)tcd as better
suited to the mixed condition of the people. The English speaking
Cath()lic:s, assigned by Uislu^i) JJourget to St. Patrick's, Notre Dame
and St. James, were attached as parishioners to St. Patrick's Chuich,
and the territory of St. Patrick's now extends from Mountain Street
to Amherst Street, West and East and from S/ierbtcke Street to
IVilliain Street, along William Street and down Oicy n Street to
the /i'/7'^r, along the River front to Amherst, up Ami.^.st *o City
JSonndary and back by St. Lmvrencc and Slier brooke to Moid ' 'n St.
St. Patrick' Church has been distinguished from the begn.ning
for the number and character of its religious, charitable, social and
literary institutions, all of which have an extensive membership
and are productive of good in many ways. Among these bodies
are: —
St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society.
The Scr pillar Society.
The I.iviny Kosary.
The Ladies of Charity.
The Catholic Voung Men's Society.
The I^o Club.
The Catechism Society.
Children of Mary.
The following are among the clergymen who officiated at diffe-
rent times in St. Patrick's Church since its opening in 1847 —
Rev.
Father
Richanls.
Rev.
Father O'Farrell (Now Bishop)
(t
Connolly.
(1
Brown .
<<
O'Connell.
(C
Bakewell.
<<
Morgan.
<(
Toupin .
(<
McCullough
tl
M. Calhighan.
K
MacMahon
«
J Callaghan.
i(
Dowd.
<l
Quinlivan.
«
O'ikien.
(1
Singer.
<<
Hogan.
>(
i.cckiire.
The present staff of the Church
is : —
Rev.
P. Dowd, Director,
Rev.
M
. Callaghan.
((
M. Toupin.
((
J.
Ca
llaghan.
li
J. McCallen.
II
J-
Q^
inlivan.
ST. PATRICK'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.
'HE terrible visitation of the typhus fever in 1847-48 was the
immediate occasion of the establishment of an Orphan Asylum.
A home became indispensable for the children whose parents fell
it
victims, on th-.. arri-al in Canada, to that fearful ei)idomic. The
foundations of tlic Montreal St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum were laid
in the fall of 1849, ^"^ 'he Institution was opened for the admission
of children the 21st November, 185 1. At a time when labor and
materials were cheap, the building of the St. Patrick's Orphan
Asylum cost nearly i?2o,ooo.oo. This amount was promptly made
up through subscriptions and collectioii:;, and a bequest of $4,000.00
left by the late Bartholomew O'Urien. In less than three months
after the children first entered the Asylum all the building debt was
paid.
The number of children admitted into the St. Patrick's Asylum
since the beginning to the end of 1886 was 2436.
The average number in the house, at the same time, was 170.
The average yearly cost of supporting the Institution is $10,000.00
The children of the Orphan Asylum are well prepared by a good
education for a useful life i"" society, the little girls are trained in the
house by the good Sisters ; the boys attend the schools of the Chris-
tian Brothers in the city. From the beginning the Asylum has been
under the motherly care of the good Grey Nuns.
The Asylum is a civil Corporation, consisting of a Rev. Director
and of ten Trustees.
One of the principal sources of revenue of the St. Patrick's Or-
phan Asylum has been the annual bazaar, under the auspices of
the Ladies of St. Patrick's Congregation. In the foUov ng letter
from the pen of Mr. Edwaid Murphy (one o*" the Directors of the
Institution), published orgmally in " Le Bazaar " of the Cathedral,
the details of the history of the Orphan's Bazaar are given and
will be read with interest.
u
A REMARKABLE AND CREDITABLE RECORD.
HISTORY or ST. PATRICK'S ORPHAN BAZAARS, FROM THEIR
INCEPTION TILL 1885.
^HE idea of a Bazaar, to be held each year for the support of the
lis orphans of St. Patrick's Asylum, originated with a society cf
Irish ladies, belonging principally to the St. Patrick's congregation, in
the year 1848. The first bazaar was held in October, 1849, i"
the St. Lawrence Hall, then newly built but not quite finished or
B
•Ml
18
occupied, which was k.. ..^ placed at the disposal of the Ladies
of Chaiity by Mr. Corse, the owner, and a bazaar was held in
the same month, with one exception, every year down to 1884.
In 1885, it was not considered prudent to hold a bazaar on account
of the great prevalence of smallpox. For that year the ladies pro-
vided for the wants of the orphans as best they could by collecting
on their lists and holding their raffles in private. From 1849 to
1884, both years included, thirty-six (36) bazaars were held without
interruption, and realized in the aggregate the very large sum of
one hundred and thirty-five thousand and nhiety-jiine dollars and
thirty-six cents (135,099.36.) This remarkable success is owing to
the universal sympathy felt for the poor orphans, and which was
shared in fully as much by Protestants as by Catholics. These
bazaars, like many other good works, sprang from small beginnings,
the first (in 1849) realized ^130 ($520), the second (in 1850)
realized .£275 (1060), from which it grew up to a maximum of $5000
and over, at which sum it remained for many years, making the
magnificent sum of over $135,000 in thirty-six years as seen above.
The society of Irish ladies that conducted the bazaar from year
to year changed its lady president only five times during the whole
period of thirty-seven (37) years. The rimes of these worthy presi-
dents deserve to be recorded. The first was Mrs. Charles Wilson,
Mdm. Valliere de St. Real, Mrs. M. P. Ryan, Mrs. William Brennan,
and the actual president, Mrs. Edward Murphy. In the case of all
these ladies a gentle force had to be used to determine them to accept
the honor of president. The fear lest the dear cause of charity
should suffer in their refusal was common to all. Hence God blessed
part, their labors, in which every member of the society took a willing
and the work of charity continued to prosper in their united hands ^
because the true spirit of charity lived in their hearts, and kept them
all together as one and the same family.
It must in justice be observed that for very many of these years
the wonderful success of the St. Patrick's bazaars has been due, in
no small measure, to the fostering care and heart warm encourage-
ment of the venerable and beloved pastor of St. Patrick'3, Rev.
Father Dowd.
We are pleased to learn that the Ladies of Charity of St. Patrick's
congregation, early in May last, unanimously resolved to postpone
their annual bazaar for the orphans from October, the month it was
■
i i
19
always held in, till November next, to allow the ladies of that parish
full opportunity of working for St. Peter's Cathedral bazaar. We
are happy to see that a large number of those ladies are working for
that grand object, and we hope that in consideration of their having
postponed the Orphans' Bazaar that they will be rewarded by
the very general support of the benevolent to that most deserving
charity.
EDW. MURPHY.
Montreal, 20th September, 1886.
ST. BRIDGET'S REFUGE.
'HE St. Bridget's Refuge was opened for the admission of the
poor in i 65. It has a three-fold object; — to support old men
and women; to give night-lodging to the destitute, without distinction
of race or religion, and to protect female servants out of platje.
The cost of the building was $28,978.48, and of the first furniture
outfit $4,186.37. The whole cost of building, and first outfit, was
met by collections, except a bequest by Mr. Marsteller, of $6000.00
and a donation by the Seminary of $4,000.00.
From 1865 to 1886 inclusive, there was the following relief, given
by the Refuge, viz : —
Night-lodgings with breakfast 203,461 thus divided :
To Catholics 171,852
To Protestants 31,609 203,461
To Irish Catholics 154, 160
To French Canadians 30, 1 69
To English 14,767
To Scotch , 4>365
203,461
The average number of old infirm men and women in Refuge at same time 100.
The average number of servants placed out of Refuge yearly 3<x),
The average yearly cost of supporting Refuge $7,000 00.
The direction of the St Bridget's Refuge has always been under
the care of the Grey Nuns. The Refuge is incorporated civilly ;
the corporation consists of a Rev. Director, a Rev. Vice-Director,
and five Trustees.
20
ST. PATRICK'S GIRLS SCHOOL.
,^'HE St. Patrick's School, separated from St. Patrick's Church by
St. Alexander street, was built by the Seminary at a cost of
nearly $30,000,00 for the little girls of St. Patrick's parish, and was
first opened in 1872. It is conducted by the Sisters of Notre
Dame. Its system of education is well digested, sound and practical,
and bears good fruit every year in the superior training of the pupils
who complete its course of studies. In forming the children, their
future duties as house keepers are kept in view ; hence knitting,
plain sewing, mending, etc., are attended to as an essential part of
their education.
The intellectual training of the children is of a high order, and
marked by thorough solidity. Superficial teaching or study is not
tolerated in the school. St. Patrick School is a blessing and an honor
to St. Patrick's parish. The attendance is about five hundred.
i ; i
RIGHT KEVEREND BISHOP PHELAN.
FIRST PASTOR AT RECOLLET.
'ather Patrick Phelan was one of the most zealous priests con-
nected with the Irish Catholic population of the city of Mont-
real. For years he guided the people, and through the most turbulent
period wisely directed their course. His name and memory will ever
be des'r to the descendants of the congregation he served so well.
He was born in the Parish of Ballyragget, County Kilkenny.
Ireland, and baptised on the Tst of February, 1795.
In a sketch of his life, published at Kingston in 1862," by the Cler-
•^men who served Bishop Phelan'slast mass " (printed by Lightfoot),
we learn that before leaving Ireland as a student and teacher he
had acquired the love and esteem of all who knew him; we are
informed that " on the day of his departure not less than five hun.
'• dred persons of the Parish and vicinity assembled, through love
" and respect, to convey him on his journey, and they accompanied
" him as far as Castle Comer. Here, at the urgent request of Patrick
" and his brother Daniel, they stopped and prepared to return, after
'• bidding a sorrowful farewell to one whom they esteemed so much.
" His brother accompanied him to Dublin, v-^hence Patrick deter-
*' mined to set sail for America. It so happened that the first ship
" that was *^^ v)y*. to sea was bound for Boston, and he, without fur-
21
** ther delay, took passage in her. On his arrival in Boston, he
" placed himself under the guardianship of Cardinal Cheverus, who,
" at that time, was Bishop of Boston. The Rev. William Taylor, of
" Boston, who had charge of transmitting to Montreal a copy of
" Patrick's exeat, informs us, in his letter of the 6th May, 1825,
" that, on his arrival at Boston, he presented himself to Bishop
*' Cheverus, and was canonically adopted as a child of the Diocese
"of Boston."
" Having remainded at Boston for three months, he was sent by
" Bishop Cheverus to the Seminary of Montreal to pursue his eccle-
" siastical studies. From his former conduct, we cannot but infer
" that these studies were scrupulously attended to, and that the three
" years which were to prepare him immediately for the Holy Minis-
<' try found him giving his undivided attention to the sublime subjects
" which were propounded to him. On the 26th day of September,
" 1825, in the thirty-first year of his age, he received the Holy
"Order of Priesthood at the hands of Bishop Lartigue, first Bishop
" of Montreal. He was the first Priest ordained in the late Cathe-
" dral of St. James, Montreal, two days after its consecration, and the
" one thousand one hundred and sixty-first Priest whom Providence
"designed to labor in the Holy Ministry in Canada. His wishes
" were now fulfilled, and that long desired moment arrived which
" was to render him capable of effecting all the good which a heart
*' like his desired. His zeal, notwithstanding all the difficulties he
" had to encounter in the course of his studies, did not in the least
" abate but rather increased. It soon became manifest that the
" young priest devoted himself so faithfully and successfully to his
" calling, that he endeared himself to all who had a knowledge of
" his labors. He did not fail to attract, before many weeks had
" elapsed, the attention of the Sulpician community ; and at the ear-
" nest solicitation of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Bishop Cheverus
" allowed him to remain to administer to the wants of the Irish
"Catholics, who were emigrating to Canada, and fixing their abode
" at Montreal. According to Father Taylor, already mentioned, he
" merely departed to complete his studies in the Seminary of Mont-
" real, and had Bishop Cheverus' expressed permission to aggregate
"himself to the Sulpician community there. On the 21st day of
" November, of the same year of his ordination, he was received as a
'' member of St. Sulpice, and he remained attached to the commu
22
. 'I.
■I?
f ■
!!,
■ 1
;,i
1
<
i
rl
i
j
i
it I
" nity, and serving the Irish congregation for nearly seventeen years,
" until shortly before he was called to the Episcopacy. "
Referring to the cholera which broke out with such violence
in 1832 and 1834 the biographer says :
** It was on this painful occasion that he truly showed himself the
" Priest of God and the people ; and his undaunted courage, accom-
" panied by a zeal for the spiritual welfare of the sick and dying, made
*' such a great impression on the minds of his congregation, that
" they ever after had unlimited confidence in him. Again, during
" the troubles of the abortive Insurrection of 1837-38, do we find
" Father Phelan the priest of order ; and there are living witnesses
" to-day to testify to the great influence which he exercised over the
" Catholic Irish in and around Montreal. Subsequently, during
" the disturbance which arose among the Irish on the Lachine
" Canal, we learn what control he had over their minds, for on that
'• occasion his sudden appearance amongst them, with a few words
" from his lips, sufficed to quell that wild commotion, when passion
" had risen to its highest, whilst an armed force would then have
" proved but very ineffectual. "
" In his endeavors to promote the happiness of his congregation,
" he directed his attention towards the illicit liquor traffic, the bane
" of a community, and which renders the preacher's efforts abortive ;
" and he succeeded to an extent which no other could probably
" have attained. His exertions in the cause of temperance are still
" proving fruitful, and will serve, perhaps, for many years to come,
" to perpetuate his memory. When he found matters ripe to glean
" the fruit, he established, in 1841, the St. Patrick's Total Absti-
" nence Society, which has worked so unostentatiously, and yet
"has accomplished so much good." The following year, 1842, a
change took place, which bore heavily on the Irish congregation
of St. Patrick. At the solicitation of Right Rev. Remigius (jattlin.
Bishop of Kingston, Father Phelan went to Ui)per Canada, and
became Parish Priest of Bytown (now Ottawa), after he had been
raised to the dignity of Vicar General. His removal caused much
sorrow amongst those to whose interest he had devoted so many years
of his life and labors, and there were many who could hardly reconcile
their minds to have him depart from amongst them. They, in their way
of judging, considered it a loss, and a loss which they imagined to
be irreparable ; yet God rewarded their respect and love for their
23
priest, by providing them with other saintly pastors of talent and
energy. Previous to Father Phclan's departure, the Irish troops,
whom he served, wished to acknowledge the debt of gratitude they
owed him, so they presented him with an ornamented silver snuff-box,
to mark how they appreciated his services.
The Irish Catholics of Montreal presented Father Phelan with an
address, reciting his many works of Christian charity, and concluding
as follows :
"Whithersoever you may be removed, our fervent prayers shall
" ascend to the Most High for your temporal welfare and eternal
" happiness ; and we shall ever gratefully cherish the remembrance
"of your piety, your fervor and your worth, with the most hallowed
" feelings of our existence.
With hearts overflowing with gratitude, esteem, veneration, and
" anguish. Reverend and Dear Sir, we most reluctantly say to yoi
" Farewell."
Peter Dunn,
Thomas Neagle,
Andrew Conlan,
A. Doyle,
D. Cotterell,
Wm. Casey,
James Warnock,
P. Muldoon,
M. H. Darraugh,
James Gleeson,
J. P. Sexton,
Henry O'Donaughue,
John Curran,
Charles Curran,
John Maan,
Thos. Hev/itt,
John Mahoiiy,
Daniel Murphy,
Edward Murphy,
John M. 'J'obin,
Francis Joseph Ryan,
Connell Gallagher,
Tiiomas McNaughton,
Daniel Mahony,
John Cassidy,
Patrick Murphy,
M. McDonnell,
Francis Clark,
Michael Purcil,
John Warnock,
James Lahay,
P. Brennan,
Alex. McCambridge,
John McCann,
John Fitzpatrick,
P. Dromgoole,
Matthew Ryan,
Michael Kelly,
John Kelly,
Michael Hyland,
Cliristopher McCormick,
Peter Henrattv.
For further particulars regarding Bishop Phelan, the reader is
referred to the little work above mentioned, where a full account is
given of his great services to church and state as Bishop of Kingston.
5:!
;'}
n
if
1)?|
i!:i
[1
1 J'!
■'si
.,1.1
\ I;
24
KKV. J. J. CONNOLLY.
FIRST PASTOR OF ST. PATRICK'S.
'his zealous priest was the first pastor of St. Patiick's church.
The following particulars of his career will be of interest. Rev.
John Joseph Connolly was born in Ireland on the 8th of March,
i8i6, son of Michael Connolly and Mary Pendergast. He was
educated at Montreal College, Seminary of St. Sulpice, where he was
ordained priest on ist June, 1844. For some time he taught English
at the College, then joined the Seminary ofSt. Sulpice, and became
pastor of St. Patrick's. His devotion and self-sacrifice during the
ship fever were heroic. He established the " nine days' devotion "
preparatory to the celebrating of the feast of St. Patrick, a religious
exercise still in great favor at the St. Patrick's Church. He continued
to exercise the ministry at that Church until t86o, when he resigned
his connection with the Seminary and went to Boston, Mass., where
he continued his zealous labors as a priest until 1863, when he
died, aged 47 years, on the i6th of September.
Prior to the dejDarture cf Father Connolly, a meeting was held at
St. Patrick's House, presidca over by Edward Murphy, Esq., for the
purpose of adopting an address to the reverend gentleman on his
leaving the city for the scene of his future labors. A handsome
sum was subscribed on the occasion, the spontaneous offering of the
congregation. The rev. gentleman was deeply affected during the
reading of the address, which was signed by Edward Murphy, as
chairman, and Henry Kavanagh, as secretary, and to which he
made the following reply :
Gentlemen : —
The address which you have just presented has affected me —
affected me deeply. It makes allusion to scenes of a very distres-
sing nature, and brings up many memories of the past. You will, I
am sure, in the hurry of preparation for my immediate departure,
excuse me from making a lengthened reply to your most flattering
address. I cannot, however, permit the occasion to pass without
assuring you that, however painful to the congregation may be the
separation, it is not less painful to me, and that you judge correctly
in supposing that nothing but a deep sense of duty could prevail on
me to take a step productive of such pain to the congregation and
myself. You say that I have labored long in your midst — even that
25
T have become prematurely grey in your service. You make allusion
to the painful scenes of the yet too well remembered '47, and
remind me that Almighty God has blessed my ministry. True, God
has spared me to labor for a length of time amongst you ; true, that
some of my labors in '47 were in the midst of disease and dtath,
but in all trying circumstances the priest must be mindful of his duty ;
he must feel the important embassy entrusted to his charge ; he
must feel that he is the mediator between man and God, commis-
sioned " to bind and to loose; " that he must stand in the midst of
danger, contagion and death to administer to the dying Christian his
passport to the throne of God. Duty, strict duty, demands them
from every anointed priest of God. If I passed through the trying
ordeals of '47, '49 and '54, if I prepared for death and consigned to
the silent grave for a period of six weeks or more some fifty adult
persons per day, I was but doing what every priest would be bound
to do under similar circumstances. I was discharging my sacred
duty ; and if of all the clergymen who commenced at the beginning
and labored to the end of that dire visitation, I was the only survivor,
it makes me tremble, lest I alone should be found unworthy of the
reward to which they were called in the midst of their labors.
In conclusion, I accept with feelings of deep emotion the address
ot Saint Patrick's congregation, and the accompanying substantia'
and unsolicited testimonial of their affectionate attachment ; and I
beg to assure them that I feel deeply grateful for this unexpected
proof of their kind feelings; and though the call of duty removes
me from their midst, it cannot remove from my heart the sweet
remembrance of the past, and that as long as God shall spare me to
celebrate the holy mysteries I shall not cease to offer my unwor-
thy prayers for them on the altar of God.
(Signed) J. J. CONNOLLY,
Priest.
FATHERS DOWD AND TOUPIN.
THEIR GOLDEN JUBILEE.
FIFTY YEARS IN THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH.
I^hursday, the 19th of May, 1887, ^^^^ ^ 'iP^'^ ^^1 ^'^ St. Patrick's,
ma Montreal. It will long be remembered by all wi.o participated
in the celebration of the golden jubilee of Fathers Dowd and Toupin.
The enthusiasm was unbounded. The parishioners combining to
|IT~"
!l!
I! 5:
26
do honor to them, nothing was left undone to add to he interest
of the grand festivity. Nothing was missed that would add to the
l)leasurc and happiness of the two worthy priests whom the con-
gregation of St. Patrick's and the citizens of Montreal thus honored.
