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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too largo 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. Thn following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop gr<)nd pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichd, II est filmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrcnt la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 C3 :-. A MEMOIRS OP THE li:h' OP JIev, ^. /. P UNPHY BY 3>^- -A^ 3sr.^XTisr.A.R"3r. SAINT JOHN, N. B. : Printrd at thk Wkbkly Heralu Job Rooms, 1877. A sJ ^f U ^J . ]K TRODUCTION. No matter how sweet or endearing the memory of those we h)ve, Time, the destroyer of all things, will dim that memory, unless replenished by the freiiuent recital or perusal of the many virtues that in life so commanded the esteem and admiration of one's fellow man. How many great and noble men, now mouldering in the dust of their narrow graves, are entirely forgotten by the thousands who, even after many ages, have been benefited by their expansive intellects, and noble, unselfish lives. How many grand, sublime, and generous sacrifices have been made by millions which have never been recorded in the book of Time, while others have left after them many living monuments that continually speak to the mind and heart of the great good quietly and noiselessly accomplished during their life-time. I do not claim for the subject of these Memoirs that he was a great man, great in the sense the world uses the word; but I do hold he was a good man, a faithful servant of God, a holy priest, one who fearlessly and independently did IM'KOnuCTlON. ■ -+» f*. W what ho k„,nv or f.It to )„. hi.s dutv, ,,„d >vl,o by ' '» con.s,stent piety a„,, „„,,,«„,;«!>,, ' „ L.^* c low ma„ through the a,..,.o, „f that „ i Ji^n e«t«bhHhed.oc„turie« ago, and .vl>ioh will Zl^ "'■"' '"'<* '"""''"»«1 till the, cud of ti.„o T non th,«e outside of the fold of the Ro^^^ U««>hc Church cau look upon the priest, in ,so f the many s,tuatious of life, without respect for tte „.a„ and silent admiration for the religi.,, he represents. Take, for instance, the poor ftver «tncken patient, or still worse, the frail ma.!. wo„,an sndtten vnth some loathsome and "o tagmus disease. Who is the first to enter ft r- ' *- foul, pestilential air, and minister to the w:tLforV:thr^^^^ "• r --^^ ^^^^^^ fK J 1 orotnerr' He is also prepared in the dead and silent watches of the night to be W 'h " t: 'T ^""^ •»"•"> "-'^•'^ -St. t.! brave the cold and biting blasts of a dreary Hid and comfort to some poor child committed to his pastoral care. In the early watches of the mommg he kneels before the altar of God, and earnestly, loyingly, implores His mercy in behalf 1NTRODUC5TION. of the numy dear children confided to his spiritual keepinji^; and again, when all nature is hushed to the deepest silence, docs he bow in reverential awe before that same altar, with none t^) hear his low murmured prayers, save the white winged angels lingering lovingly by to wafl his many petitions to the throne of Love and Mercy. Quietly, silently he prays on, the dim, steady light from the altar shedding around on those no less silent, though sacred walls, its subdued and sombre rays, and for the time one forgets there is m\ outside world, where the fierce passions of man lage and God is hourly, nay momentarily, offend- ed. Such is the true priest of God, mediator as it were between man and his Creator, and such was the daily, nightly life of Father Dunphy, during his pastoral charge of twenty-seven years. Rev. E. J. Dunphy will, I am sure, be only forgotten by some when the feeble breath of life flickers in the frail, emaciated frame; but to others, who were not granted the privilege of knowing him so well, time will naturally dim, if not entirely obliterate, the memory of this good man, this holy priest. It is to keep alive this memory that I have undertaken, with many misgivings, a short and I fear very imperfect sketch of his energetic, hard-working life. I have done so at the urgent request of my many 6 INTHODUOTION. l«.Ht„r. " •"""* '^"rthy and ^,„,„„^ How he ca.r:rTjr:i"th;^- ^''-^^ "*"• 'wyish face, a comDamfivTi, *"' ^""thf"!, « burning .eal ^00??'' ''"""f ""*"' '•"* '^ith "relent Lirt for .^eir 1 ?"? «^'"'^' «°•« •»»ny cares and duS S T.^"^""*" '-^"""^e -crificing life. hIw 1 1 t *" " P"*«*'« ««»^ "^-y^ofthen,:;* P:';:*-;the„init. accomplished with so muoh^K ?'*'''*" "'"' *e still nobler and grldt '£TT' ""^ "'' the moral, social, and ht^.M.. ? '" ""'<'« *■<"• the condition of hrpeo' , " 1"'*' "»P'-°^«'ne„t i„ f"' -. The i'ertmr«^,/'!'>*«-teh, ments to his zeal and ene^ 1-, u"^ '""'"'^ only speak in the da«;S";;'*,f \f '-- whom he taught with i,nL„ • * thousands God, to be good and -^i!"^ P"*'""*'* *° '"ve themselves Xachothr*''* "*"^"«' *'"« *« the right, Jiri t£ gsTTtT"'"^ ^'- mmgs to act honestly and INTKODUCTION. honorably, with an independance which made them adhere to the right and disavow all that was wrong, socially, roligioualy and politically. On the altar, in the confessional, or at the death- bed of some poor, dying creature, he was ever found in the conscientious discharge of his mani- fold duties. In his private life he was a thorough gentleman, a princely host, and a truly reliable friend. It was in his every day life, particularly in his private devotions to God, that the real, genuine virtues of the man shone forth with a lustre which must necessarily leave a lasting impression on those who were the daily, though silent, witnesses of his truly holy and edifying life. He had, I grant, his faults and imperfections. Who has not? But over these let us draw the veil of charity, and now, that he lies among the motion- less and silent dead, let us not think otherwise than kindly and lovingly of the one whose mute lips cannot speak in his own defence. In order that an adequate idea may be given of the work accomplished during the life-time of Father Dunphy, it will, I think, be well, before introducing him personally to the notice of the reader, to commence at the very establishment of the Catholic Church in Carleton. I will, there- fore, with your kind permission, diverge for a few moments from the subject of my sketch. . ' li. , CHAPTER I. Well, reader mine, will you, for an hour or so, throw aside the cares and duties of the day, and come back with me, in imagination, some thirty-one or two years ago, when together we will watch the progress of the Catholic Church in Carleton ; a theme ever dear to the true Catholic heart, no matter how or where situated. Thirty- one or two years ago ! It seems a very long time from which to cite memories of the past ; but, with a little thoifght and care, we will, I am sure, bring our work to a satisfactory issue. Yes, a little more than a quarter of a century ago, there stood not one vestige of that noble church, with its ehaste and elegant surroundings, which to-day proclaims with a silent, though no less eloquent tongue, the faith, piety, and undaunted persever- ance of those who have, through the aid of their good priest, raised such a noble structure to the honor of that God in whom they believe and hope for eternal life. Yes, at the time of which I write, Carleton was a poor, struggling village, its inhabitants, comparatively small in number, sup- porting themselves by fishing and the lumber business, which had at that time but a name. 10 WEAfOrkS OF THK tAFK "t^ to the ineiiiorable 20ih of Jinj. ,,f ,u^ • .-^carcelv on.. VI »efereiue would be •^•ii<^ei\ (Oil side rod m keonino- ♦jfK ., Slij.;;;-: ■tLf- «>■ *- r— iutiijoiies, how many hwp-i jirrj h,.ii i u erect a Church for thei»- own use, and which w(udd better supj)ly the nnmy spiritual wants of the people of Carleton. In consequence of this reso- lution, a mee+ing was held in the house of Mr. Peter Fagan, one of the then most respected f I •f ' .12 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE o thi8 effect, two or .three members waited on evident pleasure they retired from the worthv prelate's presence, havin asto, d I '"""•' '"-^'"''-^ Rev. Ja„,e,s Q • ' T' ''^"'' '''^ ■^'"t''--. ^;^ outside dutiosoftho,..H.h,, Shi ;;;::,;; the winter ';f i^'t''- *'■' ^^ ealledto receive th^ .-l^S J /r/''^' "*■ ""-"^ many long, weary yoar.s. " '"'*"''"- "* ^" I. S' OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 15 CHAPTER IV. REV. E. J. DUNPIIY. The Parish of Cjirleton becoming again vacant,* Bishop Connolly, the late lainentcd Archbishop of Halifax, who succeeded Bishop Dollard to the Episcopal See of St. John, recalled from a Parish at the Xorth Shore, Kev. E. J. Dunphy, and appointed him Pastor of the Catholic Church in Carleton. Young, fervent, and full of zeal for the honor of that God to whom he unreservedly offered his entire life, to him is due, in an especial manner, many improvements that meet the eye of the beholder ; living monuments that speak more forcibly to the mind and heart than any words of mine can ever effect. Rev. Edward John Dunphy, the eldest son of Thomas and Honora Dun[)hy, Avas born April 14th, ' .1824, iri the beautiful city of A\^aterford, Ireland, and was baptized in the Church of the Holy Trinity, l)y Rev. Father Burke. In 1829, he sailed frrmi Ireland with his parents, and, arriving in New York, they, like many otr.c. .^ of the Irish population, made their home in that populous and now widely known American city. He was then I '• i 16 MEMOIRS O:^ THE LIFE five years of age, and during a portion of the intervening years spent there he served on the altar of Saint Ann's Church. On September 1 2th, 1833, and consequently when only nine years old, he lost his mother, who died at the early age of thirty-two years. This was the first grief that entered into his young life, the first sorrow that pressed heavily on his youthful, boyish spirits— a grief that during his busy, hard-working career was never entirely laid aside, a sorrow that was never completely forgotten. How many, many times I heard him refer with pleasure and affection to the gentle woman who, in his lonely boyhood, had been lost to him ; how bitterly he bemoaned her sudden and unexpected death; and though but a child at the time, how vivid seemed his rememberance of the day on which they carried her from the now lonely, cheerless home, made so often bright and happy by the sweet and endearing attentions of a mother's gentle, loving presence. How many, grown even to manhood and battling with the world's hard, stern realities, can look back through the vista of many years and echo the sam6 thoughts and feelings which, during a life-time, seemed exclusively his own. Such is life. Early we begin to learn the cold, hard lesson; but no trial can be equal to the loss— particularly in early childhood— of that sustain- ing, unselfish love, found pure and unalloyed in [ II 1 OF REV. E. J. DUNPin . 17 the heart of a truly good and loviug mother. How many, occupying positions of power and influence, look back upon the years of their fortu* uate childhood, and, with grateful, loving hearts, thank a mother's watchful care, who not only taught them to love and revere all that v/as pure and good, but at the same time instilled into their young hearts and minds an equal love for that manly principle which, during all the phases of their chequered career, made them instinctively shrink from the commission of the smallest act which would involve that honor, the brightest ornament of the truly noble mind. But I am digressing. In 1839, six years after the loss of his lamented mother, Father Dunphy sailed from New York for St. John, reaching here after a rougji and disagree- able voyage of several days. He came through the invitation of his uncle. Dean Dunphy, well and personally remembered by several in Saint John and vicinity, particularly by many now grown old, but whose memory carries them back to the first years of their residence in this city. He did not remain long with his uncle, as it was the desire of tho latter that he should study for the Church, and with this intention he sent him to Saint Andrew's College, Prince Edward Island. There he remained three years, his course of studies embracing English, French and Latin. The Pro- si i -*-r- 1^ iiiii ! IS f PI i MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE fe««or of the College at that time was John blattery a remarkably clever, but very eccentric, niau, whose peculiarities and eccentricities were a constant and never wearying source of amuse- ment to the students. He subsequently resigned h.s position as teacher in the College, joined a religious order some distance outside of New York, was eventually ordained priest, and again filled the position of teacher in the college attached to the order. He never discharged the active duties of the priesthood, and after many years of taithful sei-vice he passed from earth, let us hope to a happier and better world. Amono- the twenty-four students in the college at the period "t which I write, was our worthy Bishop, Right Kcv. Dr. Sweeny ; Very Rev. Thomas Connolly, Vioar General of Saint John, and the present esteemed and respected pastor of Carleton ; Rev John Mooncy, who has, we trust, ere this received the reward of his short, though faithful, steward- ship ; Rev. James McDonald, Vicar-General of Irmce Edward Island, and Rev. William McDonald, now in the United States. A.s a student, Father Dunphy was not particularly noticeable for any remarkable talent, many of his classmates far surpassing him in quickness and brilliancy of intellect. He was especially dull in classics, but could write with ease, and on some subjects showed much natural ability. He was OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 19 at all times u close reader of books, and there still stands in front of the college door an old oak tree under which he would sit and read, never wearied of poring over the writings of some old and favorite author. In this quiet and secluded spot he was often surprised by the appearance of some favorite classmate in search of the wanderer, and here he was sure to be found during many of his leisure moments, engaged in his favorite pur- suit, or mayhap dreaming, like all youthful visionaries, of the dim, uncertain future. Though not naturally brilliant, he was ambitious, and, through close, hard study and unremitting atten- tion, he steadily gained on some of his more for- tunate fellow students, so that, at the end of his course in Saint Andrew's College, he earned the well-merited encomiums of his superiors and the praises of the more generous of his classmates. Though lacking to some extent the mental calibre of some of his more brilliant companions, he was never sui-passed in his warm, sincere love for God, his consistent piety, and the regularity of his daily devotions, by which he won the entire con- fidence of his superiors and the unfeigned admi- ration and respect of his fellow-students. This piety, so noticeable even in early childhood, was characteristic of the man during the many years of his busy, active life. In the play-ground he was found to be of an 11 20 HIE^roiRS OF THE LIFE t !? ^ ^ II i 1 r i J . u amiable, agi^ecable dispoHition, at all times evinc- ing a strong desire for out-door exercises, of which the large and bcmtiful grounds snrroniiding the col- ege. situated some twenty miles from Charlotte- town afforded ample opportunities. Though Hmall, and even fragile looking, he was remail- ;'bly strong and lithe, throwing his opponent ra a boyish wrestle with apparently as little ti-f.uble us if the effort did not in the least tax his physical powers. By many of his fellow-studeuts he was considered remarkably shrewd, and several ot them took a genuine pleasure in calling him ''Uncle Sam," on account of his hailing from New York. This title he by no means relished, and m a spirit of retaliation was not slow to resent the hated soubriquet, by giving his tonnen- tors some absurd and ridiculous names. He was fully capable of taking his own part, settlin<^ his own difficulties, and was generally victorious over ins youthful competitors in the various .sports attached to the playground.. His vacations were spent on the Island, at the invitation of his dearest friend and classmate, the present esteemed Judo-e Reddm. Hero he was entirely and thoroughly at home, forming one of the family circle, and after many years he would refer with pleasure and grateful affection to the many happy, social hours spent beneath the kind and hospitable roof of his old friend's home. So nsissoH fKro» ,,-ov- .<■ u:- OF REV. K. J. DUNPIIY. 21 college life, studying, reading and playing, while his vjuations were spent in fishing, hunting, or roam- ing the forest, his busy, active mind always occu- pied in an incessant round of duties, mingled with many a boyish pastime, which go to make up a student's life at college, cut off as he is from home, friends and the familiar associations of his childhood. In 1842, he returned from the Island to Saint John, \vhere he remained till the follow- ing summer, under the care and personal supervi- sion of Dean Dunphy, when he went to New York, and in 1843 entered Saint John's college, Fordham. Here, within the walls of this time- honored institution, which has given to the world so many great and good men, was our youthful friend, pursuing with quiet perseverance his vari- ous studies, when at the end of a year a letter from his uncle unexpectedly recalled him to Saint John. After resting a few days he found himself , on his way to Quebec, where he entered the Minor Seminary, in that city, on the 9th of October, 1844. There he remained two years, devoting his time to the study of philosophy, mathematics and logic. September 18th, 1846, he entered the Grand Seminary, where he com- menced his theological course, and at the end of the third year completed that education, which was to fit him for the sacred and responsible call- ing of the priesthood. In that, as in Saint f una ill m I i i» 11 1! 