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 HISTOKY 
 
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 T, John s Church, 
 
 PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 — BY- 
 
 Martin I. J. Griffin. 
 
 l.\ coimmemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the 
 Opening of the Church — April 16th, 1882. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 Printed at I. C. B. U. Journal Office, 711 Sansom St. 
 
 1882. 
 
 Copyright, 1882, by M. 1. J. Gripfin. 
 
 9^ 
 
HI8T0EY 
 
 — OF — 
 
 St. John's Church, 
 
 PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 —BY — y^H 
 
 fi^V'-""'^ 
 
 OP n, 
 
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 ■J -r o'V^I \«^ 
 
 Martin I: j: Griffin. \>^ 
 
 In Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
 Opening of the Church — April 16th, 1882. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 Printed at I. C. B. U. Journal Office, 711 Sansom St. 
 
 1882. 
 
 Copyright, 1882,' by M. I. J. Gbiwiji. 
 
d 
 
 
 D E Die AT E, D 
 
 TO THE 
 
 CATHOLIC PBIIOPATRIAN LITERARY INSTITUTE. 
 
 REVERE THE CHURCH THY MOTHER AND 
 LOVE THY FATHERLAND. 
 
 9. 
 
 'J 
 
 U f '02 
 
 ■^'."SnT- 
 
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 
 
 -! — hITS HISTORY-^ — i- 
 
 ^n consequence of the continued difficulty between the Trustees 
 (^ of St. Mary's Church and Rt. Rev. Henry Con well, D. D., 
 Bishop of Philadelphia, and Rt, Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick, 
 Coadjutor, Rev. John Hughes, then pastor of St. Joseph's Church, 
 formed tlie designed of erecting a church whose affairs should be 
 conducted without Trustees. On the Festival of St. John, 1830, 
 he received permission from Bishop Kenrick to undertake the 
 erection of the desired church. 
 
 He, accordingly, announced to his congregation his purpose, 
 and solicited donations towards the work. On Monday he waited 
 at home to receive subscriptions; but he waited in vain. On 
 Tuesday he was likewise disappointed ; he began to feel discour- 
 aged. On Wednesday a servant- woman called upon him. " This 
 is the first day. Father," said she, ''since you spoke to us on 
 Sunday that I have been able to come out. I have brought my 
 contribution for the new church." The sum was three levies. 
 *'l took the money," said Father Hughes, "ran to my bed-room, 
 and, throwing myself upon my knees, thanked God that the work 
 was done. From that moment I never had a doubt of the success 
 of my enterprise." Five thousand dollars were contributed by one 
 individual, while Mr. M. A. Frenaye, so well known in connection 
 with the church until his death, about ten years ago, contributed 
 most munificently, and rendered valuable services towards the 
 erection ot the church. 
 
 In February, 1831, Father Hughes purchased the ground on 
 which the church stands. It is 97 feet wide by 156 feet long, and 
 cost about $13,000. 
 
 Or Friday afternoon, May 6th, 1831, the corner-stone was 
 
laid by Bishop Kenrick, assisted by Rev. John Hughes aud Rev. 
 T. J. Donahue, of St. Joseph's ; Rev. William and Rev. Nicholas 
 O'Donnell and Rev. Michael Hurley, of St. Augustine's ; Rev. 
 Jeremiah Keilley, of St. Mary's, and Rev. M. Carroll, of Wil- 
 mington, Del. 
 
 Father Hughes, in writing to the present Archbishop Pur- 
 cell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in September, 1831, says of the church : 
 ''It Will cause those who give nothing towards its erection to 
 'murmur' at its costliness and those who did contribute to be 
 proud of their own doing. As a religious edifice, it will be the 
 pride of the city. The leading Protestants and infidels proclaim 
 it the only building that is entitled to be called a church, 'inas- 
 much as its appearance indicates its use, and there is no danger of 
 mistaking it for a work-shop.' " 
 
 He wrote to his sister, Sister Angela : " The new church bids 
 fair to be the handsomest in the United States. In point of gran- 
 deur, it is not, of course, to be compared with the Cathedral of 
 Baltimore, but as far as beauty is concerned, it will exceed it." 
 