Fathers Dowd and Toupin fully realized the generosity of their
people in this respect. They were radiant with smiles, and few
would realize from their vigorous api)earance that they had passed
fifty years of laborious work in the strict discipline of the Catholic
Church. Their hajjpy, healthy faces denoted that in all human
probability they had in their separate capacities many years of
useful work yet to perform in this, their chosen field of labor.
At Grand Mass an immense congregition was in attendance.
The sanctuary was brilliantly decorated with flags, banners and
bannerets, bearing appropriate mottoes and insignia, while the small
altars and statues were beautifully decked with flowers of various
hues, and lit up with lamps of many colors. On the Gospel side
of the altar a throne was erected for the Archbishop of Montreal,
and the clergy who assisted at the Mass occupied raised seats on
either side of the sanctuary.
At ten o'clock precisely the church was filled, and as the altar-
boys, seminarians, deacons, priests and prelates filed into the sanc-
tuary, the scene presented was one of indescribable beauty. At the
Mass, Rev. Father Dowd officiated, assisted by Rev. Fathers Varr-
ley as deacon, and Kiernan as sub deacon. His Grace Archbishop
Fabre had as assistant priest Rev, Father Marechal. The deacon
of honor was Rev. Father J. Murphy, of London Diocese, Ont.,
and Sub Deacon of Honor, Rev, J. O'Rourke, of Odgensburg, N.Y.
The following prelates and clergy occupied seats in the sanctuary
during Mass: His Grace Archbishop Lynch, of Toronto; His
Grace Archbishop Tache, of St. Boniface, Man. ; His Lordship
Bishop Walsh, of London ; His Lordship Bishop Dowling, of Peter-
boro ; Rev. Dean Murphy, of London, Ont; Rev. Dean Ramsay,
of England, and Vicar General Rooney, of Toronto, with Rev.
Fathers Geoffrion, Royer, O. M. L ; Catulle, Conway, (Peterboro),
Leclair, Godts, Verrau, Martin, Belanger, Brissette. Morin, McGary,
Lonergan, McCarthy, Rouleau, Gaudin, Reed, Donnelly, O'Donnell,
Bannon, (Chatham, N. B.), Duggan, Harty, (Hartford, Conn.),
O'SuUivan (Burlington, Vt,), Laporte, Quesnel, Kiernan, O'Rourke
(Port Henry, N. Y.), Gaudette, Deguire, Colin, Fahey, Rouxel,
Barrette (Dakota), Corbett (St. Andrews, Out.), and Lecompte,
O. M. I., in addition to the clergy of the city of Montreal.
27
The choir of St. Patrick's was under the direction of Professor Fow-
ler, and never was its musical ability displayed to better advantaj^e.
A new Mass, by Nini, of which Professor Fowler has the original
manuscript, was sung for the first time in Canada by seventy-five
voices with a full orchestral accompaniment. At the Offertory the
orchestra ])layed Wagner's bridal march with beautiful effect. The
choruses were jjowerful and the solos were tastefully rendered by
Messrs. J. Ileenan, J. P. Hanimill, J. Cromi)ton, E. J. Casey and
J. J. Rowan j Mr. William J. McCaffrey acted as leader,
THE SERMON
of the day was preached by His Lordship Bishop Walsh, of London,
Ont. He selected as his text.
" Let the priests who rule weli be esteemed worthy of double
honor; esjiecially they who labor in the word and doctrine." is,
Timothy, v. c, 17 v.
The Christian priesthood, dearly beloved brethren, is in the eyes
of faith tne greatest institution on earth of the power and goodness
and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through this
priesthood the Son of God still continues to exercise here below the
office of Redeemer and Saviour. It is His own eternal Priesthood
working u]wn earth through human instrumentality, for the sancti-
fication and salvation of immortal souls.
Our Lord is Himself the great High-Priest, and the Supreme
Pastor of our souls. He was ordained by God the Father a priest
for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. He once offered
in a bloody manner on Mount Calvary the sacrifice of His body
and blood, and that sacrifice fulfilled, summed up and completed
all the bloody sacrifices of the old law. He was at once priest and
victim. That sacrifice wiped out the handwriting of the decree
that was against us, and purchased us with a great price. The vic-
tim was offered only on Calvary's hill, but the blood of the victim
inundated the world, bringing salvation to mankind, and in pi inciple
washed away the guilt of all the ages. But our Blessed Lord was
ordained a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.
He will therefore institute a sacrifice answering to that of Melchise-
dech, a sacrifice which having the appearances of bread and wine,
shall be the same as that of Calvary, that is, the sacrifice of his body
and blood, offered up in an unbloody manner under the outward
appearances of bread and wine, and this sacrifice he instituted when
r .
28
at his last supper he changed the bread and wine into his body and
blood, and thereby instituted that clean oblation of the new law
which in prophetic language was to be offered up f(;r all time
from the rising to the setting sun. Now as our Saviour was not to
remain on earth for all time, but was soon to ascend into that hea-
ven which he merited for us all, he ordained a priesthood which
would carry out for ever the work of salvatiori vhich he in principle
had accomplished, but which was to be contmucd in actuality on
earth as long as human souls were to be saved.
It is of fai'h that at His last supper our Blessed Redeemer insti*
tuted the Christian priesthood when he authorized and empowered
his apostles to do that which he had just done, namely, to offer up
the holy sacrifice of His body and blood under the ai^pcarances of
bread and wine. He then and there created the Cinistian priest-
hood, after having instituted the sacrifice it was ordained to offer
for the glory of God and the salvation of men.
Jesus Christ, then, created an order of men whom He raised to a
participation in his own eternal priesthood. St. Thomas says that
ordination impresses a character, and that this character is a spiri-
tual and indelible sign or seal by which the soul is marked for the
exercise of the acts of the divine worship and for the teaching of
the same to others.
And further, that priests partake of the priesthor d of our divine
Lord, the priesthood of Jesus Christ being the one only i)eri)etual
and universal priesthood ; all priests consecrated under the new law
are made one with him, and share in His own priesthood. They
are therefore empowered to offer up, on the altar, the tremendous
sacrifice of the new law. They take bread and wine into their con-
secrated hands, and by the Almighty power of God, delegated to
them, they change that bread and wine into the body and blood of
Christ. At their bidding, Jesus Christ descends from his throne in
heaven and becomes incarnate in their hands.
The sun stood still in the heavens at the command of Joshua ; but
at the word of the priest, He who created the sun, and set it bur-
ning in the heavens, comes down from His divine throne to be
offered up, an oblation of infinite value to His Eternal Father !
On the altar the priest stands as another Christ, and offers up to
heaven the Son of God, immolated for the sins of His people. He
thereby gives God infinite honor and glory. He deprecates and
appeases his wrath, renders him propitious to sinners, and obtains
pardon for the greatest sins, and unnumbered graces and blessings
29
for souls. He is rliarged witli the custody and guardianship of the
body and blood of Christ. He keeps the key of the tal)erMaclc.
He carries our I.ord whithersoever he wills. He, like St Joseph, is
the guardian of our l-ordon earth. He distributes this bread of life
at the altar, to the rich and to the poor, the fervent and tlie tej^id,
sometimes, perhaps, to the unworthy. He bears him to the dying
Christian, through crowded streets, through lonely and remote
by-ways, through darkness and storm, into the cabins of the poor,
as well as the homes of the afihient and wealthy. And what a guar-
dianship is this I What a treasure is confided to the custody ofthe
priest I It is the greatest trust that Cod could give to man ; the
most intimate and the closest relationship that could exist between
the Creator and His creature, save that of the hypostatic union bet-
ween God and man in Christ, or that of the divine maternity. Is it
any wonder that the faithful can single out a priest, even though
disguised, from among thousands, for they see on his face the reilex
ofthe habitual presence of Jesus Christ and of his intimate compa-
nionshi]) with him even as Moses bore upon his brow the rcllected
light of Cod from his converse with Him on the mountain.
The Christian priesthood is the instrument by which Christ con-
tinues the ministry of reconciliation and salvation upon the earth,
by which he exercises the power of forgiving sins and the ministry
of preaching and teaching, and of administering sacraments and all
the details of sacerdotal duties.
Man, as an intelligent creature, has duties to fulfil toward God,
has responsibilities to His eternal law. He owes to God the
homage of his reason, the obedience of his will, the love of his heart.
Jesus Christ came to teach him his duties in ese relations. Our
divine Saviour came on earth, not only to redeem and save us by
His sufferings and death. He came also to be our teacher and our
guide, to reveal to mankind the truths of salvation and to unfold to
their wondering gaze things hidden in the mind of God from all
eternity. His mission was to unfold to man the whole ])lan of sal-
vation what he should know and believe and do in order to be saved.
He, therefore, spoke as no man had ever before spoken, and re-
vealed to us the great saving truths of the Catholic religion that
have ever since illuminated the whole firmament of time. The priest
is the official guardian and teacher of these saving revelations of
Christ. Our Blessed Saviour gave this sublime commission when
immediately before His ascension He said to His Aposdes : " All
power is given to me in heaven and on earth. Going, therefore,
ill
30
.1
HI
teach ye all nations ; baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and behold I am with
you all days even to the consummation of the world." Mat. 28, 18.
The people are bound under the pain of eternal loss to listen to and
accept the teaching of the priesthood, for Christ says :
" Go preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be
condemned." Mark, xvi., 15, 16. And again : " He that will not
hear the Church, let him be untu thee as the heathen and the pub-
lican." Matt xviii., 17.
The priest is Christ's ambassador and official representative to
man " He that heareth you heareth me, and he that despiseth you
despiseth me, and he that despiseth me d«_'=piseth him that sent me."
Luke X, 16. The sacred word which the priest announces is not
his own. It is the word of God, the word that enlighteneth every
man who wishes for that light which is the light of the world. It is
the salt and savor of the earth : the word that has changed the face
of the earth and created a new civilization, that has enlightened the
intellect, strengthened the will, and purified and ethcreaHzed the
affections of the heart. The word that has come down through all
the ages, pointing out to man his duty and responsibility to God,
telling him of the vanity and emptiness of earthly things, reminding
him of his immortal destiny and announcing to him the Evangel of
divine mercy. This "s the divine saving word which the Catholic
priest is commissioned to proclaim in its purity and integrity to
mankind. Members of sects may teach and preach, but they have no
authority or mission from God to do so. They are not accredited
ambassadors. They are but impostors, self-sent, or commissioned by
those not having authority. They are like the false prophets of
whom God complained when He said: " I have not sent them, yet
they run, I have not spoken to them, yet they prop', esy." Jeremiah
xxiii, 21. "How shall they believe Him," asks the Apostle, "of
whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hear without a prea-
cher, and how shall they preach unless they be sent?" Romans
X, 14. Christ, himself was sent: "As the Father hath sent me,
I also send you." John xx, 22. The ministers of the one true Church,
the Church Catholic, and they alone, have the divine commission
and authoiity to preach God's holy word.
But the priest is not only the herald and ambassador of Christ;
31
he is also the minister (f reconciliation, the dispenser of the sacred
mysteries — the sacraments of our Saviour. Jesus Christ instituted
in His Church the seven sacraments as so many channels through
which the merits and graces of his sufferings and death were to
flow, in life-giving streams for the salvation and sanctification of
his people.
The Catholic priest is the accredited and authorized minister of
these sacraments. He baptizes the infant, and makes it a child of
God, heir of heaven and a member of the mystical body of Christ,
which is His Church. In Confirmation, the Bishop, who has the
plenitude of the priesthood, enrols the young Christian as a soldier
of the cross, and imparts to him the grace and strength and courage
to profess the truth openly, never to deny [l by word or work, and
to suffer and die for it if requied. But one of the greatest and
most awful powers, because it is God-like, which Christ conferred
on the priesthood, is that of forgiving sins. This power is so essen-
tially divine, so specially an attribute of the God-head, that when
Christ said to the paralytic, '* Go in peace, thy sins are forgiven,"
the multitude present, believing him to be a mere man, exclaimed :
'This man blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins but God alone ? "
And in fact, when our Lord was about to confer this power, he made
use of words and employed a ceremony which plainly indicated that
He was about to perform a special and altogether singular exercise
of omnipotence, infinite goodness and mercy, for He said to His
Apostles, " As the Father hath sent me, I send you." He then
breathed upon them and said : " Receive ye the Holy Ghost, whose
sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven, them and whose ^ins you
shall retain, they are retained." john, xx. 23.
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this power conferred on the
priest exclaims: "To the priest is given a power which God
would not give either to the angels or archangels, for to these it was
not said: ' Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose on earth, shall be loosed
also in heaven.' Earthly princes," he continues, " have indeed the
power of binding, but it is only for the body ; but the binding
of the priest reaches even to the soul, and ascends to the heavens ;
insomuch as what the priests do below, God ratifies above, ^nd the
master conarms the sentence of the servants."
The poor sinner weighed down with the burden of his sins, and
the consciousness of his guilt, goes to the priest, and he, clothed
32
m
with this God-power of forgiving sin, pronounces on him the sen.
tence of absolution, and he that haf' been dead is come to life again.
The lust is found ; the prisoner is set free, and the prodigal is wel-
comed home again to the embraces of his Father.
Oh I what tears have been dried up by the merciful exercise of
this power ! What broken hearts have been healed, what troubled
consciences have been quieted and set at peace and what blessed
and immortal hopes have been enkindled in minds shrouded in the
d rkness of despair 1 What death-beds have been robbed of their
terrors, and made peaceful, blessed, hopeful anj happy.
The Catholic priest is then, the minister and representative of
Jesus Christ amongst men. In the language of the Fathers, he is
another Jesus Chrisi, Sacerdos alter Christus. Like his divine
Master, he goes about doing good, reclaiming the sinner, reconcil-
ing neighbors, bringing peace into families torn by dissension, ins-
tructing the ignorant, visiting the sick, comforting the afflicted,
helping the poor, protecting the widow and the orphan ; in a word,
g g glory to God in the highest, and bringing peace and happi-
ness to men of good-will. The Catholic priest begins to care for
man at the cradle, follows him with his ministry through all the
phases and vicissitudes of Hfe, and does not abandon him even
when the last sod is put upon his grave. He follows him into the
eternal world by his blessed ministrations, praying and offering
sacrifice for his departed soul.
Faith, the sacraments, the sacrifice of the Mass, all the means o
salvation left us by our merciful Redeemer depend, in the ordinary
Providence of God, on the ministry of the priest, and cannot be
given us without him. He is the central figure of the kingdom of
grace established by Christ, the pillar of cloud by day, the pillar of
fire by night, that is to protect us against all enemies, and guide us
to the promised land.
There is no body of men known to history that have rendered
mankind such great and inappreciable services as the Catholic
priesthood. They redeemed the world from barbarism and conferred
upon it the blessings of Christian civilization. They freed the
slave and opened the doors of the dungeon to persons unjustly
detained. They redeemed millions of captives from Mahometan
prisons. In every centre of population they erected and supported
hospitals for the sick and suffering, and homes for the poor and
helpless. They invented a language for deaf mutes, and thus opened
33
m
; us
up God's glorious creation with all its beauties, wonders and mean-
ings, and all the fountains of knowledge and the saving truths of
religion to minds hitherto imprisoned behind the adamantine walls
of unbroken silence and deafness, and shrouded in more than
Egyptian dark. .ess. The great universities of the world that flamed
out like beacons on a dark and stormy sea, they founded and endowed.
Parish schools for children were established by them. To the
working classes they taught trades, as well as agriculture. They
taught the rich the duty of helping the poor, and they defended and
upheld human rights and liberties against the tyrant and oppressor.
The arts and sciences were brought to perfection by them. Printing,
sculpture, music, architecture, eloquence and poetry were, by them,
Christianized, perfected and immortalized. They have been the
greatest benefactors of mankind, the most virtuous, the most enlight-
ened, the most disinterested, the most useful body of men that
ever lived. To say that some of them fell from their high estate
and lofty ideas, and were stained with sin and vice, is to admit that
they were human, and liable to the influences of human passions and
the seductions of the flesh ; but the fallen were the few ; and the
great body, having on the panoply of God, led lives of purity, jus-
tice, and holiness, and by their great learning and splendid virtues
have made a track of light across the waste of centuries.
O, my brethren, let us respect, reverence and love the Catholic
priesthood. Let us be obedient to their teaching, and submissive
to their sacred authority. Let us inculcate on our children the
duty of respect and veneration towards them. Let us be indulgent
and charitable towards their failings, real or imaginary, for though
they are human, faults in them will look grave, which in other
men would be considered venial and of no account. Let us
protect and defend them against the talk of vindictiveness and the
shafts of calumny. Let us uphold them in their sublime but most
difficult mission, by our means, co-operation and influence. Let us
avail ourselves of their administrations and seek at their hands the
divine graces and helps confided to them, so that having followed
their guidance and made use of the means of salvation which it is
theirs to administer and enunciate we may one day reach and enjoy
that happiness for which we have been created and redeemed by
our most loving and most merciful God, to whom be honor, praise
and glory for ever and ever.
And, dearest brethren, if I have thought it pertinent to the occa-
c
34
sion that calls ii<; together to dwell on the dignity and divine charac-
ter of the Catholic priesthood, of its sublime duties and of the
incalculable benefits and immeasurable services it has conferred on
mankind, it is because we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of two vener-
able, devoted and holy priests who in fact and in public estimation
have during the long period of fifty years lived up to the ideal of the
Christian Priesthood ; who have been priests according to the heart
of Christ ; whose life has been a faithful pattern for the imitatioa of
their flock ; who, like their Divine Master, went about doing good ;
who were as another Christ amongst their people, feeding the hungry,
clothing the naked, sheltering friendless old age, protecting the
orphan, winning the I jarts of children to Christ, forming by Christian
education the youth of both sexes on the eternal principles of Catholic
ruth and morality, breaking the Bread ot Life to hungry souls,
preaching the Gospel of Christ to rich and poor alike, assisting like
angels of hope and comfort at the death bed, and by holy prayer and
sacraments preparing the immortal soul for the happiness and joys
of Heaven. For 39 long years Father Dowd has been doing the work
of Christ in your midst in this city. He landed here in 1848 to take
his part if required with the noble band of martyrs of charity who
sacrified their lives in bringing the consolations and graces of reli-
gion to the dying Irish immigrants. Ah ! who that witnessed them
can ever forget the heart-rending scenes that then took ace in
the fever sheds in the suburbs of this city ; like a terrible nightmare
they haunt the memory for life. Those were indeed days that tried
men's souls — those were the days that tried the charity and zeal of
the priests and religious of this city as fire tries the gold. Hundreds,
nay thousands, of our countrymen, driven from their native land by
wicked laws and a dreadfLii famine, arrived on our hospitalole shores ;
but the famine fever, like an ange. of destruction, pursued them
and smote them with pestilence and death. The fever sheds were
veritable Gethsemanes where hearts and souls were sorrowful unto
death ; where hundreds of men and women were writhing in their
awful agonies. Father Dowd and other heroic priests entered that
Gethsemane like comforting angels to bring peace and hope to the
agonizing and to prepare their souls for immortal joys. Some of
those priests passed from their Gethsemane to their Calvary, where
they laid down their lives in sacrifice for their fellow men, but Father
Dowd was spared for other days and other duties and services. His
priestly virtues, his great talents and his sound judgment were so
36
is,
by
conspicious as to attract the attention and to win the confidence and
esteem not alone of the faithful but even of the Episcopate of Eas-
tern and Western Canada, and in 1853 the Bishops unanimously
petitioned the Holy See to appoint him Coadjutor Bishoj) cif Toronto.
The Bulls of his appointment arrived, buf he resolutely declined the
proffered honor and dignity, preferring to labor to tiie last amongst
his faithful people. For twenty-e-.even long years lie has labored as
pastor amongst you, and God alone knows all the labors and
sacrifices he has undergone for the promotion of the temporal and
spiritual welfare of his flock. In season and out of season, in the
cold of winter and summer's heat, in the midst of anxieties and trials,
in absolute disinterestedness and in purity of purpose and loftiness
of aim, has he invariably toiled to the duties of a true and faithful
shepherd. St. Patrick's school, St. Bridget's refuge, St. Patrick's
Orphan Asylum, are some of the monuments of his holy zeal. And
in this connection may it not be said of him that " his bones when
he has run his course and sleeps in blessings will have a tomb of
orphans' tears wept on them."