'fi 22 MKMOIRS OF THE lATK Andrews coll,..., 1., „„jov,..l the ,.„„«.lo„co of l"« .super,uw «„d the love «„d esteem of his co.n,,a„,o„s, cmvyinn with hi,,.. wh,.„ h,. left fo,- h.^ ("t„,-e ho„,e, the ea,„est prayers u„a „i„ee,v {?oo,l »v,.shes of hi.. „,,,„y ltly Arehl.shop of Q„ebec. has paid hi,,, .•' high tr,b.,te for his .,„iet. „„assu„.i,;g piotv Htr-ct attentio,, to the studios i„ which 1,^ wa^ e,,gagcd, a,.d a watcl,f,.l adhe.'ceeto the rules a„d d,sc,ph„e ot the i„stitutio„ of which he was at that t,n,e the honored and respected President, iebrumy 12th, 1«48. l,c received Minor Orders and on the following day was ,„ade Sub-Deacon' Scptcuber 2«th, of the sa„,e jear, he beca,,,; . Priest"') '"'1 • ','" '^T ^"•^' ^**^''*' ^^"« '"d""'"! Inest by B.sh„p Dollard, in Saint Malachi's Church, .„ the city of Saint John. N..w com- meueos the earnest, practical, life „f the hard- working energetic Priest, who faithfully wish., to d,scharge the many and onerous duties . ' his sacred calling. The freedom of college life must be abandoned; the connection of ''every humau t,e murt be severed at the call of duty and the cross take.: -ij, manfully and cou,.,geously, in ,m,tat,on of 4;., Cvrciiied Master, i„ whose foot- steps they abo.e uil others are expected to follow OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 23 Such, I doubt not, were the feelings of Father Duuphy on the memorable day ol* his ordination, for faithfully and conscientiously, did he try to follow the example of His Divine Model. lie may have occasionally erred in tlie opinion of a few, in the discharge of some of his priestly duties, but his warmth and vehemence in the pulpit was due move to a burning zeal for God's honor and glory, and a desire to see each individual mem})er of his large community so live that they would at all limes, as a people, connnand the respect of all denominations, and consecjucntly bring honor and respect on the religion of which he himself was so true and worthy a representative. He celebrated his first Mass in Saint Malachi's Church, and many times 1 heard him refer to his tiftjt sermon. He felt comparatively easy in regard to the matter till he ascended the pulpit, when, looking around on the large congregation assembled within the walls of old Saint Malachi's, he inmiediately, as it were, realized his position, and, growing weak, the sight eventually faded 'Vom his eyes and he fell in a deadly swoon. Kindly sympathizing hands raised him from his prostrate position, and he knew nothing more till he awoke to consciousness in the sacristy. In the year of his ordination he was sent to Petit Rocher, Gloucester County, and when there set to \Vork as soon as possible to re-build » i V\i I: I ill f m ii U MEMOIRS OF THJE LIFE the presbytery, which had been destroyed by lire a very short time previous to his being appointed to the parish. His charge at the North Shore, besides Petit Rocher, comprised Belle Dune, Black Point, and during the year 1851 and part of 1852, Riviere ,Tacket, Dalhousie, and Campbelltown. He was in charge of this, his first parish, only two or three years, when Bishop Connolly recalled him to Saint John, and it was with the utmost reluctance he parted from his much attached congregation, for dearly, very dearly, did he love his poor French people. How often, in after years, would he refer with evident pleasure to their love and affection, the simplicity of their lives, and the genuine regret and sorrow hv. experienced when obliged to leave them, through the orders of his Bishop, for in the voR-(^ of his superiors he always tried to recognize the voice of God. He remained a few months at the residence of Bishop Connolly, to whom he was even up to the time of his death sincerely and devotedly attached. He was sent to Carleton in the Fall of 1852. Now, may it indeed be said, commenced the real, thorough, earnest, every-day life of this zealous priest, who willingly, like all in his hoiy-calling, leave behind them all human tics and pleasures, to work for God and God alone. The Carleton congregation being then only in it.^ infnncy, there was no presbytery, and 01? REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 25 Father Duuphy was consequently compelled to seek a home among strangers. He obtained u boarding house in the home of Cliarlcs Ketchum, Esq., and for nearly two years he remained with this gentleman and his kind and estimable lady. The fact of his residing with people of another faith naturally brought him more or less in contact with persons of other denominations, who in time learned to esteem and rsspect him, and by this means naturally helped to diminish that prejudice existing at this period in Carleton towards Catholics and their religion. Few if any were more capable of affecting this change than the good priest referred to. Gentlemanly, highly polished, and strictly honourable in all his transactioiis, he commanded, as it were, the respect of the Protestant majority for himself and his religion, and to-'^ay, in no place in the world, will you tind more harmony of feeling and more friendly intercourse than among the many denouMuations of Carleton. See what one man can effect, aided by the grace of God, and blessed with those qualities which mark him at all times, and under all circum- stances, not only as the minister of God, but a Christian, a man and a gentleman. m 'I- I--' I'- rii li M ^' 26 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE CHAPTER V. FATHER DUNPHY'S FIRST xMASS IN THE CAHLETOK CHURCH AND SUBSEQUENT MISSION. On November 7th, 1852, Father Duiiphy cele- hmted his first mass in the Carleton Church, in which perhaps there was less than a hundred persons seated on rudely constructed benches, surrounding the modest but neat and simple altar. Towards the close of Mass, he preached in plain and earnest language on the ** Love of God." Could anything be more appropriate, on this his first Sunday among his future flock, than to teach them the most essential of all duties— namely, love for that God to whom they owed so nmch, and who, in his unbounded goodness, had in reserve for them blessings of which that day they little dreamed. The Carleton mission, at this time, embraced on the Bay of Fundy, Spruce Lake, Irish Town, Musquash, Chance Harbor, Masons Bay, and Lepreaux ; on the river St. John, apart from Union Point, Spurr's Cove and Short Ferry, South Bay, Ncrepis Creek, Long OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 27 Reach, and Lynch'a settlement. At the five last named places, Father Dunphy gave three or four misnions each year till 1860, when the Rev. Mr. O'Rcgan was appointed the future pastor, South Bay excepted. At the different places on the Bay he continued to give the same number of missions each year till the Fall of I8H2. In scanning over with the eye the almost numberless places to be attended to, with more or less inhabitants in each, one cannot help saying: *'What an amount of work for one man to accomplish, subjected, as he must have been, to the chilling, biting frosts of many a cold and dreary winter's night, or exposed to the scorching rays of a burning sun, during our short lived New Brunswick summer? Who can tell the countless sacrifices made by the good priest for the immortal souls committed to his care ? None can know but that God to whom he has so gener- ously devoted his entire life, utterly forgetful, for His sake, of those sweet and endearing ties of friendship and of kindred, which so chain the heart and affections of man to the things of earth. '■Ht ■m B f ' «- 28 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE CHAPTER VI. GLEBE HOUSE, PRESENTATION, ETC. Having been boarding now nearly a year. Father Dunphy felt the pressing necessity of having a house of his own, which might more properly be termed his home. For this purpose he contracted with Mr. Theal, of Carleton, for the erection of a Presbytery on the grounds foraierly purchased for the Church. Operations were commenced on the building about the middle of June, 1853, and were completed in the same month of the following year. The amount col- lected for the building of the Presbytery was $1229.00, which was contributed by two hundred and fifty families, I'esiding between Lepreaux, on the BAy of Fundy, and a portion of Long Reach, on the river St. John. The grounds, at that time, surrounding the house, were wild, barren, stony, and exceedingly uninviting, and had as an uncultivated an appearance as it is possible to imagine. The male portion of the congregation, with their strong arras and willing hands, cheer- fully assembled, and, by their united and per- OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 2d si stent effoi-ts; so changed the appearance of the adjoining grounds that it was with difficulty one could recognize it as the barren looking plot of land of a few weeks previous. Willow and other trees were planted, and, though small in the beginning, they soon gave evidence of the know- ledge, care, and combined attention of their watchful cultivator. ** Works not words," it is said (and I grant with truth), prove the sincerity of our love or appreciation. Such, at least, must have been the feelings of the Carleton people, together with the surrounding districts, for in 1854 they collected among themselves $620, for which they purchased a horse and carriage, and, with 'mingled feelings of pride, pleasure and affection, they presented them to their already much loved Pastor, as a triflinsr acknowledgment of his unceasing efforts in their regard. Need I add with what feelings of pleasure and gratifica- tion they were accepted, and many years after I heard him refer with pride and evident pleasure to his first present by the Carleton Catholic community. ir ^^j'y^tm 30 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE II ' i: h 1*' i 1 f i i f ! i 1 ';( 1' ^ CHAPTER VII. THE MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE AT THIS PERIOD. Although the people hud attained much in a • spiritual aenke, in u few short years, through the zeal and untiring energy of their good pastor, fc^till there was an immense amount of work to be yet accomplished, and that which appeared the most essential, and which seemed to claim his more earnest attention, was the eradication of the wale and indulgence in strong drink, which found its way into what otherwise might have been peaceful, happy homes. To the entire and utter destruction of this evil Father Dunphy put forth every effort, using all legitimate means in his power, appealing in his most earnest manner, both in public and in private, to those engaged in tlie business, to turn their attention to some othei* mode of making a living. Still more earnestly did he conjure those who were thus employed, for the sake of their immortal souls, to confine them- selves to the six days of the week, as it was then OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 31 Ux) frequently the practice to desecrate our holy Sabbath by the unlimited .sale of intoxicating drinks. To judge of his success in this respect it is only necessary to state that at the end of ten years, in place of eighteen taverns, there were only seven left in the parish over which he had control. This fact alone, without further com- ment, proves the almost miraculous success that attended the earnest and untiring efforts of Carle- ton's energetic Pastor for the moral and spiritual welfare of his people. As to the means for acquiring intellectual attainments they were, indeed, quite meagre. Few, if any, schools of note were esta])lished at this time in Carleton, and these were taught by Protestant gentlemen, with now and then a (Catholic teacher. With these limited educational facilities it is very evident that much had to be gained before a superior or even medium standard of intellectual acquire- ments could be attained. 32 MEM0IR8 OF THE LIFE CliACTPm VIII. SEASON OF THE CHOLERA. It was in this year, 1854, that the much cireadetl and fatal disease of cholera burst upon St. John, with all its attendant horrors, invading peaceful, happy homes with its foul pestilential breath, tearing from thence many of its most cherished inmates, spreading death and destruction in its track, casting so much gloom and sadness among the inhabitants, bringing death to hundreds, and tilling the hearts of all with well deserved fear and alarm for their own safety and preservation. How many ttdes of a sad and melancholy nature might be written in connection with the course of this fell destroyer throughout the city ; of brother deserting brother ; wives sometimes leav- ing their husbands, terror stricken ; of homeless wanderers — waifs upon the sea of life — summarily ejected from their lx)arding or lodging houses, left to take care of themselves, until death put an end to their sufferings in this cold, and selfish world, hurried off to fill a rudely con- OF UEV. K. J. DUNPIir. 83 fetructed nnd unknown grjive, " sleeping the sleep that knows no waking," many of them far awjiy from the friends of their youth and the onee happy homes of their childhood. Carleton ])eing in such ck)se proximity to the city, fears were entertained that the foul contagion would be connnuuicated to this tdde of the harbour, but, through the mercy of God and the earnest prayers of our saintly Pastor, the fearful and nmch dreaded calamity was averted. With the excep- tion of three or four cases, Carleton was happily spared the appalling fate of being a witness of some of the terrible scenes that (caused so much sorrow and distress in St. John jind Portland. What a signal favour of the mercy of God in our behalf, for when we, after a lapse of twenty-thrt^e years, recall the sad and heart-rending scenes that tr.".nspired during that dreadful time, in wh' ^- xo many alone and entirely forsaken by hum jv comfort, were compelled to feel and witnea. .. should indeed l)e thankful for so merciful a deliverance in our regard, though perhaps in many instances less deserving than many, many hundreds who, in the full bloom of youth and manhood, were stricken down, and hurried tiway, to be enclosed within half made craves. FT150. . *<^,^^SmSSSSi 34 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE n CHAPTER IX. I'Ews, pastor's salary and first catholic choir. During the summer of 1854, pews were erected in the Church, which not only added to the appearance of the simple and modest little struc- ture, but to the comfort of the congregation. The ammal revenue derived from this source was $740.00. Previous to this year the priest's sup- port was derived solely from the voluntary contri- ])utions of the people, but in some remarks addressed to the parishioners by Bishop Connolly he informed those present that for the future the entire revenue of the Church was to be devoted to the maintenance of the priest in charge of the pansh, except that portion reserved for the requirements of the altar. This regulation gave Father Dunphy increased facilities for the further accomplishment of much good, and which always claimed his more earnest attention, particularly when relating to the beautifying or adornment of the Sacred Altar of God. It was durins: this year that the first Catholic Choir was formed in OP REV. E. J. DUNPHV. 35 Carleton, composed principal ly of Margaret Sullivan, Catherine Mullally, Margaret Noonan, William Mullally and James McCaffrey, none of whom at the present writing till that honored position, being disbanded or scattered by the circumstances of life, over which we have apparently no control. The first mass sung })v these ladies and gentlemen was the " Roviil Gregorian Chant," a sacred composition, c*. . taining many musical beauties, which was ren- dered with far more credit and ability than could have been ^laturally expected under similar cir- cumst^mces. Since that time the Choir has undergone many changes in regard to teachers and members, but an unlooked for amount of profi- ciency and musical knowledge was attained in a few years, and at one period it bore the (uivia])l(' reputation of being the best Church Choir in the Province, with the exception of the Cathedral Choir, which wan at that time under the control of the well known Coleman family. 36 MEMOIR8 OF TIIE LIFE J I CHAFrER X. IMPROVEMENTS ON THE CHURCH AND THE ERECTION OF THE BELL. Ii. the following year, 1855, .some endeavours were made to give the Church a more tinished and architectural appearance if i)osHihle. For this l)urpose skilful and competent workmen were employed, and a tower, more in accordance with the curtailed proportions of the building, was raised on the end of the Church looking tow^ards the Bay. It was neatly executed, and ornamented with pinnacles and other light carved Avooden work, as the fancy of the good priest dictated, who had an eye for the beautiful in everything he undertook. This work proved to be (juite a pleasing addition, giving a more tiiiished and artistic look to the exterior of the building. Before completing these improvements a Bell was placed in the tower of the Church, that would, in future, summon the people to prayer. The cost of these combined improvements amount- ed to about $855. To raise this sum was a matter OF UEV. K. .1. DUNPIIY. 