 Joseph Bonaparte presented to the sanctuary a "Flagellation 
 of Christ," by Hannibal Caracci, said to be valued in London at 
 one thousand guineas. Signor Monachesi, whose paintings deco- 
 rate many of our churches, ornamented the sanctuary as a volun- 
 tary offering. The other portions of the edifice were decorated by 
 the same artist, whose only compensation was a voluntary contri- 
 bution of the congregation in December, 1832. 
 
 On Passion Sunday, April 8th, 1832, the new church was 
 opened for divine service, and dedicated by Bishops Conwell and 
 Kenrick. A sermon on the "Marks of a True Church" was 
 delivered by Rev. Dr. Power, of New York. The collection 
 amounted to eight hundred and fifty dollars. Father Hughes 
 thought the sermon injudicious, as many Protestants were present 
 at his invitation. "The sermon caused some irritation and pro- 
 voked controversy," and was a remote cause of the discussion 
 between Father Hughes and Rev. John Breckinridge. 
 
 The Fourth of July, 1832, was celebrated in St. John's Church 
 
5 
 
 by the citizens. A platform was erected in front of the altar. 
 "The oration was foolish, and pronounced so by all that heard 
 it." Father Hughes said he took no pleasure in granting the use 
 of the church for the purpose, but ''the selection of St. John's 
 was intended as a compliment to the Catholics and to the church." 
 During that month Father Hughes had more converts than for a 
 year previous. At the celebration the prayer was recited by 
 Father Hughes. 
 
 At this church on Tuesday evening, April 29th, 1833, Mozart's 
 Eequiem Mass was performed for the first time in this country. 
 This master-piece of Mozart's was the last work of that celebrated 
 composer, and was written under the idea that he was about to 
 die and that he was writing a Requiem for his own funeral. He 
 was dead at the time of its first performance. 
 
 The exterior of the church had not yet been completely 
 finished ; so in October, 1833, an organization of a number of the 
 congregation took place. They formed a society for the exterior 
 finishing of the church so as to procure means for its completion, 
 in order that it might be made to correspond with the interior 
 decorations. This society had a President, three Vice-Presidents, 
 two Secretaries, a Treasurer and twenty members ,pf Financial 
 Committee. After the dissolution of the society, after having 
 accomplished the object of the formation, the names of the mem- 
 bers, alphabetically arranged, and of those who had been officers, 
 were engrossed on parchment and deposited in the archives of the 
 church. It cannot now be found. 
 
 For some time after the erection of the church, Father Hughes 
 was alone in the pastoral charge. He first believed that Eev. T. 
 J. Donahue, his assistant at St. Joseph's, would be sent to aid 
 him, but Bishop Kenrick desired Father Donahue to undertake 
 the erection of St, Michael's. Father Hughes wrote to Rev. 
 Edw. Purcell, brother of the Archbishop of Cincinnati, "What 
 would you think of coming to join me ?" In this letter the pastor 
 described the qualities he desired his assistant to possess— "a 
 man of sound but jiot enthusiastic piety ; mild in his temper ; 
 
6 
 
 lionest, open and sincere in his disposition ; one who is capable of 
 writing and pronouncing well his sermon, and does not think 
 himself privileged to 'talk' nonsense in the name of the Lord." 
 In this sentence he portrayed the character of Rev. F. X. Gart- 
 land who was sent to assist him in 1832. Father Gartland was 
 frequently left in pastoral charge, as Father Hughes several times 
 accompanied Bishop Kenrick on Uis episcopal visitations. In 
 1834 Father Hughes preached a sermon in behalf of the Polish 
 Exiles, who were obliged to leave their native land after the sup- 
 pression of the Polish Revolution. Two hundred and three dollars 
 were contributed. 
 