Father Toupin has been for about twenty years laboring amongst
the Irish Catholics of this great city. Seventeen years of his priestly
life had been previously spe l in the work of Christian education
in Montreal College. It is impossible to estimate the merit of his
work in this capacity. " What is greater," asks St. John Chrysos-
tom, " than to train the mind and to form the character and mould
the morals of youth ! More excellent certainly than the greatest
painter, than the most finished sculptor and than all others of this
sort, do I esteem him who knows how to form the minds of youth
and to mould them into shapes of beauty." How true are these
words of the great saint and orator. For, when the greatest painting
that ever lived by the breath of genius shall be covered with the
mildew of neglect or destroyed by all-consuming time, and when the
statues of an Apelles or a Michael Angelo shall have melted from
marble into dust; the immortal mind, quickened into intellectual
life by the wand of genius and moulded to virtue and holiness by
the pious and holy priest, will live on forever a thing of immortal
beauty and imperishable joy, a blessing to earth and a sister to the
angels of heaven. You know better than I can tell you the qualities
that characterize and enrich Father Toupin as a man and a priest.
His heart is as tender as a child's. He is kind and charitable
almost to excess, never refusing to render a service, no matter at
36
what inconvenience or sacrifice to himself. His hand is ever open
to relieve distress. In his community he is a model, in his public
ministry he is the holy and devoted priest, with him duty is supreme
— sa/tis aiiimarum suprevia lex — nighl and day he has been ever
ready at the call of duty, — with him labor is a necessity and the
greatest fatigues in the service of his Divine Master are sweeter and
more welcome than refreshing springs to the traveller in the desert.
St, Augustine's motto is true of him " Quando amatur non laboraiur
ant si laboratitr labor amatur."' And so closely has he identified
himself with his Irish people, with their traditions, feelings and hopes
that he is literally " more Irish than the Irish themselves."
May these two devoted and holy priests be spared to labor yet
for many years amongst you, to give God honor and glory, to succcur
and to save immortal souls, to enrich the Church by their virtues
and their merits and to exhibit in their honored lives the sublime
dignity, the exalted holiness and the Christ-like charity and self-
sacrifice that are the grand characteristics and the inalienable
properties of the royal priesthood of the Catholic Church.
THE BANQUET.
The Mass was then continued and immediately after it was
concluded, the Archbishops, Bishops and a number of Clergy,
including the Rev. Fathers Dowd and Toupin and the visitors,
proceeded to the Seminary of St. Sulpice at Notre Dame, where a
Grand Banquet was held. There was a large number of Priests
present and the Rev. gentlemen, Fathers Dowd and Toupin, were
heartily congratulated on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary
of their ordination. His Grace Archbishop Tache, of St. Boniface,
who was, owing to a slight illness, unable to attend the ceremony
at St. Patrick's was present at the dinner. The party then returned
to St. Patrick's at 3 o'clock, and at 3.30 entered the Church, which
was crowded with the faithful of the parish and others, among
whom were noticed some of the most prominent citizens.
THE AFTERNOON MEETING.
T the Morning Service the Rev. Father Quinlivan, who acted
master of ceremonies, announced that, in the afternoon at half
past three, a meeting would be held in the Church at which Fathers
Dowd and Toupin would receive the twelve congratulatory addresses
to be presented to them. The Blessed Sacrament was removed from
the Church and a platform was erected near the centre of the
aisle, from which the addresses were delivered. It was conse
a't
quently more a secular than a religious service. Long before the
hour appointed every seat in the Church was occupied ; and among
the congregation were noticed several leading Protestant citizens.
The Hon. J. S. D. Thompson, minister of justice, accompanied by
Mr. J. J. Curran, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. Edward Murphy, entered the
Church about 3 o'clock, and were conducted to the seats of honor,
immediately behind the platform. In front sat the Rev. Father
Dowd and Rev. Father Toupin. Among those in the special chairs
were Aid. Wilson, acting mayor, Aid. Grenier, Aid. Donovan, Aid.
White, Aid. Laurent, Aid. Dubuc, Dr. Kingston, Rabbi Marks,
Rabbi de Sola, Aid. P. Kennedy, Aid. Cunningham, Mr. Paradis,
chief of police, Mr. Glackmeyer, city clerk, Mr. Owen McGarvey,
Mr. Dennis Barry, president St. Patrick's Society, Mr. S. Davis and
a number of other gentlemen. Prof Fowler played a selec'.ion of airs
on the organ, among which " St. Patrick's Day " and " Vive la
Canadienne " were conspicuous, out of compliment to the nationality
of the two clergymen who celebrated their golden jubilee. It is
needless to say that the entire congregation of St. Patrick's Church
was present. Father Quinlivan announced that decorum in the
Church required that there should be no applause, and the order
was religiously obeyed although occasionally, when tlie virtues of
the two worthy fathers were extolled, there was a temptation for a
demonstrative expression of love and veneration. The scene was
not the less impressive because of its solemnity. Every seat in the
Church was occupied, and there was uncomfortable standing room
for the hundreds who thronged the aisles and passages. The
honorary ushers of the occasion, Messrs. B. Tansey, Jas. J. Costigan,
John Callaghan, P. Doyle, A. Brogan, J. H. Kelly, Jas. Ticrney
and Ed. Ryan, were active in finding seats for strangers.
At 3.30 Father Dowd and Father Toupin entered the Church from
the Sacristy, followed by fifty clergymen. The Archbishops of
Montreal and Toronto, and Bishops Walsh and Dowling bringing
up the rear of the procession. The congregation rose from their
seats as a token of respect when the two venerable gentlemen
appeared.
Father Quinlivan then called on the
HON J. S. D. THOMPSON,
Minister of Justice, representing the Dominion Government, to
pay his tribute of respect.
The Minister of Justice in his address said: By the kind arrange-
38
I
If
if I
I
i
merit which has been made this afternoon, it is my privilege to
address the first words of congratulation to the venerable priests
in whose honor this assemblage has taken place. As one connected
with the administration of public affairs in this country, I esteem it
a very great honor and a very great privilege to be able to congra-
tulate Father Dowd and Father Toupin upon this glorious anniver-
sary. I feel it an honor to be permitted thus to congratulate them,
because in doing so I am doing honor to those whom Almighty God
has already highly honored. They are here among you to-day
endowed with the choicest gifts and the choicest blessings that heaven
can bestow on them, and above all the two worthy Fathers have
been granted the privilege "^o live to a time of life when they can
see the reward of the fruition of many years of toil among the people
of this great city. It is not to be wondered at that the people of
Montreal have joined with the greatest unanimity in this celebration ;
it is not to be wondered at that the people of this great parish of St.
Patrick's rejoice to the core of their hearts at the occurrence of this
jubilee. Since the ministry of those venerable priests commenced
among you a generation has grown from childhood to manhood and
womanhood. You have not only in all the vicissitudes of life expe-
rienced their kindly charity and their wise counsels, but it has been
your good fortune to have seen and to have admired with others
outside of Montreal those institutions which their charity and their
zeal have founded in the community. My duty this afternoon is
not merely to pay a personal tribute of humble respect to the two
great priests whom we have met to honor. As one connected with
the public affairs of the country, I am forcibly reminded that I am
bound to do honor not only to the great priest, but to the great
patriot as well. You in Montreal have been more familiarly ac-
quainted with Father Dowd as a priest. Permit me to say, as one
coming from a distant part of Canada, that we have known Father
Dowd as a priest whose patriotism was too large for any one parish
and too wide for any city. We have known him as a patriot, who,
while holding the warmest love for his fatherland and the warmest
love for the country in which he has spent so many long years, has
never been afraid to speak his opinion on any public occasion
demanding such expression — never afraid to speak the truth, and to
speak it in trumpet ]tones which sounded from one end of the
country to the other. I am, therefore, not only paying my tribute
of respect to the illustrious priests this afternoon, but to the great
patriots as well. On behalf of those from whom I have come, on
39
behalf of the people of a distant portion of this Dominion, I have
to say that it is our earnest hope that those venerable priests may
be spared for many years of useful labor and successful work among
you. It is my duty also to say here, as I expressed to Father
Dowd this morning, and as I have been permitted to speak as one
connected with the Federal Government, that I am charged with the
message from the first Minister of the Dominion, that had his duties
HI Parliament permitted him lie would have had great pleasure in
coming here to honor his old friend— Father Dowd. I make those
offerings of respect and congratulation, not as a politician, not as
a man belonging to a party, but as a Catholic, and as a citizen to
those deserving of all honor from those who love their religion and
their country.
THE MUNICIPAL ADDRESSES.
TO REV. FATHER DOWD.
Aid. Wilson, acting mayor, read the following address on behalf
of the City Council :—
Reverend Sir,— It is with feelings of the utmost pleasure that we
approach you to-day as bearers of a resolution unanimously passed
by the Aldermen of Montreal, in council assembled, congratulating
you on the fiftieth anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood,
and in hearty appreciation of your long and faithful services to the
cause of religion and morality. As the highest and most beneficent
qualities of citizenship are involved in a pastorate such as yours,
the City Council, speaking in the name of the Citizens of Montreal,'
without distinction of race, creed or class, could not let this
opportunity elapse without paying a deserved tribute to the
admirable manner in which you discharged these functions and the
good that has flowed therefrom.
In the hope that you may long enjoy continuous health and strength
to prosecute the ennobling work in which you are still engaged.
We remain, Rev. Sir,
Yours, etc.,
J. J. C. ABBOTT, Mayor,
ALD. WHITE,
ALD. STEVENSON,
ALD DONOVAN,
ALD. GRENIER,
t (As Committee),
CHAS. GLACKMEYER,
City Clerk,
40
Mr. Oi,ACKMrYER, City Clerk, read a slmibr address in French
to Father Toupin which will be found on other page.
The following telegram was also read from the Mayor : —
Ottawa, May i8, 1887.
Senate determines to sit Friday and Council will consequently sit
to-morrow. With the greatest regret, therefore, I am obliged to
forego the pleasure of presenting testimonial to the Rev. Fathers
Dowd and Toupin. Pray present my felicitati . to tliem and express
my extreme disappointment at being unable to attend.
J. J. C. ABBOTT.
THE CONGREGATION'S ADDRES .
Mr. Edward Murphy read the following address from the con-
gregation : —
Rev. and Dear Father Dowd, — A half century ago you solemnly
devoted yourself to the service of God, and were ordained a priest
of His Holy Church.
The congregation of St. Patrick's Church of Montreal, for whom
you have labored incessantly during four-fifths of that long period,
approach you to-day with deep veneration and affection to offer you
their sincere congratulation on your attainment of the fiftieth anni-
versary of your priesthood, and the accomplishment of fifty years
of good, wise and noble deeds for the glory of God and the benefit
of your people.
Forty years ago you entered the venerable and learned order of St.
Sulpice — an order which has rendered such incalculable services to
the cause of religion in Canada, and has given to the Irish of Mont-
real such devoted pastors as Fathers Richards, Phelan, Morgan,
Connolly, O'Brien, Bently and Bakewell, and others who have died
in their service, and an order to which they are still indebted for
those who now labor so zealously in their behalf.
The daily and nightly performance of your duties as a priest, to
which you devoted yourself with all the generous self denial of your
holy orJ.er, making light of fatigue and hardship, cheerfully bearing
trials, disregarding danger from contagion or exposure and com-
bating obstacles in the way, have secured to you the confidence,
esteem and affection of your people.
The visible monuments of your labors are numerous : —
The Orphan children of Irish parentage first received (in 1849)
your parental care, and the St. Patrick's Orphan asylum, from a
41
modest beginning, gradually assumed its present proportions, and its
continued support has been the object of your constant solicitude.
The old and infirm were the next to receive your fostering care,
and the inmates of St. Bridget's Home have daily invoked the bless-
ing of God upon their kind and thoughtful protector.
The homeless by night were not left by you to wander and un-
cared for ; and St. Bridget's Refuge for destitute poor has, for the
past twenty-three years, opened its portals and afforded shelter and
food to i)ersons of all creeds and nationalities.
It was long felt that schools more in harmony with the wants of
the people should be provided, and the St. Patrick's School for Girls,
established by you, has fully met that requirement.
While providing ample accommodation for others, you neglected,
too long neglected — your own comfort and that of your co-laborers.
The parochial residence was *otally inadequate to house you
comfortably. At length you have been compelled to give attention
to yourselves. The Presbytery, now being built, will afford you
better — although still modest — accommodation.
When it was judged necessary to divide the old parish of Notre
Dame into several, you. Reverend and dear Sir, ever watchful over
the intereots of your flock, obtained conditions which have smoothed
the difficulties pertaining to that division.
Twice during your ministrations at St. Patrick's you have given
unusual evidence not only of humility but of deep attachment to
your people.
Your unaffected piety, ripe learning, mature judgment, great
administrative ability and untiring zeal and devotion, long ago,
marked you as qualified for the arduous and responsible function of
Bishop ; but the Coadjutorship of Toronto, to which His Holiness
named you, had to be otherwise filled.
At a later period, designated for the bishopric of the diocese of
Kingston, you again declined the dignity which would involve sepa-
ration from your people.
To stimulate the ardor and zeal of your flock, you organized a
^.ilgrimage to the centre of Catholicity, and to Lourdes, to which
the eyes of the de^oui have for many years been turned.
It was accomplished, but not without misadventure ; and the
thoughts of those remaining behind were strained in your direction
when the intelligence of possible disaster reached Canada. The
citizens as a whole, and your own congregation especially, uUcrcd
42
'if
1r5-
II
up prayers for your safe return, and when news of your safety came
later, the joy expressed was general.
Who among your ])eople has not had, on questions of difliculty,
the advantage of your advice, and who has not recognized — though,
perhaps, not at the moment — that the advice was in accordance
with the unchangeable i)rinciples of right and justice.
Your wise counsel and guidance on ([ucstions for the general good
have entitled you to public gratitude, and the Citizens of Montreal,
by the mouth of their civic representatives, have embodied it in
their address.
The maintenance of the institutions you have founded has, in
great measure, ceased to give anxiety ; the Church, however, in
which you have so long officiated, and to which your congregation
are so strongly attached, has been recently transferred to them —
from tenants they have beeome proprietors — and the amount of the
obligation incurred is large, and can only be met gradually. But
your past wisdom, energy and devotion are a guarantee of future
accomplishment, aided by that hearty co-operation on the part of
the congregation which you have a right to expect.
Beloved Pastor, desirous of expressing in tangible form the respect,
veneration and affection which they entertain for you, your congre-
gation beg your acceptance of thn accompanying purse, suscribed
for the purpose of lessening the debt which you have assumed on
the Church, trr'-ting to use your own words, that " God will open
new sources of revenue by inspiring many to remember the Church
of their dear apostle when making their last will and preparing for
eternity" ; and they fervently hope that the Almighty may be pleased
to prolong your life for the interest of religion and for the good of
society.
On behalf of St. Patrick's congregation.
(Signed,) EDWARD MURPHY, C/iairman.
W. J. O'HARA, Secretary.
A HANDSOME OFFERING.
Mr. Murphy then presented to the Rev. Father Dov;d a cheque
for $£7,206.21 as an offering from the congregation to pay off the
debt on the Chur h.
TO FATHER TOUPIN.
Dr. Kingston then read the address of the congregaiion to Father
Toupin. Dr. Kingston explained that it was intended to read the
48
address in French, but at the request of the rev. gentleman him-
self he would read it in English.
TO THE KEV. FATHER TOUPIN.
%^ERMrr the Congregation of St. Patrick's to t'X])ress to you
■^BtT their joy at your attaining the fiftieth year of Priesthood, and at
the same time, their deep gratitude at your having devoted so large
a portion of that period to their service.
It is now u])wards of thirty-three years since you commenced
your ministration amongst them ; and the links of affection which
those years of devotion on your inxrt have thrown around them are
irrefragable, and willingly bind them to you by the strongest and
most enduring ties.
The sphere of yoiu lal)ors has, in some respects, been dilTerent
from that of the Chief Pastor, whose Jubilee we celebrate to-day with
your own. Ye^ your mission suffers nought by comparison. Like
the Cure d'Ars, your functions have been those of the quiet, gentle,
modest, retiring Priest, devoting himself with ever undisturbed affa-
bility, and with ever unalloyed kindliness of heart to the spiritual
wants of the sick, and with a zeal which is rarely paralleled, and
which it would be impossible to surpass.
Your work at St. Patrick's involved, almost of necessity, the par-
tial sacrifice of your own beautiful language, in which you were
admittedly a master. The members of the Congregation have always
felt, and many times expressed, their appreciation of that generosity
on your part.
Placed by fortune beyond the possibility of want or the necessity
of labor, you have devoted all — all to the relief of the necessities of
the poor and distressed — and, with such absence of ostentation that
no one beyond the recipient, and often not even the recipient, could
suspect whence came the generous relief.
But if you have been generous with your wealth you have been
prodigal of what is more than wealth — ease, comfort, necessary
rest. At all hours of the day you were ever at duty, or the possi-
bility of duty. From baptismal font, receiving the new born into
the Christian fold ; to the sick, encouraging the sufferer, or smoothing
the pillow of death.
Your alacrity, especially in responding to the night summons, has
led to a suspicion in the minds of many, that, like a true soldiei
when in battle, you were ever ready,. booted and helmeted for the
mw
44
march. How many here can bear testimony that the night bell
was answered by Father Toupin in person, who, cap in hand, and
with a mysterious velvet bag under his arm, was prepared to accom-
pany the messenger whithersoever he would. Yet, notwithstanding
the frequent disturbance of sleep, no sign of impatience, no evidence
of irritation or annoyance was ever noticeable ; no word of reproof,
for being callec' too early or too needlessly late was heard. The
summons to the confessional at hours the most inconvenient was
invariably quickly obeyed; and so long as penitent remained in its
vicinity, so long were you ready to listen, to admonish, to encour-
age, or to reprove.
Accept, Soggarih Aroon, their love for the love you have borne
them ; accept their gratitude for your labors in their behalf ; and
accept their ferveiit prayers for the prolongation of a life which has
been devoted exclusively to the service of God and to the spiritual
wants of His peoph.
TO REVEREND FATHER DOWD
Revered and Honored Father,
fij^ ONTHS ago, playful fancy, ever ready to tell tales of the
^- future, began to paint us a picture. Earnestly we watched
its progress, eagerly waited for the last stroke when suddenly a brib
liant glow bathed it in a flood of lightness. Your presence, Reverend
Father, !ias cast this roseate hue, and to-day our fancy's picture is
complete.
Need we ask your kind forbearance while to your respect and
esteem, we join our deep gratitude and filial love, to give honor to
whom honor is due.
Yes, dearly beloved Father, on this joyous day, that marks with
golden radiance fifty years of labor, devotedness and self-sacrifice,
we the least of your flock hasten to twine a chapelet of love and
reverence. Delicious dreamlike harmony has wafted our thanks in
entrancing strains ; each tiny rose bud has blushed our gratitude,
each floweret has breathed forth sweet fragrance in veneration of
the noble life offered at religious shrine. And yet what modesty 1
what humility ! Who may sing the praise of a holy priest ? Angels,
methinks, must stand abashed as are recorded in the book of life the
souls saved by his prayers. His sacred hand holds the keys of
God's priceless treasures. He unlocks the portals and bids the
tender babe enter Christ's fold. He raises his hand, and at his sign
45
the dispairing sinner, crushed by the weight of guilt, is lifted up and
led on to God. A word whispered by a priest and in his hand is his
Creator. God's holy temole, which owes its beauty to his charity
and zeal, points to the home where are recompensed labor and devo-
tion in God's cause. Such are the functions and work of an ordinary
priest. But has not your labor far surpassed all this ? Tlie three
houses which surround the Church and are at present in such a flour-
ishing condition, do they not owe their origin, advancement and
success to your zealous and untiring efforts. The oldest of these,
which we inhabit, and wliich has given shelter to so many thousands
of children for the past (37) thirty-seven years is a standing proof
of your noble, generous and tender sentiments for the cause of poor
suffering humanity. Yes, you have indeed proved a father to the
orphan, a staff to the aged and a powerful support to Christian edu-
cation.
These, O Reverend Father! are monuments which will perpetuate
your name in the realms of our Heavenly King, not such as prove
their worth by earthly measurement. Oh ! no, the paltry bauble
ambition struggles to snatch from fame is worthless to you, who seek
your reward in God alone.
Our fervent prayer is that the remaining years of your precious
life may flow sweetly and peacefully ; may Angel hands remove the
stones that overlie life's pathway ; may the thornless roses ever
bloom, and may that Master whom you have served so loyally
bestow upon you the reward the faithful servant. What ^lory
awaits you ! What a haven of rest will be yours within the iolds of
the Sacred Heart where no more storms will threaten that bark you
guide so well, but where anchored safely you will celebrate an eter-
nal Jubilee.