37 Bell that of no little considemtion, but an ii()tliin<;, even to the raising of money for Church purposes, can bo (lone without a ^^rand eliort, an unusual and at that time novel means was resorted to in this instance, and that was the holdin*!: of the first pic-nic in Carleton. The words pic-nic have become as familiar now-a-days as if they had been an established law or anuisenn'nt, but such has not been the case, as Fathei' Dunphy was the first person in 8t. John who ever held or undertook anything of the kind, and it was to this then novel means that he resorted for the payment of the amount referred to above. There is an old, though not very elegant, expres- sion, "Nothing venture, nothing have," and it was with feelings expressive of these words that Kev. E. J. Dunphy announced through the papers *'A Grand Pic Nic for the loth of August" The n(jvelty of the atfiiir would, no doul)t, bring nniny, but whether it would be a success finan- cially remained to be told. The much talked of pic-nic was to be held on the well known grounds of Timothy ^IcCarthy, Esq., the scene of many a gay and festive gathering, and if ever the weather proved propitious for an undertaking of the kind, it was on that memorable 15th of August. The day was gloriously fine, the sun shining forth in all its resplendent brilliancy, and nothing c(juld have been more invitinij^ to the caie- ii as MEMOIRS OF THE LIFF: iii r i worn man of business, than a quiet chat, sur- rounded by warm and gonial friends, under the cool and refreshing shade of the many trees scattered here and there around the ample grounds. Nobly, generously, did the people of Smnt John respond to the general invitation extended them, and it was to the greatness of their numbers that the success of the enterprise was mainly due. Pic-nics of late years hav(^ become so frequent that it would be a superfluous and tiresome task to recount the proceedings of the day. I will only simply add that the'' first picnic held in Carleton was a complete success tinancially and otherwise, giving the persevering and energetic priest, who brought the affair to so satisfactory and successful an i.ssub, sufficient means to defray the expenses incurred duriui; the summer. Before closing these remarks, it ''may not be inappropriate to add that, though these pic-nics have become a portion of our usual sum- mer amusements, all are willing to aijree that Father Dunphy's pic-nic, when held, was the pic- nic of the season, not solely on account of its numbers, but to the entire and total absence of all drinking and rowdyism, which but too often bring disgrace and annoyance to those closely connected with such affairs. OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 39 CHAPTER XI. THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF CARLETON. The Schools of Catholics being so closely connect- ed with their Church, I feel that something would be wantnig to my efforts did I omit to make particu- hir mention of the Carleton Catholic Schools and leachers, since the opening of the lirst thoroughly Catholic establishment to the present time. In 1855, there was secured, by petition to the Com- mon Council, two h)ts fronting each fifty feet on St. John street, and in the following year there was also purchased at auction, through G. Beatteay, Esq., two lots on George street! The Hiiiiual rent of these h)ts was subsequently re- duced by petition to the Common Council, and in l«6« another lot was secured adjoining those already purchased. Father Dunphy was particu- iHily fortunate in procuring at reduced rents, and '11 a healthy, pleasant locality, suitable building accommodation, having now through his energy and perseverance secured sufficient room on which to erect a large and commodious school house, a ??'|| 40 MEMOIRS OF THP: LIFE house for the Sisters of Charity, together with ample room for a large play ground surrounding the school. Previous to this a day school had been held in the sacristy of the Church, presided over 1)}' Mr. John Pinan, l)ut the acconunodations becom- ing too limited for the number of children wishing to gain admittance to what was then termed the *' Chapel School," measures were inmiediately taken, after having secured the l)uilding lots, to erect a school house sufficiently large to meet the increasing demands of the promising youthful pop- ulation. Accordingly a suita))le building was commenced in the early part of 1856, and was com- pleted in December of the same year, at an expen- diture of $1600.00. Regular day school was commenced in January 1857, the boys being placed under the care of Mr. William Keane, the girls having for their teacher Miss Early, who has since become distinguished, being no less a personage than the famous ** Cousin May Carleton, " the renowned and gifted au- thoress, whose literary productions have been read by thousands in both hemispheres. In 1857 the upper department, or that intended for the girls, not being entirely completed, it was thought better that the boys and girls should occupy the same room in the lower portion of the building until the following spring. This depai-tmcnt beino: finished and furnished in May the OP RET. E. J. DUNPHY. 41 is coni- female pupils were removed to that part designed for their especial U8e. The attend- ance in 1 )th departments was very laro-e, and so v ich anxiety was manifested by those uttendi' to acquire that knowledge so re- (luisit for attaining an honorable position in the me antile world, that a night school was opened for the especial use and benefit of the young men, whose ambitious thirst for knowledge coutd not,' owing to the nature of their pursuits, be sufl5- ciently satisfied during the day. This school was also presided over by the hard-working and gentlemanly teacher, Mr. Keane. Affairs con- tinued in this prosperous condition, under the first appointed teachers, till Mr. Keane, wishing to fill a position in St. Stephen, took his departure for that place, and was succeeded by Mr. Donovan. Truly may it be said, *^ Man proposes, but God more wisely disposes of the events surrounding the lives of his creatures. " Mr. Keane bade fare- well to his wife and little ones, full of the hope of sending fur them in a short time ; but alas ! vyho can tell the future. He had scarcely reached St. Stephen when he was taken suddenly ill, and in a few short days breathed his last among strangers, having been suddenly stricken with that most loathsome of all diseases—small pox. Quickly as possible was the news commu- ^M^»iivvt/ti, auu iiuiiu ueuru me saa mtel- 42 3IE3IOIRS OF THE LIFE licence without much sorrow and many regyoW* .sorrow for the poor young widow and her Jielp- less oiphans, so suddenly bereft of a kind husband jMid an affectionate father ; regrets for himself, for in all his transactions with priest, and people' he ever proved himself that which he was, a finished scholar and a refined gentleman. Quietly he sleeps that long last sleep, surrounded by the stranger forms of many in the St. Stephen Cemetery, and while his body lies there quiet and nndisturbed, let us hope that, having always lived agood life, his soul enjoys that pure and unalloyed happiness only to be found in the bosom of its Creator. I will simply refer in a few words to the Boys' School, and then, with the readers kind permission, pass on to tha more interesting portion of our school .history, which will, in an especial manner, relate to the female department. The male portion of our schools has been since its Hrst establishment well and largely attended, and has in turn been ably presided over by Mr. Donovan, the successor of Mr. Keane, and for the past eight years by Mr. Thomas O'Kielly, assisted hy Miss Nannary, Miss Carlind and Miss Duffy. ^ 1872 finds the Catholics of Carleton opening their male deixirtments under the new School Law. Satisfactory arrangements being effected between ^ the School Trustees of the City of St. John and Father Drnphy, operations were commenced Ot^ flEVi E. J. DUNPHY. 43 euder the new law iii Janiiurj, and that at no coniiDiromfse of honoi', religion, or prhiciple. Some time subsequent to this period thtj^schoolii' of Union Point, Bpurr Gove and Pleasant Point, came under the mha regulations, which are Also in a veiy creditable condition— the former being sjitisfactorilj conducted by Mr. McBi-eart>% assisted by Mrs. Chappell. Spurr CoVe school is ably pl-esided over by Mr. McGoWn, aided by Miss Maher, while the pupils of Pleasmit Point iind in Miss Hamilton a very efficient teacher. Having given as satistactoiy an ac- count of the Boys' School as it is possible in these limited pages I will now turn my more par- ticular attention to the female department. Miss Early continued her arduous duties till wearied of the monotonous'routine of teaching she retired fronrthe situation to engage in a no less arduous but much more ludrative calling. Since that time she has been occupied more or less in writing works of fiction which have been well received in the world of litei^ature. She was replaced hy Miss Margar^ McCormick, a native of Prince Edward Island, and after a lapse of a few months her posi- tion was filled by her sister Harriet. These ladies taught with much success, and during the two or three years they were thus engaged succeeded in bringingthe school up to a high'social and intel- lectual standard. Miss McCormick's place was 44 MEMOIRS or THE UTR 1 1 . !■ subsequently supplied by Miss Maggie Sullivan, a resident of Carleton, a pupil of the Provincial Training School, and a young lady of pleasing man- ner8 and high intellectual attainments. She was only some nine months in charge of the Carleton School, when in the fall of 1862 -^, «/^.» called to St. Stephen by Rev. E. J. i ■ ay. She taught the St. Stephen School with much credit and ability for a year and a half, when she wan taken ill, from the effects of wliich she never recovered, and strange to say she too reposes in l>eace in the St. Stephen Cemetery. She was young, talented, and much loved, particularly by the kind father and friend, who had watched ni an especial manner her every step from child- hood till the time when death robbed him of his much loved foster child. By the affectionate thoughtfulness of her pupils a fitting monument marks the place where reposes the fonn of their esteemed and kind instructor, while the flowers which are planted on her grave speak in silent though eloquent language of the waim true affection that prompted the offering. After the departure of Miss Sullivan from Carleton, Miss McCormick returned from the Island, and in turn Miss Harrigan and Miss Ferry took charge of the school, which appointments they filled with much success and ability till 1868, when the good Sisters of Charity took possession of ii-r ;!i^^ OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 45 i:lail;i; the school. A year or two previous to this an addition had been made (by Father Quinn) to the school house, making it one of the largest and most commodious buildings of the kind in the Province. From this period may be dated the very noticeable change in the condition of the children of Carleton. Page after page of well merited praise has been written concerning the Sisters of Charity over the entire civilized world, by men and women of superior minds and extensive knowledge, and for me, with my feeble pen, to attempt to do justice to the vast amount of good annually done by these noble, self-sacrificiny the GinV tiaii Brothers, have, through the liberality of the School Trustees of the city of St. John aiul Poit- laud, come under the same regulations which have Heen in existence in the Boy»' School, Carloton, since 1872, and nee. I add that the same harmony and good feeling which have been for the past live years characteristic of this school is now happily shared in by the several departments on either side of the river, which have so recently come under the immediate control of the Board of School Trustees of the city of St. John and Portland. CHAPTER XII. THE CATHOLIC LITERARY AND BAND SOCIETIES OF CARLETON. In 1860 a Literary Society, composed princi- pally of young men, was formed, and we all know, by either experience or observation, what an incalculable amount of good such associations do in a community. The one to which I refer is not now in existence, though I feel confident that the good arising from it is still felt by many of its existing members, for bv such mfinns ivinna o OF REV. E. J. DUNPHV. 51 ClinV of the ! P()!t- li have "lotoii, I'mony ijt five ippily either come rtl of 1 and ETIES dnci- e all what tions er is that nun a 'o men Ictirn in a general way much that fits them for the actual ])attle of life. There was consid- erable talent evinced by many of the young gentlemen who composed that pioneer organizji^ tion, and in a couple of winters after the formation of it they produced in a highly creditable manner the ciiastc and classically written little religious drama, hy his Eminence Caitlinal Wiseman, enti- tled ^' The Hidden Gem," which was a source of pleasure to their friends and pastor, while it materially helped to swell the funds gf the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, from which source many of the poor people of the parish receiv- ed substantial aid and comfort during a long and dreary winter. In the same year was also formed a Brass Band, which had attained a fair proficiency, when, owing to the departure of some of its most prominent members, it was for a time dis- banded, when after a lapse of some two years a second Band was reorganized, which is at the present writing in a most flourishing and pros- perous condition. The members have purchased, at a cost of $520, a full and beautiful set of instruments, and in this praiseworthy and very laudable undertaking they should and I feel satisfied will receive the encouragement they so richly deserve. In fiict, judging from the crowded house of January 30th, when the members, assisted bv some Ijidips nn/I «.^,i+i^^>«,. I ^i '; 3IEM0IRS OF THE LIFE from Carleton and Saint John, gave their fomth annual entertainment, one could not but feel that the,r perseverance was warmly appreciat- ed by then- many friends and admirers, who testified their evident pleasure and desire of encouragement by giving the members a well- tilled house on the occasion of their last pleasin- and successful entertainment. All success then to the Carleton Serenade Band, and may it con- tinue to flourish is, I am sure, the wish of all who have listened, with mingled feelings of pride and pleasure, to the delicious strains of harmony as they have been wafted on the balmy suramer air ot our quiet and unpretending Carieton. CHAPTEE Xm. THE MUSQUASH CHURCH. In 1858 there was purchased at Musquash, by Father Dunphy, a small tract of land, a portion of Avhich was intended for a Cemeteiy, and the other on which to erect a Church. That little Church trom Carleton sixteen miles distant, was com- menced in 1858 and completed in the followino- year. It is a pretty little structure, small and neat, but quite large enough for the requirements OP BEV. E. J. DCNPHY. 53 <>f the hmited congregation, who are justly proud of then- cosy little Church, and who wLly apprecated the ruling spirit who was only too happy m aiding them to such facilities for their Hp-ntua welfare. It was constructed at an expenditure of $1000, and stands silently forth as another monnnient to the untiring .eal and energy t a good and noble priest, who, alas ! is now lo CHAPTER XIV. INTEBIOK IMPROVEMENTS OP THE CHURCH. Not being at all satisfied with the interior of us "Little Church," Father Dunphy conceived the Idea of frescoemg, painting, and otherwise ornamenting the interior, by which means it would be more m accordance with his own fasti- dious taste and the desire of the people. For this purpose Mr Swift was engaged, an artist who had achieved a splendid reputation, and a person highly competent to complete the work assigned him in a fimshed and artistic manner. The old altar was removed with the tabernacle and all its «uri-oundi„gs, which were replaced by something hghter and more pleasing to the eye. The new "^1 54 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE altar was purely Gothic, very florid, and l^eauti- fully illuminated, yet chaste v'\d strictly architec- tural withal. In various niches of the altar there were five large figures of the Virgin and other saints. The ceiling was richly panelled with heavy mouldings in bold relief, and the ceiling of the nave was divided into eight compartments. Four of these contained groups of figures repre- senting various scenes in the life of the Saviour, from the adoration of the Magi to the Ascension.' The other four represented the most remarkable passages in the life of the Virgin. The ceilings under the galleries were panelled, and their com- partments were scrolls and monograms. A new and beautiful painting was enclosed between the framework supporting the canopies that overhung the altar. It was a copy of Reuben's beautifiU ** Descent from the Cross," and was a gift to the Church by its zealous and progressive pastor. The Church, which was so beautifully improved and tastefully ornamented at a cost of $1155, was unanimously proclaimed by all who saw it a perfect littie gem. The Church was finished in the spring of 1862, and in the fall of that year he who had done so much to make the Carleton Church and people what they were was removed to the parish of St. Stephen. I M S • V \ n tl k OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 55 with CHAPTER XV. REMOVAL TO ST. STEPHEN. Here for the first time in my little narrative do I pause and almost regret that I commenced these Memoirs feeling as I do my inability to do anything like adequate justice to the present Chapter. The better portion of fifteen years have passed away since the events herein recorded have taken place, but neither time nor the events incident to that period in one's life has had power to dim the saddening recollections of the fall of 1862. Truthfully, sincerely may I say, never was priest more beloved by a people than Father Dunphy was by the congregation of Carleton, and need I add deservedly so, for gratitude alone should make them' feel all that warm, genuine love which the Irish people entertain, no matter how or where situated, for their dear " Sogarth Aroon " Warmly beloved as friend and pastoV by every member of his congregation, the news fell upon the hearts of all like some terrible blow that leaves a weary, desolate feeling, which time alone. i» 56 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE ■f combined with patient resignation to the will of God, can heal. When the news of his intended departure was first circulated there were many who refused to believe it, thinking that such a thing could not be possible, that the story was without foundation, etc., etc. The strange intel- ligence was, however, confirmed on the following Sunday, when Father Dunphy communicated the fact from the altar, with evident emotion and regret. There are times when words are a poor exponent of one's feelings, times when our cold English language fails to convey in the most remote degree the grief and sadness of the human heart. Such in this instance were the feelings of very many when particularly they brought up memories of the past— that past that was to them associated with that true fatherly care which made the name of Father Dunphy a treasured house- hold word, even when time and distance inter- vened between him and his much loved people. The fict of his intended departure having been officially announced, proper steps were imme- diately taken by several members of his congre- gation to present him, ere he took his depar- ture, a token of love and regret so generally felt and expressed. I will allow the address and the reply to speak for themselves, of which the following are correct copies as published in the Freeman of October 27th, 1862 : ' I i OF REV. E.