St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum.
I
TO THE REVEREND FATHER DOWD.
On thb occasion of his Goldbn Jubilbs.
Reverknd and dear Father Dowd,
'O the many and eloquent tongues that have everywhere been
proclaiming your Golden Jubilee, the poor old people of St.
Bridget's Homo beg leave to join their humble voices, and tell
you how proud we all feel on this grand occasion, which has been
the means of bringing to light your Stirling worth and your well
1
46
deserved popularity among all classes and creeds of the City of
Montreal. We may be the last to tell you so, but rest assured,
Reverend Father, that we are not the least sincere in our expres-
sions of love and admiration for one who has been everything to
us, when houseless and friendless we were left alone in the cold
streets of this large city to meet the sad fate that must have been
ours, had it not been for the unbounded charity of your kind Irish
heart.
Apart from your numerous and brilliant flock, the inmates of this
noble Institution have ever considered themselves as belonging to
your own private family. Others may glory in the fact of having
you as a spiritual father, but to us alone has been given, in spite of
our misfortune, the privilege of belonging to you, body and soul.
When naked you have clothed us, when hungry you fed us, when
homeless your fatherly hand raised this blessed roof over our heads.
What more could you do ?
Yes, beloved Father, let us assure you on this solemn day, that
your Oiphan's Asylum, your St. Bridget's Home and Refuge shall
form the three brightest gems in the crown which has been long ago
prepared for you in heaven.
Such is the earnest wish and such shall ever be the daily prayer of
The Poor Old People of St. Bridget's Home.
li
AU REVEREND JOSEPH TOUPIN, SS. DE L'EGLISE ST.
PATRICE.
Reverend Monsieur,
^I'KS'V avec les sentiments d'un plaisir bien r^el que nous venons
aujourd'hui auprds de vous comme porteurs d'une resolution
unanimement adoptee par les echevins de la Cite de Montreal en
Conseil, vous offrant leur felicitations a I'occasion du cinquantieme
anniv" aire de votre ordination comme prfitre, et le..r vive appre-
ciations de vos services si longs et si fideles dans la sainte cause de
la Religion et de la Morale.
Les qualites les plus rares et les plus bienveillantes du citoyen se
trouvant combinees dans I'exercise d'un minist^re tel que le votre, le
Conseil de la Cite se fixisant I'organe de tons les citoyens de Montreal,
sans distinction de race, de croyance ou de position, ne pouvait pas
laisser passer cette occasion sans rendre un tribut bien merite a la
maniere admirable dont vous avez rempli vos importantes functions,
et a tout le bien qui en '^.st d6coul6.
47
Avec I'espoir que bien longtemps encore, vous continuerez de
jouir d'une sante robuste, et des forces qu'il vous faut dans la pour-
suite des travaux qui font partie du ministere que vous exercez.
Nous somnies, Reverend Monsieur,
Vos tout devoues,
J. J. C. ABBOTT, Mayor,
J. GRENIER,
RICHARD WHITE,
P. DONOVAN,
A. A. STEVENSON,
ComitL
CHS. GLACKMEYER,
Greffier de la Citi.
Montr<§al, le 19 Mai 1887.
ST. Patrick's society.
Mr. Dennis Barry then read the following address to Father
Dowd from St. Patrick's Society : —
Reverend and dear Father Dowd,— The St. Patrick's Society
of Montreal, of which you are the respected and beloved chaplain,
desire to approach you on this, the fiftieth anniversary of your
ordination to the priesthood, to join its voice with that of the other
members of your flock in joyous felicitations on this happy occasion.
I'he membership of St. Patrick's Society, embracing, as it does, Irish
Catholics from all parts of the city and district of Montreal, entitles
it to e.xpress the sentiments of all, including those who, though now
priests, were fostering parents of that which Irishmen in this city
and district feel jusdy so proud. You, as Parish Priest, have
naturally been always in the van, and for the fruits of your ministry
we have only to look around and see.
Dear Father, we beg you will accept the society's mite towards the
general offering which is being made to you, knowing that your
fatherly heart will understand the feelings of the members are not
measured by the smallness of the amount ; but that the many
demands on the funds in the sacred cause of charity preclude them
from making it commensurate with their desire and your worth.
In conclusion, the St. Patrick's Society prays that Almighty God
may spare you for many years yet to watch over the interests of your
congregation, and to witness the full fruition of your desires and
< i
48
aspirations for the well being and success of the many institutions
which you founded for the education of youth and for the protection
of ^he infirm, the orphan and the homeless.
On behalf of the St. Patrick's Society.
D. BARRY, President.
S. CROSS, Secretary.
THE ST. Patrick's society to the rev. father toupin.
Rev. and dear Father Toupin, — The St. Patrick's Society of
Montreal desires to join with the many who offer their congra-
tulations to you this day on having attained the fiftieth anniversary
of your wedding to Holy Mother Church and the service of the
Sanctuary.
It would be superfluous to descant on the many sacrifices you
have made in those long years of your ministry. They are known,
and will be fondly remembered, by those to whom you have devoted
your life \ for gratitude is the characteristic of the Irish heart, and
the Soggarth Aroon is, if possible, more dear to them from the fact
that he, in your person, has sundered the ties of kindred and race
to labor for them in their hour of need.
To those greetings the Society adds a prayer : That those whom
God has placed in your care may, for many years yet, have the benefit
of that charity for them which is a part of your existence, your
reward for which can only be fully known on that day when all
secrets shall be revealed.
On behalf of the St. Patrick's Society,
D. BARRY, President.
S. CROSS, Secretary.
The St. Patrick's Society presented a cheque for $ioo.
THE temperance SOCIETY.
Mr. Patrick Doyle read the following address from St. Patrick's
T. A. & B. Society:—
Reverend and dear Father Dowd, — Amidst the general rejoic-
ings on the occasion of your golden jubilee as a priest of the Church,
permit your affectionate and grateful children of St. Patrick's Total
Abstinence and Benefit Society to approach you with our feeble
words of thanks and our humble testimonial of appreciation. Nearly
forty of the fifty years of your priesthood have been devoted to the
St. Patrick's congregation; yet whilst laboring for the benefit of all,
and thus enhancing so eminently the glory of the distinguished
49
order of St. Sulpice, to which you have the privilege of belonging,
you have found time to devote to the interest of the temperance
cause in special connection with our society, of which you were once
the revered and beloved president.
Your solicitude has ever been evinced in our behalf by the judi-
cious selection you have invariably made of worthy and devoted
clergymen for the position of our chief offic ., but in a marked
degree you have given an impetus to our efficiency and a wider
scope to our usefulness by a wise and comprehensive revision of
our constitution and by-laws, enabling us to do good, not only as
a temperance but as a benefit association, and placing both our
branches on a firm and durable basis.
Out of your zeal and f sight originated the constitution of the
Irish Catholic Temperance Convention, embracing the various total
abstinence organizations of the Irish parishes of Montreal and its
vicinity, the extent and value of whose labors may be seen in the
daily increasing strength of the principles we profess, whose adoption
will ensure results so beneficial, morally and materially, to our
people.
Under your paternal guidance. Divine Providence has deigned to
bless our efforts, whilst comfort, as well as peace and harmony, have
been made to reign io many a home through the adherence of our
members to the rules of our association. We, as a body, without
impairing our financial resources, are enabled to-day to request your
acceptance of a small token of our grateful appreciation, in addition
to the other gifts that are now being pressed upon you, and which,
with that self sacrifice that has characterized your long, arduous and
bencficient pastorate, you intend to apply, not to your own wants,
but to the liquidation of the debt now weighing so heavily on this
edifice, bearing the name of the apostle of Ireland — the glorious St.
Patrick — where we hope our children, and their childrens' children
may continue to worship, living, we trust, in the practice of the
virtues of which your life has been so exalted an example.
God, in His goodness, has spared you. Reverend Sir, to see this
happy day ; not so long ago the hearts of your children were wrung
in anguish when they witnessed you prostrated on a bed of sickness
which threatened a lasting separation on this earth.
Now, thanks to Divine Providence, we behold you once more
restored to health and vigor, and our earnest and constant prayer
50
will be that you may long be spared, not only to our society, but to
the congregation of St. Patrick's, the church of Gotland the advance-
ment of the interests of our country.
Signed on behalf of the society,
EDWARD MURPHY, President.
P. DOYLE, Vice-President,
JAS J. COSTIGAN, Secretary,
The Temperance Society also presented a check to Father Dowd
for $500.00.
OTHER ADDRESSES.
Father Quinlivan read the following address on behalf of the
Ladies of Charity, signed by Mrs. Edward Murphy and Miss Emily
H. Murphy. A check for $1,000 was handed in. Mrs. Murphy
also presented two beautiful bouquets to the Rev. Father.
THE LADIES OF CHARITY.
Address of the Ladies of Charity of St. Patrick's Congregation, and
their friends, to the Rev. Father Dowd, on the occasion of his
Golden Jubilee Celebration : —
Reverend and Beloved Father Dowd, — The Ladies of Charity
of St. Patrick's Congregation, in their own name, and in the name
of their friends, join your numerous children in congratulating you
on this blessed and joyous occasion, the Sacerdotal Jubilee of your
ordination, a glorious epoch, reached only by a privileged few.
The holy inspiration of providing a happy asylum for our little
brphans, a comfortable home for our aged and infirm, has grown
under your fatherly care and guidance beyond human expectations ;
like the grain of mustard seed spoken of in the Gospel, " they have
indeed multiplied a hundred fold. " The bazaars (38 in number),
the principal support of these institutions, held yearly (with only
one interruption) have had wonderful success, which is due, in no
small measure, to the fostering aire and heartwarm encouragement
of our venerable and dear pastor. These bazaa: >, like many other
good works, sprang from small beginnings ; we find in the records
of the society that the first one took place in 1849, when the
modest sum of $520 was realized, — the nett proceeds of the last,
that of 1886, amounted to $4,740 — forming up to the present the
aggregate of $139,840.
May God grant you many long years to continue your good works,
to watch over these institutions and to guide your loving flock.
51
The many fervent wishes brecathed for you to-day. dear pa'^tor,
ascending, lilce incense, to the throne of the Most High, form, as it
were, a chain, the links of wliich are composed of the prayers, the
grateful tears and sighs of the widows and orphans and many others
in affliction whom you have comforted and strengthened by kind
words and wise counsels.
'i'he sweet words, "Snggarth Aroon," have ever been dear to tlie
Irish heart, but never with more reason than when we look back,
through the long vista of years, and think of the life of self-sacrifice
and untiring zeal manifested towards us by you, our devoted Parish
Priest. In conclusion, allow us to to thank you for the fatherly in-
terest you have always taken in the works of the Ladies of Charity>
and accept this offering towards your last great undertaking, the
liquidation of the debt of St. Patrick's Church.
j\IARL\ G. MURPHY, President,
EMILY MURPHY, Secretary.
Montreal, May 19th, 1887.
Father James Callaghan read the address from the Confraternity
of the Living Rosary.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE HOLY ROSARY.
We, the members of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary
of the blessed Virgin, rejoice on this day. It recalls to our
minds the epoch of the introduction of this salrtary devotion into
our English-speakin.L; Catholic congregation more than forty years
ago through your pious instrumentality. For that length of time
you have watched over the interests of our Sodality with a fervor
which the fatigue of your ministry or the multiplicity of your enter-
prises of charity could neither relax nor diminish. You were our
first director and you have always held out to u a protecting hand.
The thousands of familiar instructions which you delivered with such
paternal unction had a telling effect, and many a broken hearted
sinner returned to the sweet embraces of God's friendsliip through
the fervent and eloquent appeals which you addressed to Our Lady
of the Rosary. When within the last few years Pope Leo the Thir-
teenth called upon His children to storm Heaven with the powerful
weapon of the " Hail Mary," in the recitation of the Beads, your
energetic and decisive co-operation admitted of no bounds. Your
xhortations ceased only when all your flock, young and old, rich
-1?^
52
and poor, lettered and unlettered, joined their voices in one common
and general invocation to Mary Immaculate. The month of October,
each year, is one of intense consolation in our parish. The thirty
one days are spent within the precincts of our church in honoring,
by special evening exercises, the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.
Often times we have been encouraged, in giving our small monthly
fees, to hear you say, with a smile of delight, that our little contri-
butions though individually insignificant in appearance, have collec-
tively bequeathed in great part to the St. Patrick s Church the vest-
ments and sacred vessels used in the celebration of the most august
sacrifice of the Mass.
Frequently you have spoken to us about the importance of being
faithful to the devotion and meetings of the Sodality to which we
belong.
Nothing inspires you with a more sensible and palpable love of
the rosary than the progress which the Holy Catholic Church is
making in the scale of human aggrandizement. Some would fain
attribut;; the increasing preponderance of Leo the XHI. to a kind
of ungovernable fatality, or to the natural course of events, without
any special concurrence of supernatural agencies; but your piety^
founded upon your affection for Our Lady of the Rosary and upon
the marvellous results obtained in the days of St. Dominic and in
other trying times of the Church's history, discovers in the pleasing
and agreeable form of prayer of the Rosary the secret explanation
of this strange phenomenon.
Thanks, then, reverend and dear Father, for your kindness in our
regard, and receive, if you please, this token of our appreciation of
your eminent qualities.
Sodality of the Rosary.
Father Martin Callaghan read the address from the Children of
Mary.
THE CHILDREN OF MARY.
Rev. and dear Father: — At last it has arrived, the long-
expected and long-wished-forday. We, the children of Mary, gather
around your venerable person and hasten to lay at your feet the
homage of our sincerest congratulations and the threefold tribute of
our reverence, gratitude and devoted affections.
Since the establishment o*" our association, twenty-three years ago,
you, our Reverend Father and deeply cherished friend, have ever
58
of
been our guiding star, guarding and safely directing our frail bark
on the perilous sea of life. The viscissitudes incidental to time have
severed and scattered our members far and near. Many have been
harvested into the celestial granary and are, let us hope, enjoying
the reward of their good works ; others have yielded to the attrac-
tions of divine grace and anchored in the harbor of the religious
state, where peace and security reign with undisputed sway. Anx-
iously did we anticipate this day, and most earnestly did we sup-
plicate the Throne of Mercy when, during your pilgrimage to the
Chair of Peter, and during your protracted illness, the piiantom of
doubt kept us hovering between hope and fear. But our prayers
pierced the clouds, and the ever faithful Sogarth, whose locks have
been silvered, and whose steps have grown feeble whilst toiling in
the vineyard of Our Lord seems to regain something of his former
strength and buoyancy of spirits, as he lends an ear to the festive
lays which his loving children are rehearsing on all sides upon this
day of days, which it is granted only to the privileged few to
behold. Ah, yes, favored children of St. Patrick ! well may )'ou
sing your joyous song. Make these walls reverberate with
strains of your most enchanting melodies. Let the tones of the
organ break in the most soul-stirring appeals ; still in our midst
is our father, our pastor and our friend. Half a century ago, on a
bright and glorious May morning, when nature was arrayed in its
loveliest garb and all creation seemed aglow with beauty, he vowed
an everlasting farewell to the world with all its prospects, with all
its riches, pleasures and honors, and in his dear native land, in the
island sanctified by the prayers and tears of St. Patrick, he pledged
himself solemnly to follow closely in the footsteps of the Divine
Master. Did he regret his engagem*^*" 3 ? No, never ; annually he
renews his clerical promises at the fc '•f the altar on the feast of
the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, and with what rapturous
delight must noi the angels of heaven have listened as they heard
him repeat once more, in this his golden jubilee festival. " The Lord
is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup ; it is Thou that
wilt restore my inheritance to me." But why seek in language
to find utterance for the sentiments which overflow our hearts ?
Must we deprive silence of its golden eloquence ? But one word
more — one fervent prayer. Reverend and dearly beloved Father :
You have a great and all-absorbing wish at heart ; may you be
spared to see this realized, and then, O Blessed Mother of Godj
'IT"
.
1!
54
thou w?o^e devout client he has ever been, into whose care
and tender solicitude he has so often commended his dear and
grateful children, from thy starry throne gaze upon him, guide his
footsteps, till, safe in the haven of eternal rest, thou shall deck his
brow with the laurels of victory.
Master McKenna then read the address from the Children of the
Catechism. At the conclusion of the address the most interesting
scene of the jubilee was witnessed. A number of little girls, beau-
tifully dressed, aj)proached Father Dowd and presented him with
$500 in gold. Each child held a silver plate on which were the
gold pieces.
I
•
CHILDREN OF THE CATECHISM.
Reverend Father, — I have come to represent and to speak in
the name of all the boys and girls who attend the Sunday Cate-
chism of this parish. It would indeed look strange if we let this
occasion pass by unnoticed — if we were to be left in the shade and
doomtu to remain silent. We readily acknowledge that we are not
perfection, and may prcve at times a trifle troublesome, but still we
claim to be your children, and should avail ourselves of this oppor-
tunity publicly to express the manifold sentiments with which we
have been always animated in your regard, and wMch we realize
more vividly upon this thrice blessed day. Once you saw the days
through which we are passing. Education was vested with charms
which you could not resist and did not fail to appreciate. Thanks
to the most favorable of home influences, religion experienced no
difficulty in stamping upon your youthful mind and heart an impress
luminous, distinct, profound and indelible. You grew in the know-
led,ti;e of supernatural truth, and rapidly advanced in every Christian
virtue. Your standard became the Divine will. You have always
cherished and followed it. God called you to the super-eminent
dignity of the priesthood. You responded to His call, and already
fifty years have elapsed since, crossing the threshold of the
Sanctuary, you dedicated to His service all your faculties, energies
and resources. With the inspired Psalmist did you exclaim in all
the fervor of a heaven-born enthusiasm : " How lovely are thy
tabernacles, O Lord of hosts. I have chosen to be an object in
the house of my God. For better is one day in Thy courts above
thousands." We congratulate you upon all the glory which, through
your instrumentality, has accrued to the Most High ; upon all the
m
55
inestimable graces with which you have enriched the various flocks
committed to your charge; upon all the beautifully diversified forms
which your piety has assumed ; upon all the humility, charity and
zeal which you have accomplished; upon your sterling worth,
unimpeachable integrity, and unswerving allegiance to principle ;
upon the almost unrivalled reputation which you have won for
yourself by excelling in all that is true, just, hoi.orable, noble
and magnanimous. For more than a decade of yea'-s you were
engaged in catechizing the little ones of our parish. You knew
how to descend to their level, and esteemed yourst If regularly
happy in their midst. You solidly instructed them ir the tenets
of our holy faith, trained them in the practical love of duty,
and inspired them with veneration for the Sacraments. You dug
deep and wide the foundations upon which the superstructure of
hajjpiness, both temporal and eternal, should rest. We owe you a
special debt of gratitude. You furnish us with striking evidences
of the interest which you take in our cathechetical instruction.
You may justly pride in the magnificent results obtained through
the doctrinal system of St. Charles Borromee, which you introduced
^nto the city, and frequently do you advocate our cause in the
pulpit. You provide us with a band of teachers eminently qualified
by their intellectual culture and disinterested zeal for the ini[)ortant
task which they voluntarily impose upon themselves. Vou spare
nothing to encourage us, and annually you preside at the distribution
Of our premiums. We promise not to be ungrateful for the many
precious favors which we have received at your hands. In what-
ever circumstances we mav be placed, we will comply with all our
obligations as Christians and Catholics. We will always cling to
the teachings of our infallible Church, and to the traditions of the
dear old land where you spent the earlier portion of your life, and
where the spirit of St. Patrick still prevails in all its beauty, strength
and splendor. We have been plying a variety of ingenious indus-
tries, and succeeded in gathering the sum of no less than half a
thousand dollars. We are delighted to have it in our power to make
you a golden offering, and the only thing we feel like regretting is
that alchemists have not yet discovered the philosopher's stone,
which we would greatly like to have a little while in our hands, so as
to cancel the whole of the debt weighing iipou our dear old St,
Patrick's Church. Please accept our gift from children who
represent all the different sections of our Catechism.
u
m
Catholic Young Men's Society.
Rev. and Dear Father, — In the midst of this vast concourse of
happy hearts, none ought to rejoice more than the members of the
Cathohc Young Men's Society of Montreal. The very pleasing
duty of gratitude, apart from the higher and more exalted sense of
justice and equity, has awakened in us a thrill of grateful emotion.
You are indeed, Reverend Father, the founder of our Association.
We owe our social existence to your creative genius. Twenty years
ago the pious zeal which you had on all previous occasions displayed
in the performance of good works suggested to your mind a new
field of useful labor. The institution and organization of our society,
and its consolidation upon the basis of wise and prudent constitu-
tions, are the precious relics of your intellectual industry in our
behalf. Year after year your love and affection for the male Catholic
youth of our young and prosperous city grew more and more
intense, and ke^ ; on inventing new and attractive forms of innocent
amusement and recreation so indispensable, particularly at our period
of life. Your long tried experience and deep observation of character
had signalled out to your keen and watchful eye the dangerous and
delusive snares held out to an inexperienced youth. Accordingly
you have embodied in our rules the very essence of the important
lessons which the glorious past had taught you. Your far-seeing
providence saw, likewise, the avenues of material prosperity
open out in brilliant colors before the gaze of Catholic youth.
Without a moment of delay, you established on a firm and solid
footing those literary conferences that have contributed so powerfully
to bring into bold prominence the many sterling qualities which, till
then, had remained dormant and silent in the solitude of their beings.
If, to-day, so m:;ny young men of Catholic parents fill positions of
trust and responsibility in our .midst, they owe their elevation and
promotion to your indefatigable efforts in procuring them the means
of progressing in everything advantageous and profitable. To
encourage the members in the carrying out of their thoroughly
religious mission, you accepted the directorship, which you held
for years and which you transmitted afterwards to a succession of
priests of your excellent order, who, by their learning and piety, have
continued and are now continuing to follow up to the work so
nobly and so generously inaugurated by your marvelous activity.
Your admirable spirit of self-sacrifice has been largely shared by
57
the army of presidents and other officers and members, whose
countless numbers are now scattered over the broad continent of
America, and whose true a'ld genuine principles acquired in youth
are still their beacon light in the vicissitudes of life and a forcible
argument of persuasiveness for their follow-citizens.
To foster and develop the empire of religion amongst us, you
approached the f'hair of Peter and humbly craved the spiritual
intervention of the immonrl Pius IX. That august Pontiff hearkened
to your pressing entreaties, and lavished with an unsparing hand his
indulgences upon our association, whose principles and tendencies
you advocated with all the earnestness of an apostle of youth.
In a word, you have neglected no resources whereby you might
realize the words of the illustrious Leo XIII, in his eminent ency-
clical letter, dated the 20th April, 1884. Rewrites: "That the
objects of our desires may be the more easily obtained, we once
more urgently commend to your fidelity and watchfulness the care
of youth, as i' ) hope of human society. To its formation give your
greatest care "
Receive, therefore. Rev. and dear Father, the expression of our
sincere gratitude, and please accept as a tribute of our unalterable
d' otedness this small g ft wnich we joyfully present to our
exceedingly kind benefactor and loving father.
Catholic Young Men's Society of Montreal.
THE LEO club's ADDRESS.
We, the last-born of your spiritual children, have come forward on
this solemn occasion to reiterate the profound sentiments of loyalty
and affection so universally and so spontaneously voiced by the
senior associations.
We lawfully pride in being called your Benjamin, and we flatter
ourselves with the throught that we do enjoy an unusually largj
share in the big heart of our affectionate parent.
Your love for us, dear Father, does not fiill upon a barren and
sterile ground. No. It has brought into play the echo of sweet
gratitude. "Excelsior" is our motto, whether we are praised or
censured. If, at times, the playfulness of our age has betrayed
us into some little freaks of what we thought a peculiarly funny
nature, your justly merited reprimand always came in time to
season the exuberance of our joy.
■ n
58
We appreciate your corrections, always given with gentleness and
firmness. To say the least, they have made us none the woise.
We even presume to say that we are on the advance line.
We do not forget the lessons of wisdom which you have ever
inculcated to us. You have taught us particularly to love our holy
religion. We have folic tved your inspirations. We have selected
for our chieft-^.in and leader the immortal Leo the Thirteenth. Under
his guidance and direction we are sure to be on the right side, and
were we to become like him we would be far from being pitied.
Our rich and gorgeous banner is a standing memorial of our
attachment to the successor of Peter.
To knit together the various elements which enter into the com-
position of our Leo Club, we glory in being the bodyguard of the
sacred Tabernacle where resides in glorified though hidden splendor
the Holy of Holies. Each successive month since our organization
in 1884 has witnessed in our parochial church a heavenly sight. We
have vied with one another in our zeal to approach the Holy Com-
munion. Union, strength and mutual happiness have been the
recompense of our close union with the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Our young minds have not been left in the shade. Our mission
here below is to shine by the brightness of our intellects as by the
purity and innocence of our lives. Our literary academy has always
given you intense pleasure.
Perhaps, dear Father, we are talking too much about ourselves
and not enough about our kind Father, whom we cannot speak
enough about.
You will therefore pardon us, but bear in mind, dear Father, that
when the heart is overflowing with joy, as on this day, there is a
necessity of speaking even at the cost of being a little tiresome.
Please a";cept, dear Father, our little offering, and believe us,
Ever yours,
Leo Club,
address of st. patrick's choir.
Rev. and Respected Father, — The members of the choir of
St. Patrick's church beg to expre s their gratitude at being permitted
the opportunity of tendering to you and to your very worthy coadjutor,
the Rev. Father Toupin, their sentiments of the most profound
veneration and esteem upon this joyful occasion. It has always been
■p
69
our ambition to contribute in our humble way to the impressive
rendering of the Divine service in the church, and if our efforts in
this regard have been in any degree successful we may confidently
attribute it to the unceai>ing interest you have always manifested in
our progress, and the kind and generous encouragement you have
ever seen fit to bestow upon us. In a similar manner we have to
acknowledge many kind favors at the hands of Rev. Father Toupiii,
and we earnestly pray that an all-wise Providence may graciously
extend your days to continue the great and noble work of charity
and education which you have so successfully inaugurated and pro-
moted since your connection with the parish of St. Patrick.
Asa slight tribute of our gratefulness, and as the result of our
efforts on behalf of the celebration of your Jubilee, we beg your
acceptance of the accompanying, being the proceeds of the enter-
tainment given in the Queen's Hall on last Tuesday evening, and
which was rendered doubly enjoyable by the presence of yourself
and of Rev. Father Toupin.
Very respectfully,
The Members of St. Patrick's CrroiR.
Mr. Riardon, on behalf of St. Mary's Congregation, also i sad an
address.
FROM THE PROTESTANT COMMUNITY.
Mr. M. P. Ryan then read the following address : —
Rev. and Dear Father Dowd,
A most gratifying part in the happy proceedings of this joyous
and memorable occasion has been assigned to me to offer you, and
your estimable and indefatigable colleague, Father Toupin, on behalf
of a large number of your fellow-citizens, clergy and laity, who are
not members of your communion, their cordial congratulations on
your attainment of your Sacerdotal jubilee.
So rare and signal a favor of Divine Providence conferrtu upon
the congregation of St. Patrick's Church, as the celebration, at the
same time, in the same parish, of the fiftieth anniversary of the
ordination of two priests whose life-long services in this community
have given such general edification, has been rejoiced in by all your
fellow-citi?ens without distinction of race or creed.
In proof of this general feeling, I have the great honor of present-
ing to you this tangiL'j testimonial, the spontaneous and voluntary
expression of the respec and esteem of those citizens who so grate-
60
ikr
iW
fully appreciate your long, distinguished and successful labors in
the cause of religion, charity, unity and peace.
M. P. Ryan, Treasurer.
The address was accompanied by a cheque for $600.
Rev. Father Toupin then ascended the pulpit, and expressed his
thanks to those who had so highly honored him. and remarked that
many of the eulogies bestowed upon him were entirely undeserved.
He would leave the task of thanking the various societies to his
more eloquent co-worker, Father Dowd.
m
II
REVEREND FATHER DOWD S THANKS.
The Reverend Pastor of St. Patrick's Church then delivered his
reply. Addressing Hon. Mr. Thompson, he said:
Honorable Sir, — I need not say that the presence of the Minis-
ter of Justice, bringing assurances of good will from the Federal
Government, is, on this occasion, an honor I appreciate in the
highest degree. The puny efforts I may have made, from time to
time, to protect and to promote harmony amongst our varied popu-
lation, did not, certainly, merit such distinguished approbation.
Permit me, however, to say it — this public approval of even my
humble efforts in the interests of peace does you honor. It shows
that your Government is based upon the principles of peace, and,
consequently, upon the principle of impartial justice to all, without
which there cannot be possible either peace or harmony amongst
the people of this country. Do not believe, honorable sir, that
your Government is in the least my debtor. What I did was done
in the interests of society, and from a conviction of duty alone. My
conduct would not be different under any other Govrrnment. I
know nothing of party divisions, nor of party struggles. I am, in
fact, a blan in politics. But I earnestly desire, and even pray,
that the interests of our dear young Dominion may be always
entrusted to the care and guidance of men of ability and good will.
My illness of last year brought me under heavy personal obligations.
Your honored chief was constant in his enquiries. You, honorable
sir, and others of your colleagues, came to my sick room. To duly
appreciate this kindness one must be seriously sick, as I was. This
duty of comforting the sick is too sacred for politics to meddle with
it. It is a duty of pure friendship, and of thoughtful and disinter-
ested charity.
61
Accept my heartfelt and lasting thanks for your honored chief,
for yourself, and for your honorable colleagues. May God bless you
and give you long Jife to labor for the good of your country.
TO THE CITY COUNCIL.
The honor of this presentation was not expected by me. I could
not hope that a body so representative and so important as the
Corporation of Montreal would notice our little family feast in so
extremely kind and complimentary a manner. My not deserving
this distinction does not, I assure you, make me less grateful. One
thing gives me real pleasure ; in your indulgent appreciation of the
little good I may have done for Montreal in my position, I have a
guarantee of the forgiveness by my fellow-citizens of my many
short-comings. I will add with sincerity thai I value this compli-
ment the more because it comes from men ] particularly esteem.
The late flood, a time of public suffering, has shown them to be, not
only cool and calculating men of business, but has proved them to
be worthy of their position, men of charity, of tenderness of heart,
and of self-sacrifice. Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, I thank you for
your friendly wishes. Be assured of my gratitude, and of my
affectionate remembrance of your great kindness. Father Toupin
cordially adopts these sentiments as his own.
TO THE CONGREGATION.
gentlemen of the committee, repesenting st. patrick's
congregation.
Gentlemen :
F T is not in my power to find suitable words to -express my
thanks for the great kindness of your beautiful address.
Warm friendship diminishes the faults of a friend, just in proportion
as it magnifies the least good he does. This is exactly what your
friendship has been doing for me. All my faults have disappeared,
and the little good I have done has grown into such proportions
that I must look at it twice before I can recognize it as my own.
Fifty years ago such kindness would likely have been dangerous to
me. The " old boy " would no doubt whisper into my ear something
like this : — If you were not somebody, if, in fact, you were not a
great man, these friends, so serious and so enlightened, could not say
such things of you. Fifty years ago this would have been a real
danger ; to-day, if I know myself, it is not so. Behind, and not far
(
lll^l
62
behind, the opinion which your affection and your kindness form of
my actions, I see the judgment of another tribunal. Before long, I
cannot say how soon, I shall have to stand before that tribunal, and
answer to an all-seeing, and all-knowing God, for the thoughts, words
and deeds of my fifty years of priesthood. You, my dear friends,
will not be there to excuse me. I shall be there all alone with my
works, by which I must stand or fall for eternity. Poor silly vanity
has not much standing room here. You speak of the institutions of
charity and of education that have come into existence during my
time in St. Patrick's. Yes, institutions that now prosper, under the
blessing of God, have been founded, and are doing good work in
the cause of the poor and of religion. The St. Patrick's Asylum,
our orphan's home ; the St. Bridget's refuge, the home of our old and
helpless poor, and the night shelter of the homeless stranger; and
St. Patrick's school, the pet nursery of our little girls ; — these stand
around St. Patrick's Church as so many outposts to complete and to
guard the work of religion. Yes, my dear friends, you may indeed
thank God for selecting you as instruments to do His work, and for
giving you a docile spirit to obey the impulse of that charity with
which He filled your hearts. It is through you that God is a father
to our fatherless little orphans ; it is through you His loving
providence provides for all the wants of our old, and feeble, and
helpless poor. Will not God bless you for thus using a generous
portion of the means He gave in doing His own work? I do with
all my heart congratulate you, for in thus doing your duty you secure
a great reward for yourself, and you leave a bright example to those
who will come after you. But you seem to think that I have had a
principal part in the good that has been done. This, my dear
friends, is a mistake. Give me a cool shade from which I may look
on ; and do you take the burden and the heats of the day ; then
our positions will be about correct. When there was question of our
different enterprises I had of necessity to lead and to suggest ; this
was a necessity of my position as your pastor. But is it not a
pleasant thing to lead when a multitude of willing hands follow you ?
When, in fact, you are followed by many willing to take you up upon
their own shoulders, and to carry you on faster when you commence
to lag? This was my happy position as your pastor. I led you by
just one little pace in advance of the multitude that pressed on from
behind. Were I to delay or become indol'?nt I would have to bear
the shame of your zeal and energy, and be:ides I would have my
63
heels tripped up without mercy. The suggestions I had to make
Were always received in a good spirit, and when examined and
matured by your practical wisdom and experience they were always
promptly carried out. You stopped at no sacrifice of time or money
to complete the work once begun, and to secure for it a prosperous
future. You now commence to enjoy the fruits of your sacrifices.
God has evidently blessed the institutions you raised to His honor,
and for the relief of His suffering members. They are in full work,
owing no debt, and consequently are no longer objects of over-anxious
solicitude. But what am I to say of your offering of to-day, intended
to diminish the debt of St. Patrick's Church? When the project of
takinij; hold of this enormous debt ($124,000) was first sprung upon
St. Pitrick's congregation, I was staggered and I lost all my courage.
I at once asked my Superior to place this unexpected charge in
younger hands. I felt that the responsibility of such a debt would
soon crush me into the grave. My Superior would not listen to me,
so I had to remain in harness, and to do my work the best I could.
It is with a certain amount of confusion that I now make this
confession. Long as I lived in your midst, and worked with you, I
did not thoroughly know you — there were depths in your charity
which I had never sounded. It required my old age, my very
feebleness, and the decline of my faculties, to bring out fully the
resources of your charity, of your love for your holy religion, and of
your goodness of heart. The hundredfold and life everlasting shall
certainly be yours, for you make God Himself your debtor. What
you <j;ive out of your substance to His house God will accept as given
to Himself, and He will reward )ou accordingly. You allude to my
services on the occasion of the division of the old Parish of Notre
Dame. As this matter can now be approached without any undue
feeling of any kind, I will state the simple truth. I gave such advice
as I believed to be in harmony with the laws of our holy church.
This I did as a simple duty, being your pastor. You followed my
advice in the spirit of true Catholics. The Holy Father spoke, all
obeyed, and ever since we are happy and content. As you have
put on this ground I ask you to do an act of justice, late though it
be. You sent two delegates to Rome to explain your case to the
immortal and loving Pius IX. Their action had, probably, a
determining influence on our question. The delegates undertook
the labor and the hardships of that long journey at their own sole
expense, and yet they never received a word of public thanks. I
■ll
64
venture to thank them to-day in your name. One of them is dead,
poor D'Arcy McGee, we will pray for his soul. The other is yet
spared to us, so I shall name him — the Hon. Thomas Ryan. On
an occasion like the present I may be pardoned if I go back a little
in the history of our people in Montreal. A few facts on the
testimony of an official, if not an eye-witness, may be usefully put on
record. When I came to Montreal in 1848, the Irish Catholic
population numbered about 12,000 souls, and amongst them there
were only a few proprietors, say half a dozen, more or less. Now we
may put down the number of our people at 30,000, and the proprie-
tors by hundreds. When in 1849 I undertook to build the St.
Patrick's Orphan Asylum, I gathered contributions from the Irish
Catholics of the whole city, who gave me cheerfully according to their
means ; only three gave me $20 each. Now, in order to reduce the
debt of St. Patrick's church, five heads of families living in St.
Patrick's parish contributed $5,000 — $1,000 each. Let us go back
a little further. When in 1848 I arrived in Montreal, I met an Irish
Catholic, who, when a boy, attended the first Sunday services of
the Irish Catholics, conducted by a priest of the Seminary, the Ven.
Father Richards. This man attended mass and religious instruction
in the dear old Bonsecours church in 1817. The congregation was
small, though it contained all tlie Irish Catholics residing in the
city. A few years earlier it was not known that there were any
Irish Catholics in Montreal. Most probably the fact of their
existence became known to Father Richards by his being called to
attend a dying Irish Catholic. The kind father enquired of the
messenger if there were other Irish Catholics in Montreal? On
being answered in the affirmative, he said : Send word to them all to
meet me in the Bonsecours church, at a time he named. When, at the
appointed time, the good father came to the church he found there
exactly thirty persons. He conducted them into the sacristy, where
he gave them advice and instruction ; and sent them home with a
promise that they should have, from that time forward, a regular
religious service. Commencing with a familiar instruction given in
a sacristy to thirty individuals, the religious service of the Irish
Catholics has never since been interrupted, and to-day is performed
in five churches of the city, with solemnity, to 30,000 individuals.
The little grain of mustard seed is grown into a large tree. The
thirty unknown exiles in a strange land have multiplied into a
population of 30,000 citizens, having their own place in society j
w
65
provided with churches for their religious wants, with happy homes
for their children, and with prosperous institutions for the care of
their orphans and helpless poor. Do you not discover in all this
the watchful Providence and the loving care of God in our regard ?
They who have gone before us were not ungrateful; their good
conduct proved their gratitude— so shall ours.
The solemnity of this occasion reminds me of a serious duty. I
have to ask your pardon for all my shortcomings during the thirty-
nme years I have labored amongst you. Your groat charity would
fain cover them all ; but, my friends, it is this great charity of yours
whicli makes me see them more distinctly and feel them more keenly.
Did you love me less, I would, perhaps, grieve less for the faults
I have committed against you. I can say it with truth, that I
always sought your good, but how often, whilst administering
fraternal correction, as duty required, was the tender sweetness of
charity wanting; so that, in trying to remove perhaps a lesser evil,
I caused a greater one by inflicting pain and suffering. So many
proofs of your kind confidence satisfy me that you will forgive me ;
but even that will not satisfy me fully— ask of God to forgive me
also.
What I have said is addressed alike to all the St. Patrick's congre-
gation, yet I must admit that certain portions of it, certain societies,
having made special efforts for the success of the feast, deserve
separate mention. We will first take up the St. Patrick's Society.
Its privileges place it first amongst our societies; its duty imposes
the necessity of giving good example when the interests of St. Patrick's
are in question. I beg to thank the St. Patrick's Society for its
extremely kind mention of the small services I may have rendered
the congregation, and I congratulate it on its generous assumption
of the responsibilities of its honorable position. We will take the
St. Patrick's Temperance Society next. They will please accept
my hearty thanks for their over-kind and heartful address, richly
supplemented by theirgenerous offerings. I owed them much already
for the services they are always willing to render. My debt is now
largely increased ; so that I believe I shall die without paying them.
May God bless them, and make them always examples of virtue in St
Patrick's parish. The ladies of St. Patrick's congregation put into the
treasury of the church a large amounf. To the sums already given
by their husbands, these good ladies add the money intended for
their own use, and this they again increase by their labor and by
66
every artifice of charity. Their good works are done for God in
secret : I shall not profane them by holding them up to human praise.
The Confraternity of the Living Rosary join cheerfully in the united
effori to reduce the debt of the church. Already remarked for their
l)unctual attendance at their regular devotions, the members of the
Living Rosary become to-day examples of generous devotedness by
their abundant offering to the house of God. May God bless and
reward them. The children of Mary are never behind in any good
work. They are always generous, always open-handed and kind.
To give back freely to God a portion of what they received from
Him is to them really a work of love. They are convinced that it
is for their advantage to keep God always their debtor. The zealous
Director of the Catechism is evidently bringing up his dear children
in the way they should go. Their first lesson in charity has been
nobly given to-day in favor of dear St. Patrick's. To help the
common fund, candies, fruits, tops and balls are all forgotten. The
cents are banked, and made to produce large interests by means of
con.^erts and other industries, and all to reduce the debt of St. Pa
trick's. To-day the children of the Catechism may well be proposed
as an example to be imitated by persons who learned their Catechism
long, long ago, but who have perhaps forgotten a little of its prac-
tical teachings. God will bless those dear children, and will bless
their parents for their sake. How am I to thank the St. Patrick's
Choir for the rich aid they have procured for St. Patrick's Church.