*J. DUNPHY. 57 Address and Presentation of the Parishioners of Carleton, St. John, to their Beloved Pastor, Rev. Edward J. Dunphy, previous to his leaving the Parish. Reverend Father y — With feelings of deep regret we meet on this day, to bid you, our dear and beloved pastor, farewell. Your departure is to us a source of much pain and sorrow, for under God we owe you many obligations. It has been your constant aim and highest ambition to make us a religious, moral, and tem- perate people. That, with the grace of God and by your truly Christian teaching, you have in a great measure accomplished. What you have done for religion, for the glory of God, and our spiritual and temporal happiness, since your advent to this parish, is fully known only to God, yet it has excited the admiration of all classes in this community, as well as throughout the length and breadth of the entire Province. In all your labours it seemed as if the hand of God had been aiding you, for everything prospered, everything flour- ished under your directing power. The respectable position we occupy, as good Catholics and good citizens, testify to you the happy fruits of your unwearied zeal and assiduity for our welfare. You have set before us the good example, by your saintly life of self denial, patience and humility, ' By jour indefatigable and superhuman exertions in the advocacy of the cause of temperance you have made many a household comfortable, happy and contented, which had been desolate and wretched by intemperance. Not only for our spiritual and temporal welfare have you strenuously labored, but for that of our rising generation. With solicitude you have watched their growing and tender years, you have given them a moral and religious instruction ; in everything pertaining to their educational requirements, relifirioua and secular, von hfl.v« falrpn +Vui rloor>oo+ in^a^/^.4- rl 58 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE ! 1 Under your benign and fostering hand the distressed, the widow, and the orphan, have found a kind father and bene- factor. Reverend Father,— We are confident that it will give you no little consolation to know that our brethren of the diflFer- ent denominations of Carleton and its vicinity must reguet your removal, as they and you have always lived on the most friendly terms of intimacy, and you are aware that the beat of good feeling has existed between them and us for yeare. In your private sphere of life your conduct has been affable, kind and courteous to all who had the pleasing satisfaction of your acquaintance, which hcs distinguished you as a gentleman composed of the finest sensibilities. You leave us our beautiful Church, school house and pas- toral residence, as splendid monuments of your zeal and energy, the admiration of all who behold them, and by your good government free from debt. Reverend and Dear Father,— As a token of our gratitu,ie and affection for your many amiable qualities, and for all you have done for us, we present to you this purse, with its con- tents, of ^200, being but an humble tribute to your much merited worth. May it tell you how much we love you and grieve at your departure. We sincerely hope that your labors in that part of Christ's vineyard to which you are called may be as successful as they have been amongst us. It is our strong conviction they will, for where you are there will be order and progress in all things, spiritual as well as temporal. We fervently pray for your health and happiness in this life and an everlasting reward of felicity in the next. In return we ask of you, our dear Father in Christ, to remember us in your prayers. Reverend and Dear Father,- We once more bid you fare- well, and receive our assurances that your memory will always remain fresh in our hearts. OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 59 Signed in behalf of the Parishioners, HOBBRT ROSSITKR, FelIX McMaNUS, Timothy ISTannary, Thos. Murphy, Senr., Humphrey Toomey, John Morris, Richard Fitzgerald, D. Gillis Michael Donovan, William O'Hare, Bernard Early, T. Foley, Terence O'Brien, William Nannary, Sec. to Committee. October 2Gth, 1862. REPLY. My Dear and Affectionate Friends :— Words cannot possibly express the sentiments which now fill my heart. They are known but to God. Being I may say your first pastor, having passed nigh one-third of my lifa among you, beholding here before me hundreds that I have baptized, and of all those now before me full one-half have grown up under my spiritual care, need I say that to part with you is the saddest event of my life. The attach- ment, the fidelity which you have always shown me, the grief which you now manifest at my departure, your ge'nero- sity on this as on many past occasions, completely overwhelm me and make me feel that, however much I may have done for you during the past ten years, I have not done one tithe enough for so good, so noble, so generous a people. But, my dear friends, my daily prayers to God has been that I might do His will on earth as it is done in Heaven ; that He ^v'(>uld make known to me the way in which I should walk and give me grace to walk therein, and I have always endeavored to consider the will of my superior as the will of God, therefore, knowing that '' obedience is better than sacrifice," do I most cheerfully obey, fully convinced that p= 60 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE whither God sends me there and only there can I be happy. And though I desire not, and never expect, greater earthly happiness than I have enjoyed in your midst, yet there are in the ways of Providence secrets that are to us impenetrable and that we shall not discover till the day of general mani- festation, when the Heavens and the Earth shall proclaim that "God is just and that His ways are replete with wisdom," therefore do I feel satisfied that, were we permit- ^;ed to penetrate these secrets, our mutual regrets would be changed mto acts of thanksgiving, and we would bless Pro- vidence that His ways are not our ways. In parting vith you, my dear people, to labor elsewhere in God s vineyard, it is to me an immense consolation to be told by the hundreds now before me that I have deserved your esteem and kve, also to be assured by our worthy Bishop that he admires and is highly pleased with the success that Aas attended all my labors. Yet, my dear friends, I feel that I am undeserving of all the praise you have lavished on me, and that to your generosity and promptness to comply with all my requests is due a large share of whatever success may have attended my labors. True I have always had your eternal and temporal welfare most sincerely at heart. I have laboured to the best of my humble abilities to make you true and fervent servants of God ; I have had a burning thirst to see you lead edifying and irreproachable lives ; I have heartily grieved when you were guilty of any act that tended to bring odium upon your religion, your country, or yourselves ; in a word, my entire happiness has been wound up with yours so that I rejoiced when you were happy and was sorrowful when you were s^d. This, indeed, is all true ; but were I devoid of those feelings I would be an unworthy pastor, a contempt- ible hireling. I however deeply appreciate your affectionate address and am sincerely grateful for your munificent present. Often during the past ten years have you given me abundant mementoes of your generosity and aflectionate regards, full one thousand dollars have you already presented to me in a OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. (Jl similar manner, yet, rest assured, that far more than those perishable mementoes do I prize those tears that you shed, those sobs that you heave at my departure. As to the efforts that I have made to eradicate intemper- ance from among you and make you a temperate people in this I truly find, and am happy to perceive that my efforts have not been in vain, that a love of temperance and a dis- gust for intemperance is daily increasing among you. God grant that it may continue tr) augment and that I may have the consolation of always hearing of you that which my heart so much desires, that you are models of sobriety and temper- ance, for to the abuse of these virtues may be traced all your misfortunes and mishaps. Abhor then my dear people a vice so fertile in misfortune and so deserving of God's wrath. I am indeed delighted to know that my removal is much re- gretted by the Protestants of this community, and that so good a feeling exists between you and them,— may it be ever so. Ten years ago Carleton was the hotbed, the very focus of Orangeism, and as a necessary result man hated his fellow man. That curse has disappeared from among us, and behold we now live together, not as the carnal Jews, who be- lieved in an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, and that it was lawful to hate one another, but as Christians, believing that " he who hateth his brother is a murderer." Ever do all that is consistent with honor to preserve this happy feeling. Continue also to take the same lively interest in the moral and mental education of your dear children, who are so dear to my heart. Let your school be always as it is now, more than ever the model school of the Parish. Prove that you are sincere in your protestations of love for me by your fidelity in ever remembering and observing the many coun- sels you have received from me. " You are my friends if you do the things that I command you." And now, my dearest friends, I must say to you Farewell, ax.d may I request that you will ever ask for me in your pious .ii' 62 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE liiii !! [ prayers that which is my sole and highest ambition— to be a good priest. That the Giver of alJ good gifts may ever bestow upon you His choicest blessings and enable you so to live in this lifo that we may be together eternally happy in the next, is and ever shall be the constant prayer of your devoted friend and pastor. E. J. DuNPHY, Priest. Carleton, St. John, Oct. 26th, 18G2. The Address was read by Mr. Kobert Rossiter, and the Reply given immediately after Mass on the last Sunday of Father Dunphy's sojourn in Carleton, and on all sides you could see the falling tears, or hear the more subdued sobs of the really grief stricken people, which burst forth into its intense bitterness when he bade them a sorrowful good bye, and for the last time rais(3d his hands to invoke Heaven's choicest blessings on the people, from whom, at the call of duty, he so reluctantly parted. A couple of days after this sad and memorable scene a imml)er of the most respectable and influential Protestant gentlemen of Carleton called on Father Dunphy and presented him with the following Address, as an expression of the feelings of the entire Pro- testant community : ADDRESS TO THE REV. E. J. DUNPHY. Rev. and Dear Sir,— Upon your retirement from Carleton, the scene of yf)ur labors for several years, the undersigned Justices of the Peace residing here would most respectfully address you. OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 63 Be assured, Reverend Sir, that it affords us great pleasure to be enabled to state that your truly Christian deportment, your excellent personal example and the moral persuasion that you have continually exercised have produced happy effects upon the conduct of thobe wh® have been directly under your charge. A result like this goes a long way Umards elevating the character of a whole community. Your influence, Reverend Sir, has ever been exercised in the promotion of good neighborhood and kindly feeling be- tween man and man, and be assured that you will be there- fore long remembered by the undersigned and the inhabitants of Carleton generally with becoming regard. May God prosper you in the j^romotion of every good work. We remain, dear sir, Very respectfully your obd'nt servants, Samuel Strange, J. P., Joseph Beatty, Wm. C. Dunham, Robert Salter, Joseph Coram, (( <( (( it (( t( James Olive, 3rd, J. P. John C. Littlehale, JosiAH Adams, Charles Ketchum, Samuel Clark, Peter Stubbs, Secretary. The Keverend gentleman gave 1;he following REPLY. (reutlemen, — The compliment you pay me by the presentation of this Address is one T shaU ever remembei- with pride and pleasure. As in duty bound, I have laboured to the best of my humble abilities, aided by the grace of God, to render my people good Christians and good citizens, and it is tome no small consola- tion to be assured that my labors liave not been unsuccessful. Should they be happily followed by a beneficial effect on the whole oomnianity, 1 shall ever have reason to be thankful to USSi.ljJi 64 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE God. I am truly pleased to notice the good feeling now ex- isting between all the Protestanti? of Carleton and my people. Knowing now tlie advantage of living together in peace and harmony, let us hope that nothing may ever occur to interrupt these kindly feelings. I am happy to have the opportunity of acknowledging the kindness and courtesy that have been invariably shown me by the Protestants of Carleton, and of them there are many whose attentions I shall never forget. Thanking you for your kind wishes and assuring you of my sincere regards. Believe me gentlemen, Your very obedient servant, t J E. J. DUNPHY, Catholic Priest. Carleton, Oct. 29th, 1862. Father Dimphy sailed for St. Stephen on the 29th of October, and many a straining, tearful eye watched the steamer out of sight, and many heartfelt, earnest prayers went up to the throne of Heaven from saddened hearts, for the spiritual and temporal welfare of him who, though absent in person, would be ever present in the mind and hearts of many. or REV, E. J. DUNPHT. 65 now ex- T people. 3ace and nterrupt ortunity ,ve been I, and of brget. )ii of my CHAPTER XVI. Priest. on the tearful [ many throne )i ritual absent id and REVEREND JAMES QUINN. Father Quinn, of whom some mention was made in these pages at. the commencement of these Memoirs, was the next resident priest in Oarleton, and one who did much in the short time assigned him. Having been formerly in St. John, and while there occasionally in Carleton, his face was quite familiar to many of the older inhabitants. Time had dealt kindly with him, as he looked almost as hale and hearty as when he had departed for his former mission some ten years previous. I must be pardoned if I omit, or indeed what is more correct, disremember, the minor events connected with his short stay in Carleton, as I was absent three out of the live years he was in charge of the parish. For some time the great want felt by the priest and people of Carleton was the absence of those religious teachers whose duty it is to impart to the children under their care, not only a secular I:; ()6 MEMOlliS c/F THE LlTB ! t but a good sound religious instruction or educa- tion, which special training not only fits them for this world but prepares them for the happiness of a better and more lasting one. To talk of intro- ducing these ' * Religious " however, before pre- paring a suitable residence for their accommoda- tion, was simply absurd, and as talk in such instances will absolutely effect nothing, the more important one of building was agitated l)y Father Quinn, which met with the hearty co- operation of the people. Collections were at once taken up for this purpose, and the contract for the work was accepted by Messrs. Wheaten and Fitzgerald. In a reasonably short time the house was completed, and now stands as a monument to this good priest's zeal and industry. It was in September following his departure for his second mission to St. Stephen that the good Sisters, four in number, with Sister Mary Teresa as Superioress, took possession of tHe new home prepared for them. During Father Quinn's mission in Carleton he also added a por- tion to the school house connecting with the old building, which gave increased facilities for the accommodation of the children wishing to attend school. The organ that now stands in the Church of the Assumption was also purchased by him from the proceeds of a pic-nic held during one of the summers he resided in Carleton. Such 1 I or REV. E. J. DUXPHY. 67 ^as the very valuable work done by Father Quiim during the five and a half years that intervened between his coming and departure from the parish, and in this, as in every instance of its kind, he had no doubt many difficulties to contend against. CHAPTER XVII. FATHER DUNPHY'8 MISSION IN ST. STEPHEN—THE CHURCH AND PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE. On the evening of the 29th of October, 1862, Father Dunphy arrived in St. Stephen. Here IS a new sphere in which to begin the busy, active life, so characteristic of the man so in accordance with that duty he so faithfully performed, no matter where situated, durin- his pastoral charge of twenty-soven years! The parish of St. Stephen is one of the very best in the diocese, not so much in regard to Its numbers as to the comfort, if not ''wealth ot many, and the generous, benevolent and hos- pitable nature of the entire people. Father Dunphy left Carleton with many regrets it is true, but fortunate was it for him ^ that wlieu 1 n „ ..^,,, ^i,^. vuii-rugjition ne so loved, and 68 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE I 1 for whom he so earnestly labored, that his future home should be in the midst of such a people. Kind at all times in a particular manner ^ven to a stranger, paying them a social visit, it was nothing new or surprising that they welcomed him as their future pastor with a warmth and genuine hearti- ness that made him feel in a very shoii; time per- fectly at home. His first winter in his new parish glided quietly and happily by, becoming daily more and more familiar with the young and old, finding out the local habitation or business calling of each individual, and in every way uniting his interests as it were with theirs, so that by the following spring I question if there was a single person in his large parish that he could not name and at the same time refer you to his private resi- dence or place of business. The spring of 1863 finds the busy brain of Father Dunphy already maturing plans for the erection of a new Church. The existing one, it is true, can- not be removed from its old landmark, on the plea of want of room, for as I remember it, during my first visit to St. Stephen, it was large, roomy and suflSciently spacious for the con- gregation in attendance, but extremely old fashioned and entirely wanting in that internal or external beauty so pleasing to the eye, even in church architecture. No doubt many an old resident had a stron i f 1 ■ CHAPTER XIX. THE FIRST SAINT STEPHEN PIC NIC. The beautiful Church of Milltown, of which I have endeavored to give an imperfect outline, could not be erected solely by the voluntary con- tributions of the people, no matter how generous or liberal they were with the means at their com- mand. The success of their zealous priest in holding an annual Pic Nic, for Church pur- poses in Carleton, made him readily conceive the idea of adopting the same plan in his new field of labor. The suggestion was received with evident pleasure by his congregation, who will- ingly promised all and every assistance within their power, promises which the success of the affair readily proved, for where there is not union between even priest and people little if any good can be accomplished. The day appointed was Tuesday, the 28th day of August, 1863, and the beautiful grounds of Timothy Crocker, or EEV. E. J. DUNPHY. 75 Esq., the picturesque spot chosen for the hold- "ig of the first great social gathering of the Catholic communities of MiUtown and St. Stephen. It IS a charming place, situated two or three miles rom S.. Stephen, on what is known as the Ledge Road," but sufficiently removed fron: the dust and its accompanying annoyances as to render the seclusion all the more inviting. To the rjght as you enter is what may be well termed Crocker's " Fairy Island," covered with a rich foliage, and here and there studded with trees, sufficiently ample to protect one from the burnin-^ rays of an oppressively hot mid summer suuT Opposite you flow the waters of the St. Croix and on the other side of it one has a full and uninterrupted view of the lively, bustlin.r and go-aheadative little American city of Calais! Visiting at the time among the hospitable people of whom I am writing, I early found myself ready to accompany my kind hostess to the scene of so much anticipated pleasure. As our spirited little aiumal sped with almost lightning rapidity over the dusty roads, we overtook the Sunday-school teachers and children, walking with uniform regu- arity the bright eyes and happy, childish faces of the latter in keeping with their gay ribbons and neat holiday attire. Further on, as we emerged into the more populously settled portion of St. Stephen, thp bustle and confusion, the almost entire suspension !;*• u MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE Hi! II •H iji 1 1 '. Ul of business, gave one the impression that all were bent on enjoj'ing the holiday with a zest and spirit that eventually benptitti both mind and body. In a few minutes we find ourselves alighting at the entrance to the grounds, at which float quietly side by side the British and American flags. One of St. Stephen's wealthiest nud modt influential citizens is the first we meet, who does credit to himself and honor to the occasion by taking a share in the labors of the day. Immediately on entering, the sweet strains of the St. Stephen Comet Band are heard in the distance, filling the air with the melody of its well-executed music. The loveliness of the mid-summer morning and- the novelty of the aflfair had brought many even at an unusually early hour from the surrounding country, and one could not be otherwise than pleased to seethe eagerness and vivacity with which so many, young and old, entered into the various amusements provided for their entertainment. The usual Pic Nic sports were being eagerly pursued by the assembled thousands, when music was heard in the distance, and on closer scrutiny the ** Lion" was sighted, having on board a number of excursionists from St. John and Carleton, coming principally out of compliment to Father Dunphy, who was still warmly and gratefully remembered by many of the people from whom he had so reluctantly parted. Nearer and nearer OP REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 77 came the steamer with her precious freight, and as she came opposite to the grounds one long shout of welcome issued from the assembled mul- titude on the shore, only to be returned with equal feeling and warmth by the somewhat wearied though much pleased excursionists. In a compa- ratively short time the tired travellers soon found themselves on terra lirma, and immediately came the first groat care, under nearly all circumstances of business or pleasure, the refreshing of the inner man. Ample choice was afforded them at the well laid and bountifully provided tables of the ladies in charge of this especial depart- ment and to which no doubt they did full justice after their tiresome and fatiguing journey. A cordial welcome was accorded to all from the warm, genial people whom they came to visit, and among whom for the first time they exchanged the minor courtesies of life, these simple attentions which on the part of many merged into a warm, strong friendship, which time, distance, or the vicissitudes of a chequered life cannot weaken, much less force asunder. Nearly three thousand persons wt re scattered over the ample grounds, all apparently well pleased and gratified, and still, through the care and energy of Father Dunphy, who seemed almost ubiquitous, everything was conducted with as much order and decorum as if this large and vast assemblage of all deuomiua- *"t If V '' 1 1 ¥ 11 Hi' 11 84 3IEM0IRS OF THE LIFE I in the promotion of much good, monilly, socially and intellectually, when Father Dunphy was again summoned to leave the people among whom he had labored with so much success, and to whom in time he became sincerely attached, through their unvarying and persistent kindness and the hearty cooperation so willingly and gener- ously vouchsafed him in every undertaking tending to their spiritual or temporal advancement. The news of his intended departure was received with feelings of the most genuine sorrow and regret by all denominations, and ere his departure the following "Address" and "Resolutions" were presented to him, and which I will insert in these Memoirs in courtesy to a people from whom I received many kind and flattering attentions during the three years I was situated among them. The following is the " Address," which was read by Patrick Curran, Esq. : ReVI REND AND DeAR SiR, — We learn with the most lieartfelt regrets that you are soon to remove from amongst us. We feel this loss the more acutely as we hoped that you would long be with us as our pastor, to enjoy some of the fruits of your most arduous labors in the parish, and to carry out the improvements which are going on and the others which ycii had contem- plated. Enough has been done by you to entitle yoii to our warm- est feelings of gratitude and love. To your enterprise and OF REV. E. J. DUNPKY. 85 was energy must chiefly be attributed the erection of the elegant and spacious Church, which was so much required for the comfort of the congregation and the respecta- bility of religion, as well as the remarkable progress which has been made by our community during the past few years. The fact, moreover, that our Church and che exten- sive improvements of our parochial house are paid for, and that the parish is free from debt, reflects the highest honor on your business talent. Though the amount realized for Church purposes— about $23,000— appears large, yet it is a matter of surprise how much has been done for that money, and in the collection of this sum no one has become the poorer, whilst we believe that God has abundantly blessed the cheer^ g^.r. We have the satisfaction moreovev of knowing tnat our Church and parochial improvements will long exist for the benefit of ourselves as well as of our children. We gratefully acknowledge the services which you have rendered in your zeal in sustaining good schools for the edu- cation of the rising generation. Your own leisure time has ever been devoted to the spiritual and intellectual culture of the younger portion of our community, and you must be consoled with the reflection that they have advanced in those tastes, accoiaplishments and virtues which will make them useful and honorable members of society. , Not only they but all have experienced the good results of your influence in the cause of morality and practical reli- gion. We find that habits of self-respect, industry, sobriety, love of order and observance of public law are nov/ almost generally prevailing amongst the members of our congrega- tion. Whilst zealously working for the good of others your own character h^n on such as to win the esteem of all denominations, md through you to bring respect tr the Catholic body in tiJa parish. When to these services of a public nature we add the very it f, :/iil 86 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE ■ many proofs of the most sincere friendship which we have received from you we feel under the most lasting obligations, and as an expression of our thanks we respectfully present you with the accompanying purse of $4GC.OO. We now, Eeverend and dear Father, bid you a sad farewell, but we hope to be with you in conmiunion of prayer. Your name and good works will be fondly cherished in our memories, and wo will pray that God will bestow upon you his choicest blessings, and that we will have the felicity of meeting you in that brighter, better, happier life, where the pain of parting from those we love shall be no more. Signed on behalf of the congregation. Hugh Ct-llinan, Patrick Cttllinax, Patrick Cirran, Charles Shokt, Jambs Crangle, Hugh Temple, John Short, Geo rob Fitzsimmons, Michael Daley, Daniel McDonald, Morris Daley, John McGarriqle. REPLY. My Very Dear Friends, — The love of a Catholic for his priest is proverbial, and on many occasions, during the past live years, have you offered me abundant proofs of yours, yet I was not prepared to wit- ness the very affecting man i, formation of endearment which you and those dear friends whose sentiments you express have shown me since I informed you of my contemplated removal to another sphere of labor. To the reflecting Catholic this devotion to his priest is intelligible, for he well understands all that he and society owe to the ministry of the priesthood,— he well know^s that the entire life of a Catholic priest is a long and heroic devotion to the spiritual and temporal welfare of those confided to his charge, a con- stant sacrifice of domestic joys, all the gratifications and OF REV. E. J. DUNPIfY. 87 we have igations, present 11 a sad inion of herished ow upon J felicity 3, where •re. NS, and on offered to wit- which express nplated fleeting he well stry of 'e of a jiritiiai a con- is and pleasures which men so greedily seek after, for obscure duties and painful labors, the practice of which, while it consoles, wastes the heart. The Catholic considers his priest as his consoler by profession in the midst of all the cares and miseries attending humanity, his sjnnpathizer in his sufferings : a guide and teacher whose words fall from on high upon the mind and heart with the authority of a divine mission. Therefore it is that he loves his priest, knowing how well he is loved by him. Love thus begetting love. Hence that reciprocity of love which so much astonishes those who see this cannot understand. Let me assure you, my dear friends, that those recent tears and stifled sobs, whicli I have so pain- fully witnessed during the past few days, have not been unreciprocated, and that had I not a firm conviction that my removal to another and a larger sphere of labor is the work of Providence, I would yet withdraw the consent which was not required of me, but which I gave for God and in His name, and which I am persuaded will be blessed by Him, for when God tries us, by requiring submission to the orders of His Providence, in such things as give pain to our natural feel- ings, when He demands of us afflicting sacrifices we may always cast ourselves into the arms of His Providence with a perfect certainty that those trials and sacrifices are for His greater honor and glory and for our good. In severing myself from you it u tc; me a great consolation and a holy pride to have been instra iaeiixal in erecting our beautiful Church— one worthy of so good a people, and to you it is an immense credit and tells wonderfuHy of your generosity and your zeal for your holy religion to have enabled me in so short a period to defray all the expenses attending this and other parochial improvements — to cancel the old debt upon your school house and thus leave you free of debt and something to the credit of your Church. To you it is also most consoling to have this lovely and spacious Church, of which you are so justly proud, wherein you often may adore your God and seek him in your fears or hopes ; m P- 1 mi iMtt 88 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE where you may find the Divinity always present, and where you may altogether tell your weakness and miseries. But, ray dear friends, only a very small portion of a priest's duty is accomplished by erecting the material edifice. He, it is true, must build the altar of sacrifice, lay on the wood, prepare the victim, but you must, by the fervor of your piety, the purity of your morals, and the holiness of your lives, cause fire to descend from heaven to consume the victim, and thus, by honoring and worshipping your God, build up and complete your own spiritual edifice. A priest can only give you the body of religion, you must seize the spirit, and with it nourish your immortal souls, and thus secure your present and future happiness ; for whatever may be the social condition of man, whether he be fortunate or miserable he may and can by observing the morality of the gospel obtain true happiness. The education of your children has been to me the most anxious and responsible of my priestly duties, for upon their proper education depends to a great extent their present and future happiness, as well as the future social prosperity of this parish. My aim has been not merely to break down ignorance and aiford them a more intellectual culture, whether scientific or religious, but what is far more necessary, to give them a good moral education — the culture of the heart. By educating a child's mind, we teach him how to think ; but if we wish to teach him how to act, we must edu- cate the heart and its will, and thus enable him to chain the busy demon of passion, and to force languid nature to act according to the high standard of Christian purity and natu- ral justice. To refine their tastes, open their eyes to the love inspiring influences of all that is good and great and beauti- ful, to enrich their understanding with a knowledge of the sublime teachings of our holy religion, has been my constant aim. This task once accomplished there necessarily follows habits of self respect, industry, sobriety, love of order, and observance of public law. You, my dear friends, know the OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 89 d where on of a I edifice. y on the •ervor of Imess of lume the •ur God, A priest seize the i,nd thus iver may unate or ;y of the the most 3on their sent and perity of ik down culture^ ecessary, e of the how to mst edu- hain the e to act lid natu- the love L beauti- e of the constant y follows der, and now the extent of my success : if not as great as I would wish it only proves the difficulty of the task. The munificent donation, which you present me in your own name and the name of my dear people, I estimate as it deserves, but believe me, my dear friends, I prize much more highly the love which prompted such generosity. With it I shall purchase a gold chalice or some sacerdotal vestment, which will ever serve as a precious souvenir of your love and attachment. With