This aid is indeed valuable, because of its amount, and because of
the labor, study, and talent expended to procure it. Others have
given their money, the St. Patrick's Choir have given their money
also ; but with it they gave the sweat of their brow, and the pro-
longed anxiety of thei'r minds. God will bless them. If they sought
a merely temporal reward they would find it in their great success,
and the increased reputation of the choir. The Catholic Young
Men's Society, too, have given proof of their good will. These ex-
cellent young men, in addition to the example they give of the prac-
tice of other Christian virtues, and of a laudable desire for their
intellectual culture and improvement, give to-day a beautiful example
of charity to the young men of their age. May God help them to
persevere in the paths of virtue.
The Leo Club must not be forgotten. They, too, have put their
hand to the good work. I love the Leo boys — full of fun, of noise,
67
and of piety. They say that the Leo boys are wild ; that may be so,
but in the meantime I am sure they are quite in earnest about thi ir
duty. They will play tricks when they can, but they will not nt gleet
their prayers nor their montlily confLSsion. Full of iieart, full of
daring courage, they are also full of Irish faith. All in all they are
the very materials I would select for the future of St. Patrick's parish.
Besides my own immediate flock, other dear friends have shown
their goodness. In my poverty I can make but one return, and I
make it to all. I earnestly beg of God to bless them and their
families, and to reward them according to the richness of His own
bounty. There is scarcely a yard in the city I did not visit, at one
time or another, in the exercise of my ministry. My visits are no
longer the same, but my heart is not changed ; it has a place for all
the people as before. Hence I shall not name St. Ann's nor St.
Mary's, nor St. Gabriel's, nor the other more recent divisions. I
shall name none in particular ; I have but one heart, and they are
all there. In this happy concert of peace I would wish to avoid
even the appearance of making a distinction. I have to do so, how-
ever, as a matter of justice. It is not now for the first time that Pro-
testants have proved to me that there is a common ground of ho?y
charity, upon which all Christians can meet and shake hands, and
be kind to one another. During many long years when we were
poor, and our little orjjhans were numerous, more than half the
proceeds of the yearly bazaar for their support came from the open-
handed charity of our Protestant friends. Need I allude to the warm-
hearted sympathy that was received from the same quarter on the
occasion of our pilgrimage to Rome? Can I forget these things?
And remembering them, can I allow this solemn occasion to pass
without recording a grateful mention of them, and without expressing
my most cordial and sincere thanks. You remind me that I have
been a peacemaker. I admit it; throughout my life I have done
my best to inculcate the ways of peace. For this I deserve no
thanks. As a priest I am of necessity a minister of peace. Besides,
the experience of my long life has shown me that the fruits of peace
are sweet and full of happiness, whilst the fruits of discord and con-
tention are bitter and conduct to misery and to death. I desire to
see peace reign in every place, but I desire specially to see it reign
supreme in our dear oldC'fy of Montreal, where I have labored the
greater part of my life, and where, ere long, I hope to repose in peace.
Once more I thank you all in the fulness of my heart. May God
1 IBS
68
bless you for your charitai)le indulgence to His poor oM priest
and may He reward you a hundred-fold for your great goodness
and liberality. I can say no more.
The proceedings in the church then ended.
Solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given in the
evening.
Concert of St. Patrick's Choir.
The Queen's Hall was packed to its utmost capacity, with an
audience composed of all classes and creeds, the occasion being
the inauguration of the series of entertainments wh'ch are to
mark the golden weddings of Rev. Fathers Dowd and Toupin. the
esteemed priests of St. Patrick's Church. Shortly before 8 o'clock
the two venerable clergymen, accompanied by the rev. gentlemen
of St. Patrick's, entered the Hall and took their seats in the private
box, which had been specially reserved for tlicm. The programme,
which had been specially prepared, opened with the Grand March
from " Tannhauser, " by the orchestra, which was well received.
The members of St. Patrick's choir followed with a chorus from the
" Lily of Killarney/' which displayed careful preparation ; in fact,
all the numbers in which they participated showed the different
parts to be very evenly balanced, and reflected great credit upon
the choir master, under whose direction the entertainment had been
organized. The chorus, " Birds of Spring," was particularly pleas-
ing, as in addition to the full choir and orchestra, some twenty-five
young lady amateurs took part, giving to this number an effect
which cannot be reached by male voices alone. Mrs. Page-
Thrower's solo, " Deh Vieni Non Tardar," was rendered in that
lady's well known artistic style. Miss Alice Crompton, in her selec-
tion from " II Barbieri," showed to excellent advantage her pos-
session of a cultured voice, and a degree of taste and expression,
which was the subject of universal admiration. In response to a
rapturous recall, Miss Crompton gave "Killarney" in a manner
which fairly carried away the house. Miss Alice Seymour, being
prevented by her severe cold from giving her number, Mr. Robert
Lloyd kindly filled her place, and sang " The Harp that Once
Through Tara's Halls" with such effect, that he, too, had to respond
to an encore. Miss Jessie Grant's piano solo, " Belisario," elicited
warm applause. The Toreador song from " Carmen " was
n
wm
69
excellently rendered by Mr. John P. Hamill, who possesses a fine
baritone voice. Mr. Ralph Bolti-n's rendition of " KathL-en
Mavourneen " was one of the gems of the evening, as was also his
" Believe Me, if all those Endearing Young Charms," with which
he responded to a recall. A tenor solo from Mr. J. Hecnan from
"Aida, " and a quartette, "The Youth's Warning," by Mrs.
Page-Thrower, Miss Alice Crompton, Mr. Ralph Bolton and Mr.
E. F. Casey ; a march from" Lohengrin " by the orchestra, and the
chorus "God Save Our Native Land " by the choir, completed the
musical portion of the programme, which was under the skillful
iafori of Prof. J. A. Fowler, organist of St. Patrick's choii, who is
entitled to great credit for the excellent manner in which the afr'\ir
was carried out.
The programme was diversified by an address I'rom Mr. \V. J.
O'Hara, in the course of which he said: — The choir of St. Patrick's
have conferred upon me the privilege of announcing on their behalf
the object of ti)is musical festival, of conveying to you their cordial
welcome, and expressing their gratification at the generous way in
which you have responded to their invitation to initiate this evening
the festivities in honor of the golden jubilee of our venerable and
beloved pastor, Father Dowd, and his devoted and estimable and,
shall I say, indefatigable coadjutor. Father Toupin. It is not for
us, ladies and gentlemen, to anticipate the words of cordial congra-
tulation, of grateful acknowledgment, of eloquent, affectionate
and truthful encomium, which will, doubtless, emanate from the
overflowing hearts of a numerous people on next Thursday
afternoon ; nor need I refer here to the tangible form in which their
respect, gratitude and affection will shape themselves, beyond
wishing that the form may be of the largest and most plethoric sizci
and withal graceful, symmetrical, and harmonius. It is a great
pleasure for the choir to find themselves in such complete accord,
not only with the congregation of St. Patrick's, but with the citizens
of Montreal generally, and the whole Canadian people, who have
shown their delight to honor these great and good men who have so
well served the noble and holy cause of religion, charity and peace.
Much as I would wish to do so, I must refrain from expatiating
upon the visible and enduring monuments of Father Dowd's long
and eminent services for the love of God and his people — his
priestly devotion ; his care of the poor; the provisions he made for
the orphan, the aged and infirm, the hungry and homeless, the
10
destitute and houflclcss by night ; his cfTorts to provi'lc proper
education for girls ; his constant -xnxiety for the comfort and welfare
of others, and his neglect of himrjelf ; the protecting arm he always
had uplifted to wisely and firmly guard his flock from every evil;
his sacrifices of tpisco])al dignities out of humbleness of sjiirit, and
a desire to remain with the peojjle of his first spiritual love, among
whom he saw his mission — his provident and energetic efforts to
maintain the institutions he founded; the pilgrimage he made to
Rome and Lourdes to promote the spiritual zeal of his people ; the
danger encountered, the anxiety felt by all, the fervent ])raycrs for
his safety, and the general joy at his return — all these things are so
well worthy of dutiful recognition and remembrance that they will,
doubtless, enlist the silver tongue of eloquence on Thursday next.
The poem in honor of Father Dowd, written for the occasion by
Miss Anna T. Sadlier the gifted daughter of his life-long friend, the
distinguished Irish Canadian lady literateur, Mrs. Sadlier, will now
be recited by Mr. P. McCaffrey.
Mr. McCaffrey then ascended the nostrum, and in a style which
gave evidence of talent and cultivation, recited the following beau-
tiful poem : —
FIKTY YEARS IN THE MASTER'S VINEYARD.
How benutiful upon the moiintnins aro tlip feot of liim that briiigoth good tidings and
that i)i-eaolielh peace ; of him that sheweth forth good, that preacbeth salvutiou —
Isniaa lit., 7.
'Twas morning and 'twas May, the air was sweet
With bloom, upon an Irish shore, its green
Proclaimed the Resurrection, fragrant buds
Spake of a beauty that no eye hath seen.
When at the altar step, a youthful form.
With upraised face, with heart and soul a-glow,
Craving the sacerdotal grace, the while
He heard the whisper falling soft and low : —
Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches peace.
A priest forever ! and the youth goes forth,
Goes to the vineyards as the morning breaks
Over the hills — to '• lift the watchman's voice. "
'' To preach salvation, " manhood's prime o'ertakes
Him toiling in the field, with words of peace,
Planting the works of mercy, reaping souls,
Bearing true witnesses in the name of Christ ;
While loud and long the echo upwards rolls : —
Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches peace.
71
Time marks its way in silver on liis hcau,
Ills step grows feebler and his voice less strong. —
And sounding near him is the mighty song,
A people's honor and a city's praise ;
His footsteps still unswervingly pursue
The path of faithful ministry, he hears —
For, singing it pass on the fruitfid years : —
The hymn that charmed the youih of U trj ago, —
Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches {leace.
And monuments arise upon his way, —
A temple hung with memories more rare
Than Eastern marbles, or than gems of price, —
Whence aged men have passed away with prayer, —
Where youthful ones have grown to mellow age
Where boys have swiftly reached to men's estate, —
Each generatum sounding as it goes
Tlie anthem of his praise, O blessed fate I
Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches peace.
Those homes wherein the old go down life's slope
In prayerful calm, — wherein the orphans bless
This more than father's care and tenderness, —
Where homeless ones find shelter in the night.
These words cry out 'mid countless silent deeds,
'Mid schools, 'mid charities, his praise who stood
With gaze upon the everlasting hills, —
Still swells the song " for him that shows forth good
Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches peace.
The church's humble son, most fearlessly
He cries while pointing out the shiny way,
«' The light which Patrick lit at Peter's torch
Alone can guide us to eternal day."
He loves the grand traditions of his race.
For Faith has lent them its divinest grace ;
But — patriot of Heaven — he hears above
All earthly sounds, the canticle of love —
Blessed upon the mountains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches peace.
ill
72
'Tis May again —the voice of spring is heard
Far from green Erin's shore in Ville Marie, —
The fifty years' rich crown of honor won.
TliC visions of the youth surpassed, O see I
His ju'uilee — true priest of God !
'i'he people press — take up the golden hymn.
Which, when new years have won him added crowns.
Shall greet him from the choirs of cherubim ; —
" Blessed upon the mouiUains are the feet
Of him that brings good tidings, preaches peace ! "
CELEBRATION AT ST. PATRICK'S SCHOOL.
NE of the most interesting features in connection with the
celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Revs. Fathers Dowd and
Toupin, and one which will long bo remembered by those who had
the pleasure of being present, was the entertainment given by the
pupils of St. Patrick's School, on Wednesday afternoon, the i8th
of May. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and
banners bearing appropriate mottoes. As Fathers Dowd and
Toupin entered, accompanied by their Lordships Bishop Walsh, of
London ; Bishop Dowling, of Peterboro ; Rev, Fathers Conway (of
Peterboro), Duggan, Harty (Hartford, Conn.), Quinlivan, James
Callaghan, Bro. Arnold, and a number of lay gentlemen, ten of the
young ladies executed an instrumental duet, entitled " Golden
Strains," on five grand pianos, with a violin accompaniment, the
latter being furnished by Rev. Martin Callaghan. As the last notes
died away, one of the junior pu])ils stepped forward and preoonted a
floral tribute to the distinguished prelates, who had honored their
festival with their presence. Then followed the " Jubilee Commemo-
rative Poem" (composed for the occasion by Mr. W. O. Farmer),
and which was read in an admirable manner by Miss Frances
Donahoe. The Angel Visitants. Patricia, Josepha, and Maria, then
claimed the atteiuion of the audience, and quite charmed their
hearers, liie Fairies with their Gifts and Song here made their
appearance, having danced across the seas to do honor to the Golden
Wedd'ng of their beloved Father ; they brf)iight with them a
bouquet of wild flowers gathered from around his childhood's home,
and also a blackthorn from the banks of the river Dee, which they
presented, and were duly appreciated by Father Dowd. The next
on the programme was " Le Tresor de nos Cceurs, '* by fifteen of the
smaller children. This was followed by a French address read by
73
Miss Mary Monette, and a presentation to Father Toiipin. The
" Good old Days," recalled by former pupils, was heartily acknow-
ledged by the Rev. Fathers. They were represented by the Misses
R. and M. McNally, Lillian Morgan and Katie McCall. The
following address was read by Miss Rose McNally, in a style which
betrayed no ordinary degree of elocutionary skill :
THE PINCH OF SNUFF IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS.
The programme is almost over of music, of song, of play ;
The notes of solo and chorus have floated fore'er away,
We've listened, but all in vain for a sound or a word of praise
Awarded to our dear school-time. Oh, they were the good old days !
So, feeling that we've been slighted, a gentle protest I bring.
And crave but a moment's hearing, while of those old days I sing.
'Twas then that we worked and studied, at pL^y, too, we had our share ;
A smile from our loving pastor would banish our every care.
These cares more heavy at times, if, scanty the sheaf we'd reap
" Philosopher" we were called, and the word had a meaning deep.
So deep that we never dared to boast of our title new,
That title's extinct '.'m told) or now held by a very few.
But oh, there were joyful days that we know we shall long recall ;
Days marked by a special record for great as well as for small,
Our marks had been all perfection, therefore we were good enough
To get from our dear Father no less than a pinch of snuff.
Oh precious that pinch to us ! A diploma of merit rare
Could hardly be higher prized, brought home with more tender care.
'Twas tied in the kerchiefs corner, or placed between leaves of book.
While other less fortunate ones upon it would sadly look.
So, for sake of the good old days, we have brought you a pinch of snuff.
Of the joy it so oft has caused us, we never could say enough.
And we are sure no medical friend your taking it will prevent,
'Tis your old time " witches " and " fairies" that it to you have sent.
And with it we have brought a gift, from the friends of those good old days.
Of the days we recall so often with sweetest of unsung lays —
As you've earned the right to rest there's a talisman in this chair,
Just as soon as you're seated in it will vanish all anxious care.
The pinch of snuff was contained in a very pretty floral box, and
assumed the form of $ioo in gold. Miss May Curran read to
Father Dowd an address which concluded with a wish that all
present would be privileged to celebrate his Diamond Wedding.
Every countenance reflected the sincerity and earnestness of the
wish. The address /as accompanied w'ith the presentation of a
magnificent gold Chalice, entwined in fl.vvers, and containing $300
from the present pupils of the school.
T
u
In replying, the Rev. Father said that he had often spoken to
them on diffeient things ; sometimes on their studies, on their
sewing, knitting, and domestic economy in general, as he was viuite
experienced in those various branches, but to-day he had to treat a
subject which he thought was a very indifferent one, himself. When
he was a young priest, just beginning his ministry, fifty years was a
long time to look forward to, but now that it had passed it seemed
to have slipped through his fingers, and he had done very little
during that time. He asked the children to pray for him that his
future years might be spent in doing good among the people with
whom he had spent such a long period of his life. He then thanked
them for the generosity they had shown in trying to aid him to pay
off the debt of the church. He could prove his gratitude only in
praying for them that they would always continue true to their
faith, and worthy children of their holy patron. In conclusion
Father Dowd bestowed his blessing upon all present, which example
was followed by their Lordships.
Then followed the reading of the following jubilee commemora-
tive poem by Miss Frances Donohue. This poem was written by
W. O. Farmer, and speaks for itself.
JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE POEM.
Since time began hath mankind, right or wrong,
Been proud to lionize in tale and song,
The transient triumphs of ambitious men, —
To laud your hsroes of the sword or pen —
Your Nelsons and Napoleons, men whose names.
Great tho' they be, proclaim but wordly aims I
Your men of state of Bismark's subtle school — •
By fair or foul means, men who'd ruin or rule.
But if such men as these must challenge praise,
In blood and pillage, men who pass their days, —
How much more worthy they of our applause,
Who seek to be the heroes of a cause,
Such as on Calvary's Mount forever broke
Pagendom's pow'r and Satan's sinful joke I
A cause that hath regenerated man,
His faults redeemed and all but crushed the ban
That Adam's "fall" bequeath'd to all his race,
When forth from Eden driven in disgrace I
I
76
Such, cherish'd Father, is the cause that thou
Hast from thy earliest years espoused till now I
A vet'ran in its sacred service grown —
A champion, thou 'midst all its champions known.
For half a century hast thou baffled sin.
Confounded vice and virtue taught to win —
From pitfalls leading manhood's steps aside.
At once our earthly and our ghostly guide !
« Peace and good will " thy glory 'tis to preach
To all thy flock — to close up every breach
That in their ranks from time to time is made
By scandal's evil tongue or passion's aid.
Nor are the " little ones " o'erlooked by thee,
As all assembled here to-day may see,
Thou hast provided means the best to suit
•* To teach the young ideas how to shoot," —
Abodes of learning cared by teachers blest
With all those parts that best adorn the breast 1
But, though a Christian in the strictest sense —
Tho' sturdiest in the old, old Faith's defense,
Ne'er hast thou, surely, been a bigot deemed,
All sects esteeming, by all sects esteemed 1
Whilst in thy breast hath glowed a patriot's zeal,
Subdued but strong for mother country's weal 1
And why, pray, doubt but that still in thy day
Our aspirations for old Ireland may
Accomplished be, and Home Rule's flag be seen
Floating in triumph over College Green 1
Thrice welcome, then, thrice welcome cry we all
This happy day — one long, long to recall 1
This gala day, our first, best golden feast —
Thy fiftieth anniversary a priest !
Long may thy days be spared — thy years prolonged,
To right the Church's wrongs, so often wronged !
By precept and example still to show
The duty that to God and man we owe !
And thou, true scion 1 of a gallant land —
Of la belle France I whose brave sons, hand in hand,
"With Erin's oft have marched in days gone bye.
At duty's call prepared to do or die —
" God and the right " united still to shield
"Where dangers threatened most by flood or field }
We greet thee too 1 to thee, too, we extend
Our loving sympathy, thou well-tried friend I
T6
With our lov'd Pastor hast thou toiled for years,
Partaker of his joys and hopes and fears !
In thee faith and good works at once combine
To make the perfect Christian and divine,
Whilst in the veins of none blood warmer runs
Than that which courses thine for Erin's sons !
God-speed thee, then ! and may thy future be
One long uninterrupted Jubilee !
The remainder of the programme was as follows :
Cantata, " We strike the Harp with Glee. " PoIyloKue, " The
Golden Day."
Part ist. Introductory.
Part 2nd. " Angel Visitants, " The Fairies with their Gifts and
Song. Instrumental solo, " Whispers from Erin. " Violin and
pianos, " The Golden Day."
Part 3rd. "A Rosary of Years " Vocal Quintette, "A Prayer for
Our Father. " Polylogue, " Le Tresor de nos Coeurs. "
Instrumental music, " Les Noccs d'Or. " The " Good Old Days."
recalled by former pu|)ils. Grand chorus, " And doth not a meet-
ing like this make amends."
Final, instrumental music.
BIOGRAPHY.
THE REV. PATRICK DOWD,
PASTOR OF ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH OF MONTREAL
*ATHER DOWD, as his parishioners love to call him, was born
in the County Louth, Ireland, in 1813, of respectable parents
m good circumstances; at an early age he evinced an ardent desire
to devote himself to the church, he made his classical course at
Newry. He went to Paris in 1832, when he made his theological
studies in the Irish College in that city ; his course was a brilliant
one. In 1837, May 20th, he was ordained Priest by Monseigneur
Quelen, Archbishop of Paris; after his ordination, he returned to
Ireland where he lived about ten years, six with the Archbishop of
Armagh, and was President of the Diocesan Seminary of that town
for one year.