this expression of my feelings in reference to the I several topics alluded to in your affectionate address, in con- clusion I exhort you to live and breathe only for God, to have a sinner's awe and a child's love for your only true Father. I thank you with my whole heart and bless you with my whole soul, and shall ever pray that you may so live that, though severed for a time, we may hereafter live together eternally with our God. Pray for me. May God bles^ you. Farewell. E. J. DUNPHY. Hfe was also the recipient of the following Correspondence and Resolutions, which speak for themselves : — MiLLTowN, St. Stephen, May 16, 1877. To the Rev. E. J. Dunphy, Pastor of the Catholic Church, Milltown, St. Stephen : My Dear Sir, —I have the pleasure to enclose you a copy of Resolutions unanimously passed by the members of Wilberforce Division, Sons of Temperance, at their last meeting, and to express to you the regrets of our Division that the Temperance cause in this place is to lose one of its ablest advocates. The writer most heartily approves of that resolution, and would further personally add his own high respect for your 90 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE I'-i Hi; fidelity and zeal, not only for the promotion of the cause of Temperance, but also of Education and general improve- ment, and every good moral work, by which our citizens have been all benefitted, and I feel sure that the feeling of regret will be universal throughout our community at your depar- ture. With my best wishes for your health and prosperity. I am, Dear Sir, Very Respectfully Yours, SAMUEL DARLING, R. S. Wherem, It is understood that the Rev. E. J. Dunphy, pastor of the Catholic Church in this place, is soon to exchange this for another field of labor ; and Whereas J It is eminently fit and proper that an organiza- tion like the Sons of Temperance should gratefully acknow- ledge the services of one who has been so efiective a colaborer in the cause of temperance, sobriety and good order ; Therefore Resolved, That the thanks of Wilberforce Divi- sion, No. 3, S. of T., are hereby tendered to the retiring pastor, for his earnest, able and efficient labors in the cause of Temperance in this community ; And Further Eesolved, That the Recording Scribe be requested to present to the Reverend gentleman a copy of these resolutions, and also to express to him the regret of this Division that our cause in this place is to lose one of its ablest advocates. (Signed) Charles F- Todd, ] W. O. Mekriam, > Committee. Charles Bourdman, ) REPLY. Messrs. C. F. Todd, W. O. Merriam and C. Bourdman : Gentlemen,— Representing as you do a very respectable and influential portion of this community, I feel highly com- OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 91 plimonted by tho Resolutions passed by your Division and presented to me by your Recording Scribe, Samuel Darling, "Esq. Believing Intemperance to be a hideous sin, the chief cause . »f many other sins, and the prolific source of every misfor- tune, I have, as in duty bound, laboured with my whole heart and soul to suppress it, and I am very much consoled to know thn^ never were the people of Milltown so temperate and orderly ..s they are at present. Milltown may now claim to be a model town, for there are few if any towns of equal population that can boast as it can of not having even one tavern, licensed, or unlicensed, and whose inhabitants are so orderly and respectable. Hoping that the good work may be continued, thanking you for your kind regrets, and assuring you that I shall ever feel a lively interest in the welfare and prosperity of Milltown, I remain, gentlemen, Very sincerely yours, E. J. DUNPHY. Milltown, May 18th, 1867. CHAPTER XXII. A JUST TRIBUTE OF PRAISE TO FATHER DUNPHf FROM THE PRESS OF ST. STEPHEN. Feeling, or rather fearing, that some may be inclined to look upon me in the light of an enthu- siast, where the subject of these Memoirs is cdu- cerned, I will permit another to speak, and so •■•>: IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET ^MT-3) V /. 5^ ^ WJ'.^ / WJa '^ 1.0 I.! 1.25 l£ M 2.2 2.0 1.8 U ill 1.6 Photographic Sciences CorpOiation iV ^ ■Jrw 23 >JVEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^9) .V 6^ ■<> . 94 MEMOITIS OF THE LIFE have elajised since that time, but through the varying changes in the drama of life, the St. Stephen people have, no doubt, retained for their esteemed and much loved pastor feelings of the liveliest gratitude and affection, and that affection I am certain follows him beyond his mere earthly career, and will live in the memory of many when time will have dimmed less holier and happier recollections. CHAPTEE XXIII. RETURN OF FATHER DUNPHY TO CARLETON AND THE SUBSEQUENT ERECTION OF OUR PRESENT BEAUTIFUL CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION. Truly may it be said, << Strange are the ways of Providence." Who among the many that mourned the departure of Rev. E. J. Dunphy could have forseen that in a few short years he would return to the mission where he had, through the assistance of God, achieved so much, and where with the same Divine help and the co-oper- ation of his generous congregation, he would complete the work undertaken by him when Catholicity was only in its infancy in Carleton. It was on the 24th of May, 1867, that the Reverend , r. OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 95 he gentlemen returned from Saint Stephen and whose arrival' once again to the well known gcenes of his early labors, need I add, was warmly welcomed by many a loving Catholic heart. Five years of toil and labor had left its evident effects on the usually pale and somewhat emaciated face, but the desire to save souls and work in all things for the honor and glory of God, was as warm, sincere andfervent as the day on which he left his dear Alma Mater, and the pious instructors to whom, even after the lapse of many years, he would refer with evident feelings of pleasure and affection. As might be expected little could be done during the first year after his return, as it generally takes the better portion of that time to become familiar with many things, which, in the natural course of events, undergo more or less change, as time quiet- ly slips away. In the following spring, however, he conceived the idea of enlarging our little Church, as it was becoming too small for the requirements of the increasing congre- gation. For this purpose he went earnestly to work, and by appealing to his people he made them also feel that they too must be in earnest, by giving him their hearty co-operation in the work he had in contemplation. As no undertaking of that nature can be effected without pecuniary aid, this was the first and most weighty consider- fii Ml , Si I.' ;l I 96 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE ation, and in order that the burden might not fall too heavily on a few,— the few who are found in e\ery congregation to give cheerfully and willingly for such a pui-pose,— he resorted to a novel plan it is true, but which subsequently proved the wisdom that dictated it. As there are in tiie parish several districts and wards, and in these districts and wards all the Catholics com- prising the Catholic community of Carleton reside, two young ladies were appointed to the several places, and by calling on each family once in the month, for ^ix months in the year, the handsome sum of $2,156 was r.jalized, and this, with the proceeds of a pic nic during the summer, mate- rially helped to defray the expenses of building the transept, which was commenced on the 2nd of May, 1868. In May of the ensuing year prepa- rations were begun for remodelling and other- wise renovating the old portion of the Church, which was commenced by constructing a new roof over the old one, till gradually it disappeared piece by piece, until there was no vestige of the old roof remaining, and so with the steeple, which was completed in the same manner, rearing its lofty Pnd fair proportions under the guidance of skilled and finished artisans, much to their discom- fort and anxiety at times, as it was a very critical and hazardous undertaking. Thus was our present handsome Church built on the OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 97 of ruins of the old edifice, which now lives only in the memory of many a Catholic heart. The Church of the Assumption as it now stands is pronounced by all who have seen it a really handsome building, and one of the most beauti- ful wooden structures in the Dominion. This Church, the plans of which were furnished by Mr. Stead of St. John, is built in the florid Gothic style,' and in its every appointment there is nothing to offend the eye of the most critical. The buildino- is 101 feet eight inches long. The sides are 28 feet high and the apex of the ceiling from the floor is 40 feet. The depth of the transept is 42 feet, and its breadth 62 feet three inches, and the breadth of the nave 25 feet. The tower is 16 feet square and 78 feet high. The new spire rises 75 feet above the tower and is surmounted and ornamented by a handsomely illuminated cross, nine feet high, whose brightness is daily reflected in the distance by the rays of the sun. As you enter for the first time, the attention is naturally drawn to the general pleasing appearance of the entire building, but eventually the eye wanders from the graceful curves of the beautifully moulded ceiling to the large and handsomely stained glass windows, bearing the name of each donor,*'and placed there in memory of some dear departed friend, or as gifts to the beautiful Church, which through their generosity they materially helped to 98 MEMOIRS OP THE LIFE ■ii I* I Wh ^V .?"r ^f '"'" •■"" =«"""«« the entire so light and graceful that they harmonize with the entire appearance of the sacred edifice. The «lt«r and tabernacle, with some few changes and addi- tions, are the same as in the old Church, and Keubens beautiful "Descent from the Cross," 8t.l retains its place, a souvenir, as it were, of Carleton'sfarst Catholic Church. In the spring of 1876, Father Dunphy, anxious to finish the work commenced with so many misgivings, and desirous to complete the Church of the Assumption, pro- cured the services of a first-class artist in the per- son of Mr. A. Pindekowsky, of New York; to pain fresco, and otherwise ornament and beau- tify the interior of the building. It only requires a visit to the sacred edifice to be convinced of the success of the undertaking. The painting and frescoing of the Church was the last material work to which Father Dunphy gave his attention, and even this was characteristic of the man, for, though I may say slowly dying, even then it was a matter of wonder and surprise to many the amount of time and personal supervision he gave to this his last material work in the Church he loved so dearly, and of which, when completed, he and bis people were so justly proud. The Church of the Assumption, as it now stands, cost the comparatively trifling sum of $19,000. I say OF rev: e. j. dunphy. 99 le entire y pillars with the ^he altar lid addi- ch, and Cross," v^ere, of pring of le work iosirous n, pro- he per- ork, to 1 beau- equires iced of ng and laterial ention, ^n, for, it was ny the e gave rch he 3leted, The 8, cost I say wmjparatively, for were it not for the personal supervision of the one who had conceived and undertaken the work, together with the utmost economy in the expenditure of the money entrusted to his care, it is very evident to any one who is at all conversant with building, and the enormous outlays such architectural undertakings entail, that this Church must necessarily have cost con- siderably more than the amount named above. To the zeal, economy and excellent business tact of the Rev. E. J. Dunphy, coupled with the hearty co-operation and opea-handed generosity of the people over whom he had control, may be attribu- ted the erection of one of the most handsome and commodious wooden Churches in the Dominion of Canada. It was consecrated in August, 1871, by His Lordship Bishop Sweeny, assisted by Revd. Fathers Midland, Wallace and Ouellet. CHAPTER XXIV. THE CAKLETON CATHOLIC HALL. In the spring following the completion of the Church, Father Dunphy contracted, by some almost unknown means, a very severe cold which seemed unwilling to yield to the efforts of 100 i' I h MEMOIRS OF TiJe LIFE professional skill, and at length, I.y the advice of h's physican, he was compelled t„ seek i„ a warmer and more gonial latitude the relief that could not he tendered him here. He eonscaueX eft for New York on the 5th of May. 1872, fol- iol for I ^""T "' ""'' ""^'"- -^ *->•"«' ZlJ , '^"""^y "'"^ P«'-f«^t restoration to health and strength. God, it would seem, was pleased to hear the prayers of so many ean.^st lovmg hearts, as, after a lapse of a few short weeks fhVTr J'**" '"'''^''^ '""''* ''"'' strength to the duties he so reluctantly set aside. resTjf '''i "f""^ °^ ^'''^'' ^""Phy could not wh^h eould be tilled or supplied by his earnest •ittention to the matter. His first thou-^ht after his arrival, was the erection of a Half J the want of which he, as well as many others keenly felt for a long time. This buildiilf ^"^ cottimenced in June, 1872, and finished h, the early part of November of the same year. The contract for the building was taken by -r. Purdy French, .,ud cost the sum of $7,500. It was opened to the public on the 26th of November, 1872, by a musical and literary entertainment, given by several accomplished and talented ladies and gentlemen residing in St. John and Carleton, ma rich and varied programme, which drew to- gether a large and delighted audience, and realized OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 101 quite a handsome sum. During the winter months a series of entei-tainments were proposed and given by some kind volunteers from the city, assisted by some of the more talented members of the community. The entertainments— dramatic and musical— were in themselves really excellent, the people warmly appreciating the efforts of those who not only, ministered to their amusement in breaking the dull monotony of many an othenvise Jong and dreary winter evening, but likewise aided them in a more substantial 'manner, by relieving them of a further financial drain on their humble resources. However, the object Father Dunphy had in proposing the erection of St. Patrick's Hall, wag more laudable than the mere fact of giving a few evening entertainments in it during the winter. It was to have a room or hall in which he would be enabled to form a Temperance Society, and through its medium have lectures and meetings from time to time, and by this means of banding themselves together, to more firmly withstand, with God's assistance, the numerous evils that the indulgence in ardent spirits brings to so many otherwise quiet, com- fortable, peaceful, happy hearths and homes. A meeting of the congregation was called on the evening of the second Sunday of December, 1872, when a Temperance Society was formed, receiving the name of *^ St. Patrick's Total Abstinence and * it i ! 3" :i 102 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFK Bcnovoleiit Society." Futhor Dunphy was chosen President and Spiiitual Director, while other members of the congregation, noted for their so- briety and many excellent (jualiticH, were appointed to fill the other official positions in the society. After the election of officers the meeting (which was largely attended) was addressed hy the Rev. Father Michaud and the late lame|ited Mr. eTohn O'Brien, at that time the honoured and much res- pected President of the ** New Brunswick Union." After the very eloquent remarks by these gentle- men, some one hundred persons stepped forward and were the first to be enrolled among the many sons of the noble cause of temperance. Lectures were delivered on subsequent Sunday eveninf^s by some learned and talented gentlemen, and after the conclusion of each lecture new members were added to the lists, until the number had increased to some six hundred mem- bers. This was certainly a gratifying result, and a grand triumph in that glorious cause which has been in so many cases the means of rescuin : 1 1 I ^^^^^\ i: ^^B' ^ ■ > Ji ii 104 MEMOIKS OF THE LIFE CHAPTER XXy. GLEBE HOUSE, UNION POINT SCHOOL HOUSE AND CEMETERY. The next material work that claimed Father Dunphy's 'attention was the Glel>e House. From the time of his taking pcsaession of it in 1854, no improvements had been made, and as a conse- quence it was becoming a little the worse of the wear and tear of time. Many fiecessary improve- ments were added, together with a handsome verandah, making the Glebe House one of the most comfortable and commodious in the diocese. This work cost $1600. Thf^ Union Point school ho'ise becoming too small for the requirements of the pupils of that district and the comfort of the teachers, steps were taken in the spring of 1875 to enlarge the building, which improvements were comple- ted under the personal supervision of Father Dmiphy, at an expenditure of $1,300. As it now btands it is large, airy and comfortable, capa])lo of accommodating betvfeen one and two JSE AND Father From 11 1854, a conse- ; of the mprove- mdsome of the diocese. iiig too of that s, steps eiihirge 3oniple- Father As it )rtable, iiCi tw(» OF REV. E. ,T. DUNPHY. 105 hundred children, another monument to the zeal and energy of our late lamented pastor in the cause of education. About this time he also purchased from Henry McCullough, Esq., a tract of land, con- sisting of seventeen acres, for which he paid $1,500. This he intended for a cemetery, when the present one would become too crowded for further interments, showing Father Dunphy's interest in the future congregation of Carleton was directed not only to their spiritual but even occu- pied his attention in regard to the material order. CHAPTER XXVI. TATHER dunphy's ILLNESS, PRIESTLY DUTIES AND SUBSEQUENT DEATH. About thia time, September 1874, Father Dun- phy began to show signs of failing health. He had been a man, although of slender form, the for- tunate possessor of a strong constitution ; but his arduous and unceasing toil in building, in the pul- pit and confessional, together with other various duties, were beginning to be perceptibly felt by him, and were making serious inroads upon his hitherto enduring physical organization. From the 106 MEMOIRS OF TIIE LIFE (lay of his ordination till the day of his death, hi^' active mind never rested. His was indeed a busy life, entirely devoted to the spiritual and tem- poral interests of each individual member of his large congregation. None couli escape his per- sonal supervision, from the frail child of a few years to the aged and tottering man. He knew each and every one committed to his pastoral care, and by this means did he endeavour, in an especial manner, to attend to the spiritual wants ot his children. How many times have I known him, after the manifold duties of Sunday were over, when others would naturally rest, to leave his quiet, comfortable home, for the purpose of hunting up some neglected father or mother, or which was to him in a certain sense worse, an erring son or daughter, for to the rising generation did he always look for the future men and women of the parish. I v;ill here quote the language of the Freeman of the 2(>th of September : " Con- stantly working for the glory of God and the good of his flock; at Mass, in the confessional, on sick calls, in hi? schools, in which he never seemed tired of working ; among the workmen employed upon his buildings; visiting all who were in trouble and required his aid ; preaching, praying, exhorting, comforting, reproving ; priest, school- master, master workman, the depository of all the cares of his people, he worked incessantly^ and OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 107 ath, hi.v' [ a busy id tem- of his lis per- a few 3 knew mstoral ', in an wants liave I Sunday rest, to (urpose lotlier, rse, an eration ivomen age of ' Con- e good )n sick eemed ployed ere in aying, chool- of all \\r oil /I with a vigor of which so feeble a constitution .seemed incapable. *' And so he laboured day and night, in season and out of season, never ceasing a moment, never thinking of himself, but ever occupied in the ser- vice of God and of his people, teaching them by words and example to live soberly and religiously, allowing none to perish through his neglect. The prevalent vice of drunkenness he constantly warred against, not merely by preaching and ex- hortation, but by personal and repeated appeals to the drunken father, the reckless mother, and the young man or woman entering on a career of folly. These, when necessary, he sought in their own homes or haunts, often coming on them by sur- prise, and using with them persuasion or authority as it seemed best." Such was truly the life of Father Dunphy during his pastoral charge of nineteen years in Carleton. The first symptom of illness which seemed to claim his attention was his failing eye- sight, as it v'as with difficulty he could manage to read after lamplight, and on more than one occa- sion he was compelled to wear glasses in order to read the evening paper. His eyes, however, soon became strong again, but with that returning strength he grew physically weaker. He finally called on Dr, Travers, in whom he had always the utmost confidence, who pronounced his disease 108 MEMOIRS or TIIE LIFE ;} V. beyond the reach of medical skill. Remedies wefe, however, administered and evtry effort made to fight against the insidious attacks of the foe. Dur- ing the winter he was evidently losing a little all the time, but so gradually one could perceive but very little change in him from day to day. The very best physicians in the city of New York were consulted by letter, but apparently could do no more than those at home. So he continued during the long winter, never relaxing for a moment the many duties of his sacred calling. In the spring his more intimate friends tried to prevail on him to take a trip to New York, or some more genial jlimate, where he would escape the cold raw winds and uneven temperature of our late springs. But no amount of reasoning or persuasion could induce him to lay aside, even for a few short weeks, the onerous and manifold duties of his pastoral charge. In August of 1875, a retreat of the priests of the diocese was held at Memram- cook, at which he was present, and we can well imagine the effort required on his part to attend the regular daily exercises in his weakened condi- tion. Shortly after the retreat, a mission was given in St. John, Portland, and eventually in Carleton, which was attended by the happiest re- sults. Father McGuire, the able, eloquent and truly noble Irish priest, will be long and kindly remembered in Carleton, as well as in the many n OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 109 ;s were, aade to . Dur- ittle ill! 5ive but ^ The fk were do no during lent the spring* on him > genial Id raw prings. I could ^ short of his reat of smram- m well attend condi- >n was ally in est re- nt and kindly many places he visited during his saintly visit in New Brunswick. The mission closed in Carleton on the second Sunday in September, 1875, and on the Tuesday following, Father Dunphy , after the earn- est entreaties of his many friends, left home for New York, followed by the fervent prayers of his anxious congregation. Arriving at the home of his brother, whose residence is in the great city of New 1 ork, he lost no time in calling on two of the most eminent physicians to be met with in that modern Gotham. He was assured by them that he was in the first stage of consumption, and that his restoration to health was impossible. Calmly and patiently resigned to the will of God did he receive this announcement, which, to others more wrapped up in worldly matters, would have been intelligence of the saddest kind. Still, while he remained in New York, he seemed to improve a little, and on the whole he returned, after four weeks absence, somewhat better than was anti- cipated. Again he took upon himself the usual pastoral cares of his every day life, and no matter how weak or exhausted he might have been, he would leave no duty un- fulfilled. At length, seeing that each day he was growing weaker and more emaciated, Bishop Sweeny insisiei upon sending some one who would relieve him of many duties, and give iKi ail wppui lliiiit V wx xcDLxiig ov/LLi^tvxac**; xxvr^xx vxx^ no MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE innumerable cares incidental to a large parish. Father Walsh was accordingly sent and celebrated his first Mrss in Carleton on Ash-AVednesday. He felt the benefit arising from Father Walsh's willing assistance, and seemed to rally somewhat for a short time. It was in April, 1876, he con- tracted with Mr. Pindekowsky for the painting of the interior of the Church, and his almost cons'tant supervision, during the progress of this work, materially helped to weaken him. The weather was wet and disagreeable at the time, and, as might be expected, his cough became daily more and more severe. Towards the first of June, the Church being nearly completed, he reluctantly left a second time for New York, in company with his brother. Finding the heat too oppressive at the time to be either pleasant or agreeable, through the advice of his physicians and friends he left l)r Lake George. In one of his letters home he thus speaks of it : — ''You see, by the heading of this letter, that I have changed my location. I found that while in New York I was rather loaing than gaining ; I felt the necessity of some change, and on Friday last, after a very fatiguing journey by steamer rail and stage coach, I arrived here, at the most beautiful Lake m America-Lake George. It is truly beauti- ful, and 18 the resort of many in search of health, pleasure or repose. The Lake is about thirty-six miles long, by from one to four wide. In places it is three miles deep and so clear is the water that objects can be seen at a ^eat d«r.tTi Tt is three liundred and thirty feet above the level of tlie sea, and OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. Ill parish, lebrtited Inesday. Walsh's )mevvhat he cou- nting of constant s work, weather and, as Ij more me, the itly left tvith his e at the through left for he thus !; I have York I of some nmey by he most y beauti- jasure or Tom one » clear is h- It is sea, and one hundred and forty above Lake Champlain, and nestling among green mountain ranges from one hundred to two hun- dred feet high. The shore and mountain sides are studded with hotels, wonderful for their size and gorgeousness, with wealthy private residences, and the lake dotted with verdant islands— it is truly magnificent. Moreover, the surrounding country is full of reminiscences of the wars a century and a half ago, between the French and English, and of the old revolutionary wars betwe^^n Americans and English, with a sprinkling of Indians on both sides. Relics gathered through many years from fort and battle-field, from the forest and from the bottom of the lake ; rude implemerts of Indian home life and savage warfare are to be seen in many of the hotels and some private houses of Lake George. Had I but the vigor of a few years ago, there would be few of those old foits, battle-fields and other objects of interest that I would leave unexplored. Directly opposite to my hotel is a moun- tain of one hundred and seventy-five feet high, on the very peak of which is ' Prospect Hotel,' from which I need not say there must be a magnificent view. Oh ! that I had the vim of old ; had I, I would have ere this enjoyed a sight never to be forgotten. But now I am — " Here he abruptly breaks off, losing sight as it were of the beautiful in nature, to indulge in those feelings peculiar to one in an enfeebled state of health, particularly when shut out from home and friends. It was during his sojourn at Lake George that the members of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of New Brunswick held their fifth annual convention in St. Patrick's hall. At the previous convention, in St. John in 1875, it was propo- sed and unanimously carried that, out of compli* I,,. — l,^ Uf.^ »i-i oi-ii:»rl 112 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE much in regard to the Temperance movement, the following convention should be held in Carleton, which wa.«} accordingly carried into effect on the 29th and 30th of June, 1876. It was no doubt with much regret the delegates from the various societies learned, on their arrival, of the unavoid- able absence of the honored President of *St. Patrick's society. Though far away in l)ody, in mind, spirit and desire, he was with them in every thought or resolution that tended to the advance- ment of the cause he had always so near at heart. On resuming business after dinner, and when all were engaged in the various duties assigned them, a letter was received from Father Dunphy, and, on motion of the President, all arose from their seats, out of respect to the man who, though many miles distant, was with them in heart and soul. Amid breathless silence the letter was read, which I will insert here for the boiefit of many interested, and which was kindly supplied me by the energetic and obliging President of the New Brunswick Union, R. J. Ritchie, Esq. : Fort George Hotel, Lake George, i New York State, June 25th, 1875. ] Mr. President and Gentlemen, — Last year, when J proposed that Carleton should be favour- ed and I honored by having the next convention held in my parish, I no doubt would have denied myself the favor and the honor had I even thought I should be deprived of the very great privilege and pleasure of being an humble cola- OF REV. E. J. DUNPHT. 113 tent, the 'arleton, on the doubt various iiuxvoid- of %8t. )ody, in in every dvance- ,t heart. rhen all d them, ly, and, m their though art and as read, >f many me by le New 75. f )e favour- Id in my avor and id of the ible cola- borer with you, Mr. President and gentleman, in a cause ever dear to me, because I believe it to be very dear to God, a powerful auxiliary in promoting all men's, but especially our own poor men's, comfort and happiness, propagating our Holy Faith and advancing God's honor and glory. I very much regret that illness compels me to be where I now am, yet though far removed from the scene of your labors, I truly welcome you to my parish. I shall be with you with my whole heart and soul, and I sha^l pray God to inspire you with wisdom and direct all your thoughts and words to the one and sole object for which you are convened, via. : the promotion of Temperance through the instrumen- tality of the New Brunswick Total Abstinence Union. Believe me, Mr. President and gentlemen, very sincerely and respectfully yours, E. J. DUNPHY. After a sojourn of a few weeks at the Lake he returned to New York, and after resting sufficiently he again bade adieu to his friends, which proved a last farewell, reaching home on the 6th of July. Little change for the better was noticeable in him by the many anxious friends who called to see him after his return. Day after day he appeared to grow weaker and more emaciated, but still never relaxing a single remedy that he thought would be of service to him. Many duties even in this weak- ened condition were cheerfully attended to, the strong will and determined spirit of the man assert- ing themselves over the weaker physical powers. The sacrament of Confirmation was soon to take place in his Church, and vou could see the interest I IN 114 MEMOIRS or THE LIFE m of old awakened in regard to the most trifling details. The excitement seemed to have a bene- ficial efTect on him, for though unable to go to the Church on the Sunday on which the ceremony took place, he seemed to take a lively interest in all that was going forward, and at dinner he sat at the table with His Lordship and the accompanying priests. On Monday he seemed to retain the same spirit and strength of the two previous days, but on the following day a reaction took place and a complete prostration was evident. He continued to sink perceptibly till about three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, when he complained of a violent pain, as he thought, about the heai:. Always patient and quiet his suppressed moan- ing was distressing to those compelled to witness his intense suflfering, without being able to alleviate his misery. Remedies were applied, and after an hour or so he became better. Towards six o'clock he was removed from the drawing room to the parlor, and after a few moments expressed a desire of retiring. Immediately after his removal to bed the pain again returned, and after a time vanished as in the afternoon. He became quieter, for a time, resting as well as could be ex- pected, with intervals of coughing and fever, till three o'clock, when an evident change took place. His faithful attendant seeing that death was raDidlv n.nnrn«pin*nor imrnii/liofr»lTT ^„n^j t7<„^i-... OF KEV. E. J. DUNPHY. 115 was Walsh and his nephew, Mr. E. J. Dunphy, who had arrived from New York on the' previous Tues- day evening. He seemed perfectly conscious, and at four a. m. despatched a messenger for Dr. Travers, with the hope that he could relieve him of the pain from which he continued to suffer. Before the doctor's arrival, all that was mortal of Father Dunphy lay quietly at rest, and the immortal spirit of a great and good man had winged its flight into that unknown world, where the soul for the first time beholds the awful majesty of its Creator. Father Walsh administered the last sacra- ments, and in a few short moments after he quietly resigned his pure soul into the hands of that God whom he had taught thousands to love and revere. Yes, as quietly and as calmly as the frail, helpless infant, did he pass from the manifold cares of this life into the portals of eternity, there to receive the reward of his long and faithful steward- ship. . Immediately was the Church bell slowly and solemnly tolled, wafting on the silent air of that sad Sabbath morning, the melancholy news to his many orphaned children and innumerable friends, that the kind father and affectionate friend was no more, that the active spirit at last rested, and the soul of one whom they so much loved and honored had passed to the bosom of its God. The sad news fell on all like a funeral pall, casting I 116 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE »ii tW gloom und dttdness into every home in Carletoii and vicinity. Many were the low, nmnnured, earnest prayern wafted to the Throne of Mercy from many a crushed and broken heart, for the eternal repose of him who, on many a previous Sabbath morning, had taught them how to live, and by so living be prepared to die. At the end of the solemn tolling of the bell, one of his faithful children composed the follow- iug beautifully expressive lines, and which were dedicated to his memory : Slow swings the bell, and solemn comes the knelling Upon this Sabbath day, To weeping friends and saddened bosoms telling A soul has passed away. Telling in saddest tones each struggling spirit, Its dark and heavy loss, That he is gone, gone for his crown of merit, Our soldier of the Cross. TeUing the poor that hand that fed their hunger And clothed them from the snow, That angel hand will minister no longer, Our friend lies cold and low. Telling in many a home where zealous burning, He crushed the Serpent's head, That meek eyed Temperance this day is mourning, Her great apostle's dead. God's will h^ done- nor judge by human scope, The bc'l luvi: clui,nged its tone. Our grief ascends upon the wings of hope, Up to God's mighty tlirone. or REV. E. J. UUNPHY. 