In 1847 J^e resolved on joining the order of St. Sulpice, and went
to Paris for that purpose, after spending a year in their noviciate he
was admitted a member of that illustrious body. He came to
77
Montreal, 21st June, 1848, and officiated at St. Patrick's Church,
when Father Connolly left St. Patrick's, in i860, over 27 years ago,
Father Dowd was appointed, by the Superior, Director of the
congregation, a position which he has retained ever since.
Shortly after his arrival he saw the necessity of an asylum for
Irish orphans here, and early in 1849 established one, and the same
year commenced the building of the present St. Patrick's Orphan
Asylum, which was opened in November, 185 1.
In 1865 he established St. Bridget's Home for the old and infirm,
and the Night Refuge for the destitute. In 1866--' he erected the
present commodious building on Lagauchetidre street for the Home
and Refuge.
One can hardly estimate the vast amount of suffering relieved,
and of the good done by these charities.
In 1872 he established St. Patrick's School on St. Alexander street,
opposite the Church, — the building is large and commodious, this
school is for girls, and is conducted by the Rev. Ladies of the
Congregation of Notre Dame, whose reputation as educators is
known all over Anierica. Over 500 pupils attend this school. This
splendid institution is another monument of Father Dowd's untiring
zeal to forward the interests of his people.
Aided by the Ladies of St. Patrick's Congregation, he organized
the Annual Bazars for the support of the Orphan Asylum, — these
Bazars have been from the first remarkably successful ; the first
was held in October, 1849; they have been continued yearly till this
date, — the last held was the 35th Consecutive Bazaar, and we
have pleasure in recording that Protestants as well as Catholics
assisted in this good work.
Besides the above Father Dowd has done much to ornament and
beautify the interior of St. Patrick's Church, which next to Notre
Dame is the most richly decorated in this city.
In 1866, when the dismemberment of the ancient parish of Notre
Dame was proclaimed Father Dowd's quick and vigJant eye saw
that the congregations of St. Patrick's, and the other Irish churches
of this city, would suffer seriously thereby, and he promptly peti-
tioned the Holy See that the Irish Catholics of Montreal should be
left in the undisturbed possession of their old privileges; his petition
was received and substantially granted, and their position confirmed
and defined to their satisfaction.
,
78
i
; ;
I
In 1877 he organized the great Irish Catholic Pilgrimage to
Lourdes and Rome. We can all recollect the prayerful anxiety that
was felt, when the vessel carrying the pilgrims and their beloved
Pastor was not heard of for several agonizing weeks. Prayers were
offered in all the churches without distinction of creed, a pleasing
proof that we Montrealers are not so bigoted or intolerant as some
would make us appear.
When God in great mercy was pleased to restore them to their
homes and friends, Father Dowd met with an enthusiastic reception,
and was presented with a life-size portrait of himself for the Presby-
tery of St. Patrick's, where it now hangs.
Father Dowd has, on several occasions, been offered the highest
dignities in the church, but has always declined them, — twice at
least having refused the mitre, namely : — the Sees of Toronto, and
Kingston, Dec. 17, 1852, was named Bishop of Canee m J>artibus,
and Coadjutor of Toronto — declined, preferring to remain with his
dear St. Patrick's congregation, to whom he has devoted his life,
feeling, as he has always felt, that he could do more good here than
he could do elsewhere even though he wore the mitre.
We shall make a few concluding remarks on the leading charac-
teristics for which the Revd. Father Dowd is so noted.
His large and comprehensive views have preserved him from
falling into defects common to petty minds. His great intellect
never deals with minor difficulties, but grapples only with questions
of major importance. He has exhibited in his long career great
talent and enterprise in the conception and execution of the various
good works referred to above, which stamps his as a master mind.
Joined to remarkably deep and profound thoughts is his powerfully
persuasive eloquence, whose golden chords have been tuned with
exquisite harmony to the higliest subjects of religion, not only to
St. Patrick's pulpit, but also in Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa and other
places in this country and in Ireland, where his brilliant and impres-
sive sermons were greatly admired. His depth of argumentation and
his sublimity of expression give way at moments to the charm of
gay and innocent conversation. It is chiefly in the exercise of
hospitality that the largeness of his Irish heart becomes apparent.
His residence is the home of the Irish Ecclesiastic, whether priest or
prelate, and while sharing his abundant but frugal repast, his welcome
guests have frequently remarked that, " the best sauces served at
table were his fatherly smiles and his pleasing anecdotes." The
79
members of the Irish Canadian pilgrimage referred to bear witness
to the intense pleasure which his company affords. Most pleasing
and fascinating in social circles, he is firm and unbending in the
discharge of his pastoral duties, without any exception of persons,
and without consulting his own personal interests. He directs his flock
with a safe hand, warns his parishioners of any impending dangers,
he calms the fears of the agitated mind, consoles the sick, assists the
poor, and encourages and comforts pious and fervent souls. Endeared
to all, respected and revered by all, his counsels are sought after by
large numbers of his fellow citizens, for his knowledge extends
through every department of Divine and human science. We may
say in truth that the spirit of piety and zeal prevail wherever his
advice is taken and practised.
It is impossible in this brief sketch to do full justice to the Rev.
Pastor of St. Patrick s ; indeed, to write his memoir in full, since he
came to this city in 1848, would be to write the history of the Irish
Catholics of Montreal for the last 36 years, so intimately has he been
associated with every good and charitable work. We are glad to
say, though Father Dowd has reached his 74th year, he still preserves
all the features of intellectual youth and enjoys excellent health.
We conclude by wishing him continued health and strength to
guide and direct the large flock confided to his care.
REV. FATHER JOSEPH lOUPIN.
Rev. Father Joseph Toupin belongs to one of the oldest and most
respected French-Canadian families in the province, and was born
in Montreal on the 23rd of November, 1814. He was baptized by
the Rev. Abbe Bedard in the old Notre Dame Church, and pursued
his classical studies at the old Montreal College then on College
street. Among his professors were the Abbe St<ry, whose memory
Father Toupin still cherishes, the Rev. Father Larkin, and the
Abbe Roque. The Superiors of the Seminary, who directed him
for over fifty years, were the Rev. Abbes Quiblier, Billaudelle,
Granet, Bayle, and the present Superior, Abbe Colin.
After a brilliant college course. Father Toupin entered religious
orders, receiving the Tonsure and minor orders in 1834 from the
hands of Mgr. Lartigue, the first Bishop of Montreal. In 1837 he
was successively made sub-deacon and deacon, and finally on the
23rd December, 1837, he was ordained priest. He lost his father
in 1834, in the second cholera, and his mother lived until 1857, with
80
I
inn
another son, the Rev. Alfred Toiii)in, wlio was until the time of
his death, in 1877, cure of Rivit^re des Prairies. His only sister
married Mr. Lachapelle, and is the mother of the present Doctor
Lachapelle.
Father Toupin commenced his ministerial career as professor in
the Montreal College, where he taught classics for fifteen years with
such success, that up to the present day his name is mentioned in
the institution as that of a model professor. Subsequently he was
appointed missionary to the Indians at Oka, and after serving there
for several years he was called to the city, and has ever since been
intimately connected with the several Irish Catholic congregations*
He was for many years cure of old St. Bridget's Church, and also
of St. Ann's, and was later on attached to St. Patrick's Church, a
position which he still holds.
Brotherly love caused Father Toupin temporarily to abandon his
work among the Irish people when he went to perform the minis-
terial duties for his infirm brother, then parish priest at Riviere des
Prairies. Immediately after his brother's death, Father Toupin
returned to this city with renewed zeal and ardor.
It would be difficult to find a more worthy clergyman than the
subject of this brief sketch. Humble and unassuming, Father Toupin
has passed his whole life in earnest ministerial work, a slave to duty,
and absolutely devoted to those entrusted to his care. Although
actively engaged in parochial work, there is hardly a Catholic
institution in the whole city which has not been the object of liis
solicitude, and which he has not helped in some manner. He has
been spiritu d adviser to several religious communities, who all
profess the greatest respect and devotion to him. In his own order,
Father Toupin is considered as a model of regularity, and the
members of his congregation never found his zeal at fault, being
always ready for sick calls, either by day or by night. All these
qualities are enhanced by the genial character of this honorable
priest, who is always seen with a kind smile on his face, however
arduous his duties and great his fatigue may be. It is no wonder
that the Irish Catholics of Montreal have a kind of adoration for
this devoted priest, who has devoted his life to their welfare.
The following amongst other tributes to the Rev. Fathers Dovvd
and Toupin appeared in the press of the city.
81
I
A Double PRiEsxr-v Jubilee.
There are certain events in the life of every commvinity wliich
seem instinctively to enlist the sympathies of all classes, irrespective
of race or creed. Of these is the public tribute about to be paid
to the Rev. Messrs. Dowd and Toupin, on the occasion of the
fiftieth anniversary of their ordination to the i)riesthood. The
Church of St. Patrick is the focal point around which the interest
centres, but that interest impinges from a wide circumference
including every province of the Dominion, and abroad range of the
United States, wlierever Montreal Irish boys have gone forth to
face the world, but still remembering the old shrine where they first
learned the lessons of life.
The gentlemen of the Seminary, not being members of a religious
order, according to strict ecclesiastical nomenclature, but of a
congregation, have adopted the title of abbe The Irish people,
however, have not taken to this style, preferring the appellation of
" Father," universally employed in the mother land. As applied to
Father Dowd, the term is particularly distinctive, meaning exactly
what it says. For fifty years he has been a priest according to the
order of Melchisedech, and for forty years, during which he has
resided consecutively in Montreal, his whole talent, time, energy
and health have been devoted to one single object — the good of the
people to whom his ministrations were devoted. The details of the
career of Father Dowd need not be given here — as they will be
rehearsed separately during the celebration — and it will be sufficient
to point out the main features of the Jubilee. On Tuesday next,
the 17th May, a musical festival will be held in the Queen's hall,
under the able direction of St. Patrick's choir, with the distinguished
co-operation of such artists as Mrs. Page-Thrower, Mrs. Seymour,
Miss Crompton and others. It is intended to make this a charac-
teristic entertainment, and it is to be expected that literature, in
the shape of oratory and verse, will have a due part therein.
On Thursday, the 19th inst., the religious ceremony will take place
in St. Patrick's church, when appropriate addresses will be read to the
two venerable pastors, and a substantial testimonial will be presented
to Father Dowd. In this practical age, it is usual to make offerings
of this kind take the shape of valuables, and such will be the case
on the present occasion. What will render it particularly handsome
and significant is the fact that many of the contributors are of a
F
83
different origin and belief. This circumstance deserves to be
specially signalized, and is sure to attract attention abroad. In a
community like ours, composed of such diverse elements, the spirit
of fellowship, good-will and forbearance is a necessity of existence.
As we must live together and have common interests, it is necessary
that we should know each other, appreciate each other, and when
occasion offers, help each other. Circumstances have of late tended
to lessen this temper of mutual conciliation, but Father Dowd's golden
jubilee will have the result of uniting us once more. Many Protestant
gentlemen have declared their intention of assuming a part in the
celebration for this very object, taking advantage of their high
personal esteem and respect for the worthy recipient, who himself
has been a leading worker to that end during his long pastorate.
Father Dovvd has always belonged to the good old school of Christian
charity, the exponent of honest first principles, and the advocate
of every movement looking to the advancement of all classes.
This unanimity of sentiment is the more pleasing that there have
been two precedents for the same within the past few years. When
Canon Carmichael left us for Hamilton — happily to return as we all
hoped and predicted — the Irish Catholics of Montreal came forward
spontaneously with a presentation, which the Reverend Dean,
Irish-like, at once converted into a cabinet and bookcase to store
his Irish library and curiosities. A little later, on the departure of
the Rev. Gavin Lang, for Scotland, a similar scene was enacted,
and almost the last visit of the Reverend pastor was to Father
Dowd.
Another aspect of the Jubilee will be the participation of the
French-Canadian people. Not only does Father Dowd belong to
a congregation which is of French origin and of which he is a highly
honored member, being on the board of the council of the Seminary,
but his faithful coadjutor, Rev. M. Toupin, will hold his anniversary
at the same time, and shave in all the tributes paid to his life-long
colleague and friend. Father Toupin belongs to an old and distin-
guished French family of the Island of Montreal, and having at an
early period been placed in contact with the congregation of St.
Patrick's, he linked his fortunes with theirs when seemingly better
advantages were open to him among his own people. His has been,
through all these years, the mission of the modest, unassuming
vicar or assistant ; but those who know him best can bear testimony
to the devotion which has attended all his labors, through the
83
various functions of priestly life, from the baptismal font of the
infant, the first communion of the adolescent, the marriage benedic-
tion of the young couple, the attendance — day and night — by the
sick bed, and the final prayer and requiem at the open grave on
Cote des Neiges. It is right cf itself, and well for ourselves, that
we men of the world should turn aside a moment and show that we
can appreciate such qualities and such services. The true clergy-
man is the highest ideal of manhood, the best guide of the fiimily,
and the main prop of that social fabric which must be founded on
religious principles. I3y honoring such men we honor ourselves,
and teach our children the ennobling virtue of gratitude.
John Lesperance.
Montreal Gazette.
A GLOWING TRIBUTE TO FATHER DOWD FROM REV. GAVIN
LANG.
We have great pleasure in publishing the following warm and very
complimentary letter of the Rev. Gavin Lang, late minister of St.
Andrew's Church of this city, to his friend Mr. Edward Murphy,
congratulating the venerable pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Father
Dowd, on the occasion of his golden jubilee, which will take place
on the 19th inst.
Inverness, Scotland, 29th April, 1887.
Dear Mr. Murphv, — I see, in a recently received Montreal
paper, the announcement of an impending celebration in honor and
commemoration of the jubilee of the ministry of my old friend and
neighbor, Father Dowd, of St. Patrick's Church. In that an-
nouncement, it is suggested that there should be an expression of
sympathy on the occasion from brother clergymen of all creeds and
persuasions. I earnestly hope that this suggestion will be acted
upon by Protestants as well as Roman Catholics. Though no longer
resident or laboring in Montreal, I feel a strong desire to offer my
tribute of respect and best wishes for continued usefulness to the
venerable priest, and I can think of no better way of conveying
such, in order that they may be added to those of like character)
than by asking you, one of his most prominent coadjutors, to do so
in the manner and at the time you may think best.
Even the slightest reference to the name of good Father Dowd
brings up many and various memories. I had occasion, more than
once, to ask his advice upon public questions, and was always
received with the most pleasing courtesy. I well remember the
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0
I.I
1.25
^la lllllM
"1M 111112,2
\M
;40
2.0
1.8
1.4 111.6
'W
<?
/}
^;.
'^1
e".
c"!
> >
o
7
/A
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, NY. 14580
(716) 872-4503
Q-
TT
,!' ','
i:'i
81
time of intense anxiety during the, as was supposed, perilous and
disastrous voyage he made, now many years ago, en route to Rome,
and the relief we all — all Montreal and Canada — felt when the news
came that the travellers in the ship had been spoken at sea and no
worse fate had befallen them than the breaking of a shaft. Very
thoughtfully The Star sent me a communication of the welcome
tidings to St. Andrew's Church during the service, and, it being
handed up to the pulpit, we joined in giving thanks, then and there,
to Almighty God for his merciful preservation of our fellow citizens.
Nor do I forget the season of suspense caused by an illness through
which Father Dowd passed, and I have the most grateful recollection
of the kind things he said when I left Montreal and returned to
Scotland. Shortly before that, I had been anxious to hear one of
the Redemptorist Fathers preach, and when I was looking about
for a seat, he sent one of his officials to show me to one, which
turned out to be that of my old friend, Dr. Kingston — a courtesy
which was repeated at another service which I attended in St.
Pratrick's on St. Patrick's Day.
You will have many gatherings around Father Dowd, at the
Jubilee celebration to render, in person, their desires for his prolonged
life and increasing happiness. I will be with and of them in heart
and spirit. Even before then, will y6u give him my kindest regards
and with the same to yourself,
Believe me, yours very faithfully,
GAVIN LANG,
Late Minister of St. Andreiv^s Church (Church of Scotland), Montreal.
. Edw. Murphy, Esq., Montreal.
City, May i8, 1887.
Edward Murphy, Esq.,
Mv dear Sir, — I trust that it will not be intrusive on my part if
I take the freedom of conveying to you, and, by your kindness, to
the Rev. Fathers Dowd and Toupin, whose jubilee of priestly
service will be so justly celebrated to-morrow, the assurance of my
personal interest in so beautiful an occasion. I have not the honor
of acquaintance with either of these reverend gentlemen ; never-
theless, in view of the cordial relations which formerly existed
between the Rev. Dr. Cordner and your honored Pastor, and also
the gratefully remembered fact, that many years ago in a time of
85
trouble, the Church of the Messiah found a generous friend in Father
Dowd — who, I beg to add, is known to me as well as to all our
citizens, for his noble character and work, I cannot resist the
impulse to join by these words in the general tribute of the morrow.
Both Fathers Dowd and Toupin have rendeied eminent service
to the cause of religion and the well-being of this City ; and I, for
my own part, am glad to share the common expression of respectful
appreciation. I congratulate you all, that they have reached so
honorable a period of clerical usefulness, and most sincerely hope
that they may be long spared in health and happiness.
My personal esteem foi yourself justifies me in addressing you in
these familiar words, and in remaining,
Dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
WM. S. BARNES.
Minister of Church of the Messiah (Unitarian).
Of the many poems written and published in honor of Father
Dowd's Jubilee, the following by Miss B. Gueiin, of this City, is of
the best. It certainly deserves a place iii this little volume which
we gladly give it.
TO REVEREND FATHER DOWD.
Rejoice ! oh rejoice ! let our glad voices swelling
With mirth and with music resound on the air I
A sense of delight in each bosom is dwelling,
There are smiles on each lip as it murmurs a prayer —
A heartfelt thanksgiving to God is ascending,
Our joy is the purest that Heaven can send,
While age's weak voice and youth's clear notes are blending
To honor our Pastor, our Father and Friend.
Five decades have passed since with hands consecrated
He took up life's chapiet, and told the first bead,
And still as he numbers them angels elated
Are tracing the record of each noble deed.
Did he see that May mom when he stood at the altar,
This milestone of gold looming out from afar
Through the azure of years, with a flicker and falter,
As dim and mysterious as evening's white star 1
'15 "!U
86
m
fii
That May-day now seems to return, like a vision
Of home and heaven ! He kneels to adore,
But the incense is laden with perfume elysian
Of hawthorn in bloom on his own native shore I
He offers to God his life's vow all unbroken ;
His voice, as in youth, is as ardent and strong,
But while the heart-words with deep reverence are spoken.
He hears once again the lark's tremulous song.
Then memory, aroused, awakes from her slumbers
And shows him the lake-jewelled Island again,
The tear-begemmed Island, and sings in soft numbers
A song of glad youth in an exquisite strain.
But Erin, your charms, though so sweet, did not bind him.
Like his own loved Saint Patrick he heard a low call,
And rising, he left your fair gretn hills behind him,
Your sea -girdled shore, that bound home, friends and all I
Amongst us he dwelt, and the busy years flying
As noiseless as thistle-down borne on the air.
Wove a crown of love's flowers immortal, undying.
Which to-day on his brow shines above his white hair.
A Patriarch Priest ! lo, he stands in the glory
Of life's setting sun which illumines the west.
And lights with its radiance the whole of life's story,
A gorgeous decline to a day that was blest 1
You have known him, oh hearts, that were wounded with sorrow ;
His touch had the magic of exquisite balm.
Oh 1 sinners that feared every wakening to-morrow,
His voice has restored you heaven's sunlight and calm.
Ye orphans that mourned for a father and mother.
In him you have found both ; and he labored and strove,
For the home that protects you ; he shared with no other
The right to befriend you, to guard you and love.
For love ri'- s up from his soul like a fountain,
And charity falls like the spray from his hands,
What he holds is all ours, and he claims no amount in,
For poor as the poorest amongst us he stands.
The mitre above his great brow might have glistened ;
The crozier been given him a proud flock to guide,
To the words of his wisdom the wise might have listened,
But still with Christ's little ones he would abide.
M
m
87
Once only he left us— with steps deferential,
He bore to the feet of Christ's vicar on earth.
The homage and love of our hearts reverential ;
Than proudest of treasures to him of more worth,
He gave him the calm and undying assurance
That though the whole world with sedition might ring.
Though wild winds might rage with unswerving endurance.
We cling to our faith and our heaven-crowned King.
Oh 1 boundless indeed was our hearts' great emotion,
When weary we waited through long weeks in vain,,
P"or a word or a sign from the wide-spreading oceari,
To say we should see our dear Father again.
The sun hid its light through these long hours of mourning,
But hope's gentle star through the gloom shed its rays,
Till clouds having passed, the glad sunshine returning,
Awakened our souls to an anthem of praise I
'Round Mary's dear shrine, at each close of day kneeling.
While music arose on the odorous air,
Our hearts with each throb of the organ were feeling
A dread, that found vent in a wild wordless prayer,
A great nameless fear through our bosoms was thrilling,
Lest danger the pilgrim's frail b irk should o'erwhelm,
Till from our Queen's heart came a sweet message stilling
Our anguish ! — we knew she would v.'atch at the helm.
Oh Father beloved ! thy heart must be swelling
With joy, to remember the things thou hast known —
The Church has twice spoken — its thunder tones telling
That Truth the unerring is ever its own.
Thou hast heard the sweet chant from ten thousand throats springing
Which still day by day is resounded again,
Through all time 'twill be sung — through eternity ringing
Oh ! Mary Immaculate is the refrain
Now on the calm sea of age thou art sailing,
And the silver chord tightens which draws thee to shore,
But the chain of our love is about" thee unfailing,
We would hold thee from Heaven — for we need thee still more !
Yes, stay with us, Father, long years — till resembling
The Apostle who loved most and lay on His breast.
And taught His sweet precept — with aged lips trembling :
" Oh ! love ye each other and so be ye bJ 'St !"
88
Thy virtues we hold up to-day to the nation ;
Thy name through our land a glad echo has stirr'd ;
It falls from all lips with a deep veneration,
By the next generation it still will \ie heard,
It will speak in each stone of St. Patrick's forever.
The temple that thou hast made for us a home —
A monument telling that nothinp could sever
Thy love for thy children, (or Erin and Rome|l
THANKS.
The undersigned, in the discharge of a pleasing duty, desire to
convey, through the President, their grateful thanks to all their kind
friends and generous benefactors, on the occasion of the fiftieth
anniversary of their ordination to the priesthood. They beg to
present their cordial and respectful acknowledgments to the Arch-
bishops and Bishops, who, at very great inconvenience, were
pleased to honor the feast by their presence ; to His Grace the
Archbishop of Montreal, who, with extreme goodness, assisted at
all the exercises of the day ; to His Grace the Archbishop of Toronto,
whose long standing friendship made him forget the pain and fatigue
of the journey from Toronto to Montreal ; to His Lordship the
Bishop of London, wlio crowned the occasion by preaching a sermon
that will be long remembered j to His Lordship the Bishop of
Pelerboro, the respected fellow pilgrim of Father Dowd to Rome >
and also to His Grace Archbishop Tach^, who left his sick room to
take some part in the proceedings of the day.
They offer affectionate thanks to their brother priests, who came
from distant parts of the United States and of the Dominion, as also
to those from the city and suburbs of Montreal. Similar thanks are
offered to the large number of priests whom the duties of ministry
kept away ; we gratefully accept their good wishes and the promise
of their prayers.
We owe a special debt of gratitude to our friends outside St.
Patrick's Congregation, Catholics and Protestants, who generously
contributed to swell the Jubilee fund. Amongst our special bene-
factors we must name Mr, Notman, who presented each of us with
a magnificent life-size portrait. We would be ungrateful did we not
acknowledge the very great kindness shown to us by the Press
without distinction.
In our inability to write to each, all our dear and respected friends
will please accept this assurance of our heartfelt thanks and lasting
gratitude.
J. TOUPIN, Ptre.
P. DOWD, Priest.
APPENDIX.
The following report of the proceedings of general and special
committees, for the carrying out of the Jubilee celebration, etc., was
kindly prepared by W. J. O'Hara, Esq., the indefatigable secretary.
A meeting of the pew holders and congregation generally of St.
Patrick's Church, Montreal, was held in the Sacristy after Grand
Mass, Sunday, the nth July, 1886, for the purpose of adopting
means to reduce the capital debt of the Church, bearing interest,
amounting to $102,000. The total debt is $124,390, but $22,000
due the Seminary being without interest.
The Reverend Father Dowd, Pastor of St. Patrick's, opened the
proceedings by explaining the object of the meeting, and submitting,
for consideration, the following propositions : —
1. That a subscription list be opened forthwith, the subscription
o be paid any time before the ist May, 1887.
2. That a treasurer be appointed; if desired, the Reverend
Father Quinlivan would consent to act as such.
3. That a Committee be appointed to collect funds, the number
of the Committee and the mode of collection to be determined by
the meeting.
4. That the Priests regularly attached to the St. Patrick's be,
ex officio, members of the Committee, for the purpose of receiving
all contributions brought to the Sacristy or to the Priests' residence.
5. The amount of subscriptions and collections to be handed
over to the Rev. Father Dowd, Pastor of St. Patrick's, on some day
in May, 1887, to be hereafter fixed.
The Rev. Pastor then retired, and Mr. Edward Murphy was
unanimously chosen chairman, and Mr. William J. O'Hara, secretary,
of the Congregation Committee, for the purpose of carrying out the
object in view.
After some enthusiastic remarks by the Chairman, it was moved
by Mr. James O'Brien, seconded by Mr. Owen McGarvey, and
ui\animously carried, that a subscription list be openedjat this meet-
ing for the object in question, and the occasion of the Reverend
Father Dowd's fiftieth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood
(golden jubilee) selected, as an appropriate one to present to him
the amount realized.
ti
Mi
90
A list was accordingly opened, and upwards of $6,000 there and
then subscribed.
The Rev. Father Quinlivan was requested to act as Treasurer of
the Fund, consented, and received the amount of subscriptions then
paid. The meeting then adjourned until the following Sunday.
***
At the adjourned meeting held at the same time and place, on
Sunday, the i8th July, 1886, Mr. Edward Murphy in the Chair,
and Mr. O'Hara, Secretary, the Reverend Pastor of St. Patrick's
reported additional subscriptions made since the former meeting,
amounting to $3,270. Upwards of $650 was subscribed at this
meeting, making the total subscription to that date nearly $10,000.
Adjournment made until the following Sunday.
**♦
At the meeting which was held, on Sunday, the 25th July, 1886,
the Reverend Father Dowd, in the absence of Mr. Edward Murphy,
took the Chair. A number of subscriptions were reported, and a
larger number received at the meeting. After discussion, it was
determined to postpone the appointment of a collecting committee
until after the summer holidays, many of the Congregation being
absent from the city at that time. VVhereupon, an adjournment was
made until the first Sunday in September.
***
The meeting appointed for the first Sunday of September, 1886,
and postponed in consequence of the Cathedral (St. Peter's)
Bazaar, was, after notice from the pulpit, held on Sunday, 28th
November, 1886.
The Rev. Father Dowd occupied the Chair. There was a good
attendance.
The question of appointing collecting committees to make domi-
ciliary visits, and to take collections at the Church doors on Sundays,
was considered, but action in that respect was postponed.
It was deemed expedient to continue for some time longer the
Sunday meetings, so as to give every one in the Congregation an
opportunity to come forward voluntarily, and add to the Fund. The
Rev. Father Dowd was requested to take early opportunity to
explain to the Congregation the practical result of lessening the
debt by $20,000 or $25,000, thereby saving upv/ards of $1,000 per
'= n
91
3f
n
annum interest, which could either be used to liquidate so much of
the capital annually or to form a sinking fund, which, in time, would
liquidate the debt altogether, thus giving hope to the effort to raise
that sum. A desire was also expressed that the Reverend Clergy,
themselves, take up the monthly Sunday collection in the Church ;
and a motion to that effect, proposed by Mr. Edward Murphy, and
seconded by Mr. J. J. Curran, was carried unanimously.
A number of subscriptions and payments were reported and
made, and the meeting adjourned.
***
At the adjourned meeting held on Sunday, the 12th December,
1886, the Reverend Father Dowd occupied the Chair.
Subscriptions were reported and payments made; and jpon
motion of Dr. W. H. Kingston, seconded by Mr. Edward Murphy,
it was unanimously resolved that a circular be prepared by the
Rev. Father Dowd, and sent to all those from whom a subscription
was expected, the circular to be submitted at next meeting.
* *
The Circular was submitted at the next meeting, Sunday, 19th
December, 1886, by the Rev. Father Dowd, and approved. A few
subscriptions were received, and adjournment was made until after
the Christmas and New- Year Holidays.
>(<■
The next meeting was held on Sunday, the 27th March, 1887, the
Treasurer, Rev. Father Quinlivan, in the absence of the Chairman,
Mr. Edward Murphy, occupied the Chair, Mr. William J. O'Hara
acting as Secretary. After receiving payments and taking new
subscriptions, it was --esolved that the Reverend Pastor of St.
Patrick's, in conjunction with the Rev. Treasurer of this Fund, be
requested to appoint a Committee to make domiciliary visits to the
parishioners of St. Patrick's and others, for the purpose of soliciting
subscriptions to the Fund ; but, before the Committee begin their
visits, a circular in form suggested be sent by the Rev. Father
Dowd to all from whom contributions were expected, and a short
period allowed for spontaneous compliance with the appeal. A
form of circular and of subscription note for enclosure therewith
was submitted. Quite a number of subscriptions, made since the
last meeting in December, 1886, were reported. It was suggested
that a meeting of the Congregation generally, to consider theprepa*
02
rations necessary for the due celebration of the Jubilee of the
R verend K.t^.ers Dovvd and Toupin, be called for Easter Sunday,
atter Crrand xMass.
***
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH DEBT.
An Affectionate Appeal to the Parishioners and Friends of St.
i^atrick s to join in an Effort to Reduce the Debt on that
Church:
Tiiis appeal is based on the following reasons •
P.r- \ ''^A''^'f ^ """''' "^^^'^ '' "''^ '^^^' ^^'' °f 'he building of St.
Patrick s Church, namely, $124,390.
2nc'. Of that amount $102,390 bears interest at 4* per cent
amounting yearly to $4,607.55. ^^ ^ '
3rd. The remaining $22,000, lent by the Seminary of Montreal,
does not bear interest. '
4th. When the amount due to the Fabrique of Notre Dame, viz.:
*ro2 390, ,s paid, principal and interest, the St. Patrick's Church,
with the grounds attached, and all dependencies, becomes by the
fact the property of the St. Patrick's Parish.
5th. The interest now paid will, in a little over twenty-two years,
equal the entire capital of the debt bearing interest, viz. : $102,390 •
L7e7est '''^ °" '^' capital of the debt diminishes that ;early
6th. Twenty thousand dollars of the capital debt paid reduces the
yearly interest by $900.00. Twenty-five thousand dollars paid on
same capital debt would reduce the yearly interest by $r,, 25.00
7th. It IS believed that by a generous and united effort twenty-
J'Z'T/ '^''"'''■' "^'^ ^' subscribed, and paid in before the
middle of May next ; the amount already subscribed by only one
hundred and one members of the congregation is over $ro,8oo.
8th What IS saved by reducing the yearly interest goes at once
to reduce yet further the capital debt.
9th. If the good will of the parishioners is seriously enlisted in
this grand movement, nodoubt God will open new sources of revenue
by mspinng many to remember the church of their dear Apostle
when making their last will, and preparing for eternity
Montreal, Dec. 18th, 1886.
P. DO WD, Priest.
<
98
MEETINGS IN RE THE JUBILEE CELEBRATION.
The St. Patrick's Congregation held a meeting in the Sacristy,
after Grand Mass, on Sunday, the 17th April. 1887, to consider, and
prepare for the celebration, in a fitting manner, of the Golden
Jubilee of Reverend Fathers Dowd and Toupin. Mr. Edward
Murphy was requested to take the Chair, and Mr. William O'Hara
to act as secretary. The leading members of the Congregation
were present. It was unanimously resolved upon motion of Dr.
Kingston, seconded by Mr. M. P. Ryan, that the Jubilee be cele-
brated in the fjilowing manner : —
1st. That an address in the name of the Congregation be pre-
sented to the Reverend Fathers Dowd and Toupin on the occasion.
2. That the address to the Reverend Father Dowd, Pastor cf St.
Patrick's, be accompanied by a presentation.
3. That the occasion be also celebrated by a banquet.
4. That ihe members of the Congregation, who can do so, offer
private hospitality to the visiting clergy and others.
5. That Committees be named to carry out the foregoing.
The following Committee was appointed to draw up the
addresses : — Messrs. Edward Murphy (Chairman), VV. H. Kingston
M.D., J. J. Curran, LL.D., Q.C., M.P., Dennis Barry, B.C.L.,'
Alderman W. H. Cunningham, M. J. F. Quinn, Honorable James
McShane, Owen McGarvey, James O'Brien, and William J. O'Hara
Secretary,
The Hospitality Committee was constituted as •»!ows: Messrs.
M. P. Ryan, J. K. Semple, John Mclntyre and Walter Kavanagh,
with power to add to their number.
The announcement by the Secretary (Mr. O'Hara) that the choir
of St. Patrick's proposed to add to the celebration a Musical
Festival, to be held in the Queen's Hall, on the 17th May next
under the auspices of gentlemen of the Congregation, the proceeds
of which to be devoted to the Jubilee Fvmd, was received with
pleasure. A Committee, composed of Messrs. John B. Murphy,
Bernard Tansey, Bernard Emerson, J. Connaughton, and John Fallon
to procure Medals or Badges and Photographs for the celebration
to be sold for the benefit of the Fund, was appointed, and the
meeting adjourned.
***
At the adjourned meeting held on Sunday, April 24th, Mr.
Edward Murphy, Chairman,— reports were received from the
w
94
different Committees. A number of names were added to the list
of those oflerinj^ hospitality to visitors. At this meeting exiiaustive
consideration was given to the details of the celebration, and provi-
sions made for carrying out the same with suitable Mat. Steps
were taken to afford outside citizens (citizens not members of the
Congregation of St. Patrick's) an i "jportunity to join in the
celebration, as a desire to share in the i/ibute of respect to the
beloved Pastor of St. Patrick's had been generally evinced by the
citizens.
***
Another meeting was held of the Congregation of St. Patrick's on
Sunday, the ist May, 1887. Mr. Edward Murphy in the Chair, at
which the reports of the various Committees were considered and
approved. A draft of the address to Rev. Father Dowd was
submitted and approved, and the Chairman (Mr. Edward Murphy),
Dr. W. H. Kingston, and the Secretary(Mr.O'Hara) were appointed
a sub-committee to complete the addresses.
Mr. W. H. Cunningham was added to the Committee on Badges,
etc., as Chairman in the absence of Mr. John B. Murphy. It was
resolved that Mr. John B. Murphy's suggestion as to the publication
of a pampliet commemorative of the festival be approved, to be
carried out after the event, unless it be found practicable to have it
ready for the occasion itself.
Mr. M.' P. Ryan was appointed Treasurer to receive subscriptions
from persons outside the Congregation^ who had shown a disposition
to join in the testimonial to the Peverend Father Dowd, and the
meeting adjourned until the 8th idem.
* *
The meeting of the 8th May was entirely taken up with details of
the Jubilee celebration. It was arranged that the addresses be
presented in the church, members of the Temperance Society to act
as ushers and preserve order, the pewholders being requested to
place seats at their disposal for the accommodation of strangers.
The draft of the address to Rev. Father Toupin was read by
Dr. Kingston and approved.
Adjournment was made to the following Sunday.
* «
At the meeting, held on Sunday, 15th May, to make final arrange-
ments for the Jubilee celebration, Mr. Edward Murphy occupied
|! I
95
the chair. The Rev. Father Quinlivan, Treasurer, rep' rted the
subscriptions and amount paid up to dale, of the Jubilee Fund, viz. :
Subscriptions $14,772 ; payments $13,648.
Mr. M. P. Ryan (Special Treasurer) reported subscriptions
received from persons outside the Congregation, and read a number
of friendly communications received in connection therewith,
amongst others from:— The Reverend Father Catulle, Pastor of
St. Ann's ; Mr. James F. Black, City Treasurer; Mr. John Crawford
of Verdun ; Very Rev. Dean Carmichael ; Mr. W. S. Goodhue.
The Chairman (Mr. Edward Murphy) read a letter from the
Rev Gavin Lang, late Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Montreal,
now of Inverness, Scotland, who spoke in the kindliest manner of
Father Dowd as his " dear old friend and neighbor."
It was arranged as to the presentation of addresses that precedence
be given to the representative of the Federal Government, the
Honorable Mr. Thompson, Minister of Justice, who had kindly,
signified his intention of being present, to be followed by the Corpo-
ration of Montreal. Next in order, the address of the Congregation
to the Rev. Father Dowd to be read by Mr. Edward Murphy,
Chairman, a'^'^ the address to Rev. Father Toupin to be read by
Dr. W. H ) ton. Rev. Faiher Quinlivan to follow with the
address of u. Ladies of the Congregation, and the remaining
addresses in the order announced from the pulpil liiat day.
Arrangement was made for a platform from which to read the
addresses, and the meeting adjourned.
There were several informal meetings of sub-committees prior to
the celebration, to complete arrangements for the successful '^arrying
out of the same.
At a meeting of the Congregation held after the Jubilee, to wit :
on Sunday, the 29th May, 1887, after Grand Mass, in the Sacristy, to
receive reports of the same and wind up the business connected
therewith. Mr. Edward Murphy occupied the chair, and there
was a large attendance. Report was received of the expenses of
the celebration in the Church, viz: Decorations $75, Music $52,
Printing, etc., $36.18, total $163.18. The Reverend Treasurer,
i :i'
'II
i:
96
Father Quinlivan, reported the result of the Jubilee Fund collection
as follows:—
The Congregation generally $16,593 44
From Societies : —
St. Patrick's Society 100 00
S^. Patrick's Choir - 320 00
St. Patrick's School (past and present pupils).. 365 co
The Ladies of Charity of the Congregation
and their friends 1000 00
Society of the Living Rosary 251 25
Catholic Young Men's Society 205 00
The Leo Club 106 49
The Catechism Children 525 00
St. Patrick's Temperance Society 500 00
The Children of Mary Society 201 50
St. Patrick's Orphans 50 00
Catholic friends 387 00
4,011 24
$20,604 68
After considering reports of the Badge and Photograph Com-
mittee, the qaestioa of the publication of the pamphlet, comme
morative of the occasion, was discussed, and it was resolved that
the pamphlet be prepared and published, containing : —
1. An historical account of the Church (St. Patrick's) and its
associations, its early pastors, etc., and other matters of interest in
connection with the early religious history of the Irish Catholic
people of Montreal.
2. An account of the Charitable and Educational Establishments
connected with and surrounding the Church.
3. Biographical sketches of the Reverend Fathers Dowd and
Toupin.
4. Account of the Jubilee Celebration in its various parts, the
Musical Festival, the School Celebration, the religious celebration,
the sermon of the day, the banquet, the addresses, poems, etc., etc.
5. A list of subscribers to the Fund, and such other matters as
the Committee may see fit and appropriate. '
The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to have the
pamphlet compiled and published, viz.: — Rev. Father Quinlivan,
b.
97
Mr. Edward Murphy (Chairman), Dr. W. H. Kingston, J. J.
Curran, LL.D., Q.C., M.P., WiUiam J. O'Hara (Secretary), Dennis
Barry, B.C.L., and Bernard Emerson.
This Committee arranged to meet the following Tuesday, and
the meeting adjourned.
***
The sub-committee met on Tuesday, 31st May, 1887, and
arranged the subject matter of the pamphlet, which it was found
could be most satisfactorily published by Messrs. John Lovell
& Son.
The sub-committee appointed to prepare and publish the Jubilee
Pamphlet Souvenir met on Sunday, the i8th September, 1887.
There were present : Rev. Father Quinlivan, Messrs. Edward
Murphy (Chairman), J. J. Curran, Dennis Barry, B. Emerson, and
William O'Hara (Secretary).
Mr. J. J. Curran read the Introductory or Prefatory Chapter
written by him for the Jubilee pamphlet, and submitted a sketch of the
subject matter, its compilation and arrangement. A resolution
expressing the approval and appreciation of the Committee there-
with, and without delay, in favor of the publication of the Jubilee
pamphlet, as prepared under the editorship of Mr. Curran, was
passed unanimously.