117 were Where late the white-robed, angel ceased to sing, The brief command was given. Then smiling flew down to earth, to bring A saintly soul to Heaven. Aftfer his death he was robed for the last time ill the vestments he loved so well, and in which he so often celebrated, withl love and reverence, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This sad duty was ended a few moments previous to the depar- ture of the congregation from early Mass. At this and the second service. Father Walsh, after recommending the soul of their deceased pastor to their earnest prayers, spoke in feeling and appropriate terms of their good priest, who had that morning been summoned to the judgment seat of God, to render an account not only for his own soul, but for each soul entrusted to his watchful care. Amidst the falling tears of the large congregation did he refer to the spiritual and material work accomplished for them by the dear one now lying cold and low in death's icy and relentless clasp. After the conclusion of each service, his body, which had been laid in the drawing room, and which he had so often graced with his agreeable conversation and gentlemanly demeanor during life, was visited by hundreds of his sorrow stricken children. In the afternoon, and during the following days till Tuesday at ten O ClOCK, ilia XUiUillua r.ci.c vioiti-vi r^j *»«ii-.t* %/---.S5 '-a Ji -^n, rf. ■ fa « -^ i f 1 1 ' 4. f. f ^ 118 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE all denominations from St. John, Poi-tland and many outside places. Owing to the unusual warmth of the atmosphere and the continual and unceasing How of visitors, it became necessary for those in attendance to reluctantly close the doors, necessarily preventing many from taking a last sad look at one upon whom in life they had ever loved and esteemed. Jt was hard, indeed, almost cruel, to refuse the piteous appeals of some poor creatures who had come a distance to have, as they expressed it, one last look at him who in life had been so kind a father to their help- less little ones. One poor woman, after havino- travelled a distance of fifty miles, when told it Wiis impossible to see him, for in allowing her the same favor should be extended to the many at that moment pleading for admission, she burst into a violent paroxysm of grief, telling, through her falling tears and broken sobs, what he did for her and her five orphan children, fifteen years previous. What could be done with the poor sorrow-stricken creature? A few flowers from his casket were at length offered her as the only amends within reach to soothe the violent grief of the truly widowed heart. With what eager gratitude she accepted the lowly ofiTering, and, kissing them with most aflTectionate reverence, placed them beneath the folds of her scanty black shawl. In the evening his brother, accompanied OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 119 lid and unusual ►ntinual became ictantly ly from in life 3 hard, ippeals istance at him r help- having told it ier the lany at burst tirough lat he tifteen th the lowers as the violent I what *ering, rence, black )anied by his estimable wife, arrived from New York, and were much effected by the sad sight before them. That kindly eye was now closed forever ; that earnest, pleading tongue was motionless ; that large and generous heart had ceased to throb and was paralyzed in death. Yes, the voice that would have welcomed them to his home was hushed and silent, and the hands that would have been extended to them in the warm clasp of a kind, brotherly welcome, all was insensible to their presence and lay before them pale, mute and motionless. During the long and silent watches of the night mourners lingered lovingly by the remains, ever and anon thinking that in a few short, fleeting hours. Father Dunphy would be taken for the last time from the home that twenty-twc years previous he had entered full of life and hope f r the future. With a burning zeal for the honor of God and the wel- fare of his people, did he enter on his mission, and there, lying motionless and quiet, who could say that every duty had net been faithfully and conscientiously fulfilled. Six o'clock on Wednes- day morning, September 27th, was the hour appointed for the remains to be taken from his residence to the Church, — that Church he loved so well. Slowly breaks the gray dawn of that eventful morning, and already you see the early mourners wending their way to the Church, 120 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE I If '' 1 1 t or loitering around the garden and adjoining grounds. A few minutes of the appointed time, and six of his faithful parishioners lift from their last resting place the remains of their worthy and beloved pastor. Everything seems in keeping with the sad and melancholy scene. The dreary gray and leaden sky of that September morning— the dying, fading flowers and falling leaves, with the low sad murmur of the wind moaning as if in pity and in sorrow through the almost leafless trees, chiming, as it were, in unison with the overcharged sorrowing hearts of his numerous congregation. Slowly moves the funeral cortege from the house, preceded by the Carleton Sere- nade Band, playing in saddened tones the music of the Dead March. Then come the white-robed priests and attendants, followed by the casket on which are placed a handsome floral cross and many choice rare flowers, last tributes of love and affection from his many friends. The Kequiem Mass was announced for nine o'clock, and long before that hour the beautitul Church of the Assumption was filled to its utmost capacity. All classes and denominations were assembled within its spacious walls, anxious to pay the last sad tribute to the memory of the man whom all alike respected. Conspicuous among the vast assem- blage were the Protestant clergymen of Carleton and the gentlemen forming the Board of School I OF KEY. E. J, DUNPHT. 121 Trustees of the city of St. John. Willing hearts and hands had draped the entire Church in black, — fit emblem of the mourning of many sad- dened hearts. The casket was raised to an appro- priate height, and on either side was surrounded by fourteen little girls, arrayed in white, with mourning badges. All was still and solemn, the large congregation was hushed to the deepest silence, when his Lordship, Bishop Sweeny, to- gether with the white-robed priests and attend- ants, entered the sanctuary, many of them coming from quite a distance to do honor to the remains of their dear brother in Christ. As they entered one noticed the familiar face of Rev, James Quinn, St. Stephen ; Kev. F. X, J. Michaud, Rev, A. Oiiellet, Rev. Joseph Murray, Rev» James McDevitt, of St. John ; Rev. William Foley, of St. Andrews,; Rev. J. Vereker, of Sussex; Rev. Edward Doyle, of St. George; Rev. Father Precilius, of Fredericton ; Rev. P. Farrell, of Petersville, and Rev. Thomas Walsh, of Oarleton. The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Doyle, with Father Murray as Deacon, and Father McDevitt as Sub-Deacon. Towards the close of Mass, Father Michaud ascended the altar and preached the funeral sermon, taking for his text : "And all the people of Israel bewailed him with great lamentations, and mourned for him many days and said : 'How is the mighty man fallen that spved the people of Israel' "—Words taken from Mach 1, 9. 122 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE Deab Brethken, — How sad and sua'owful is the duty we are assembled to perform on this day. The Church mourns for the death of one of her most zealous and faithful priests ; we have lost a dear brother, a kind friend ; you, bereaved people, lament the sudden though not unexpected departure of a beloved and devoted father. Desolate parish, you have lost the good shepherd who, for nearly a quarter of a century, fed yOu as the lambs and sheep entrusted to his care by Divine Provi- dence ; you have lost the good pastor who devoted himself entirely to the salvation of your immortal souls ; you have lost a father who preached more to you by example than by words. In the language of Saint Paul to the Corinthians he addresses you to-day from the tomb these parting words: ' You know that serving the Lord with humility and tears, how 1 have kept nothing back that was profitable to you, but I have preached to you and taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying penance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I know that all you, amongst whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." O ! what a painful separa- tion ; what a sad farewell. May God giA^e us' as he gave to the inconsolable people of Corinth, the strength to bear it with resignation. But, bereaved flock, surrounding the re- mains of your dear pastor, you are called upon to day to per- form a duty of faith, a duty of love, a duty of gratitude. You are here to-day to pay a tribute of strict justice, as well as of piety and religion, to one who for so many years was responsible for your souls, and who, at the moment of his death, had not only to account for himself, but for each and every one of you as the flock entrusted to his pastoral care and solicitude. You are called to attest your love, by your ardent prayers and supplications to Heaven your gratitude, your veneration and undying affection to one, who, having by the gospel begotten you to Jesus Christ loved you so well ; OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 123 -who loved you as only the Catholic Shepherd of the true fold of Christ loves his little ones ; who bore all things, hoped all things, and endured all things for your sake, and who, like St. Paul, would gladly be anathema all his life, in order to win you and secure you for the Heavenly fold above. As your beloved pastor loved you, and was faithful to you, and devoted to you to the end, so be it said to your honor that you have been faithful to him, and devoted to him and loyal to him in life and death. What the people of Ccrinth were to St. Paul, be you to your beloved and much regretted father. What is his living epistle, his certificate of character, his best letter of recommendation to Gbd and men 1 Now, bowing down before the Will of the Most High, who called unto Himself the holy priest, whom he had lent you for a time, make a generous sacrifice, and in your deep affliction submit, without a murmur, to the inscrutable designs of Divine Provi- dence. A good and zealous priest is the greatest blessing that Heaven can bestow on a parish. May you then, by your fidelity in corresponding with the grace of God, continue to deserve in future the same favor. Though death has struck down your lamented pastor, as it were before his time, and torn him momentarily from your view, yet, in point of fact, he is not dead : he was only fatigued and worn out with his labors. As the Good Shepherd he consumed his life for his flock. God said it was enough and gave him a sweet repose. His body is now at rest ; it is but slumbering until the Arch- iingel'a trumpet shall summon him and us. Yes, like the grent Apostle, he has fought the good fight ; he has finished " his course ; he has kept the faith ; and, as to the rest, there is laid up for him a crown of justice which the Lord shall ren- der to him at that day. Yes, though he is now m the midst of the shadow of death, he shall fear no evil, for God is with him,— "for if any one will keep my words," says the Lord, "he shall not die forever, and he shall be in everlasting remembrance." God hear our fervent prayers ; look upon !* 124 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE thy servant with mercy ; reward his works ; crown his vir- tues ; give him eternal rest. Him~who raised to Thy honor and glory a temple so beautiful and so worthy, but which is only a feeble temple of his soul, which he adorned by all Christian virtues,-receive in thy kingdom ; give him place among thy saints and angels. Dear people, treasure up the sainted memory of your departed pastor. Often bring to mind the sacred maxims and glorious Gospel truths which he so forcibly inculcated • meaitate on his life ; imitate his virtues ; recount all the grand points of his character to your children, for he wa^ endowed with virtues which make men really just before Cxod and before the world, and which are the foundation of that glorious immortality to which we aspire. Yes, Father Dunphy was a holy priest, an honor to religion and an oma^nent to society. He was a saint according to (^od 8 own heart, and this is the title which endeared him to all who knew him. How zealous and persevering he was in every thing tending to promote the glory of God, the honor of religion and the good of his people. As much as he loved virtue and practiced it 8o much did he hate vice and shunned It. How faithfully did he watch over his dear flock, whose welfare, both spiritual and temporal, was the whole object of his thought and ambition ; with what assiduity did he teach you the saving principles of religion ; with what solicitude did he prevent his children erring from the path of duty and virtue ; and with what zeal did he bring back to the fold the stray sheep wandering from their God. What charity for the poor, the sick and the afilicted, who always found in him a consoler, a friend, a father; what purity and simplicity of life, delicacy of conscience and exactitude in the performance of all his religious duties; what tender devotion and dignity m the holy functions of his ministry. In a word, dear people, you know how much he loved God and you ; how dear you were to his heart; because you were dear to the I OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 125 ! ( heai-t of Jesus. His works are there as a monument testifying his merits before God and men. Therefore let his memory be in everlasting veneration amongst you, for he will, we trust, be for ever more the tutelary Angel of this parish'; he will be forever standing at the golden altar before the throne of God, offering up your prayers and his own that you may be united with him in that Heavenly fold where Jesus is the everlasting Shepherd, and where, in his own words, we are never to be separated again. Dear people, the end, the hope and the object of all our desires, as Christians, should be the possession of Heaven, for " what does it profit a man to gain the whole world if he loses his own soul." Let us meditate on the awful lessons of death. Time is short ; life is uncertain ; we are but exiles in this valley of tears and sorrow. Heaven is our country, our home. Let us prepare, therefore, to meet our God, or rather, like the model we have before us, let us be always ready. With confidence in the mercies of God, let us fulfil our glori- ous destination, and thus we shall be entitled to a share in the fruits of Redemption, and instead of dying the death at the close of our mortal pilgrimage, we shall enter with Christ's true disciples into life everlasting. Amen. A warm personal friend of the deceased, the preacher could well do justice to the subject of his remarks. Warmly, lovingly, did he portray the character of the dead father, lying for the last time in view of his many orphaned children. Truly did he dwell on all the sacrifices made by the good shepherd for the flock entrusted to his care ; to his many public and private virtues ; to his warm, fervent zeal in the cause of religion, and all that tended, directly or indirectly, to the spiritual wants of the many dear children com- 126 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE mitted to his pastoral care, and above all his purity of life and the honor his spotless and un- blemished reputation cast as it were on the sacred calling of the priesthood. His Lordship Bishop Sweeny then read the funeral service, aftei which the Temperance society, which had attended in full mourning regalia quietly left the Church to await the remo- val of the remains to their final resting place. The casket was lowered for removal, a procession followed froi^ the Church to the Sacristy, consist- ing of the priests and their attendants, with the im- mediate relatives of the deceased ; and none in that vast assemblage mourned him more sincerely than the faithful housekeeper, w^ho for twenty-two years had attended to his every want. The Sacristy is reached, the handsome casket is enclosed in one of lighter material, the precious weight is lowered, amid the tears and sobs of the assembled thousands, and, in a few short moments, all that is mortal of Rev. E. J. Dunphy is forever closed from sight. What more kind, and let me hope, indulgent reader, can I write. The task I undei-took, with so many misgivings, (if task I can call it) is finished. Nearly, as I possibly could, have I related the eventful, busy career and the work accomplished by Father Dunphy, particularly in Carleton, from OF REV. E. J. DUNPHY. 127 the time he crossed the blue waves of the broad Atlantic, till he was lowered* into the gloomy vault beneath his Church, personally superintended by himself two years previous. Passing away at the comparatively early age of fifty-three, he ** sleeps the sleep that knows no waking," far away from the land of his birth, but among the people for whom he labored po earnestly for so many years, and for whom he entertained nothing but feelings of the most fatherly love and tenderness. *'He is not dead but sleepeth." The frail mortal body lies mute and motit)nless within the confines of its narrow grave, there to await the sound of the great Archangel's trumpet ; and, while sorrowing for the loss of our beloved pastor, let us mingle with our sorrow the blessed hope that his pure spirit rests in our only true home — Heaven ; and where, before the throne of the Mighty One, he will offer incessant prayer in behalf of the many •i^-ar children he left to mourn him in this fleeting, . isient world of ours. Requiescat in Pace.