 Father Hughes and his assistant labored enei-getically to 
 liquidate the debts of tlie church, which was not yet wholly com- 
 pleted. Many of the creditors were urgent in their demands, 
 while all appeals for money with which to pay this indebtednes 
 were but feebly responded to. Father Hughes, as a last resort, 
 determined to visit Mexico in order to collect the means necessary 
 to satisfy the creditors. For this purpose he studied Spanish for 
 six months, determined to go without the knowledge of his con- 
 gregation. Preparations were accordingly made to start ; during 
 the celebration of Mass one Sunday,, a carriage awaited Father 
 Hughes. But Father Gartland could not restrain his concern at 
 the near departure of the pastor. Accordingly, he informed the 
 congregation of what was Fatlier Hughes' intention, and he ap- 
 pealed to the people for whom he labored not to allow their be- 
 loved pastor to undertake such a journey. Mr. George Edwards 
 arose and offered f 1,000, twelve others gave S500 ; and through- 
 out the church there arose responses proving the generosity of the 
 people and their love for Father Hughes. About $4,000 were thus 
 subscribed. After Mass a meeting was held in the pastoral resi- 
 dence. Among those present were Dr. Jos. Nancrede, Charles A. 
 Repplier, Micliael McGratli, George Edwards, Francis Tiernan, R. 
 F.Walsh and Mr. Blaim. Mr Repplier was chosen Treasurer; 
 all agreed to secure the payment of about fifteen thousand dollars 
 of the debt then pressing, and so pledged their faith to Father 
 
Hughes. The appeal of Father Gartland and this action of the 
 influential members of the congregation had the desired effect, 
 and the most urgent demands were paid. 
 
 Father Hughes continued to labor energetically for the dis- 
 semination of the faith and the interests of his people. In the 
 years 1834-35, he was engaged in a now celebrated controversy 
 and discussion with Eev. John Breckinridge. The Propaganda 
 in the beginning of 1836 decreed the division of the diocese, the 
 transfer of Bishop Kenrick to Pittsburg, and the appointment of 
 Bev. John Hughes as Coadjutor to Bishop Con well. The division 
 not being sanctioned by the Pope, the elevation to the Episcopagy 
 of the founder of St. John's was reserved for a short time, and to 
 a See where his services were more necessary. 
 
 The cost of the ground and the erection of St. John's Church 
 was about $73,000. At the time of the appointment of Father 
 Hughes as Coadjutor to Bishop Dubois, of New York, in Novem- 
 ber, 1837, the indebtedness on the church was $40,000. On Sun- 
 day, November 26th, he announced to his congregation the honor 
 that had been conferred upon him, and likewise upon them, by his 
 elevation to the responsibilities of a Bishop. His ordination took 
 place at New York, January 7th, 1838. In a few weeks he re- 
 turned to this city, and celebrated his first Pontifical Mass at St. 
 John's. On Sunday, January 27th, 1838, he preached a sermon 
 for the benefit of the Ladies' Benevolent Society attached to the 
 church. His text was "The poor ye have always with you." 
 Over four hundred dollars were collected. 
 
 During this year Bishop Kenrick made St. John's his cathe- 
 dral. 
 
 On the transfer ot Father Hughes to New York, Rev. F. X. 
 Gartland became pastor. 
 
 Previous to 1839, the church had been lighted by chandeliers, 
 but in the beginning of that year, it was resolved to introduce gas. 
 Bishop Hughes, learning of this determination, wrote to Mr. 
 Frenaye, " You will ruin the church and be sorry for it when too 
 late. Leave gas to the theatres, fancy stores and toy shops, but 
 
do not desecrate the cliurch with the association which it will 
 present to the eye. If not for my sake, I would beg for God's 
 sake that you will not do this." He offered to give $100 to defray 
 an expense that had been incurred. Now the new electric light 
 is within a few feet of the church, and will, no doubt, in a short 
 time supersede the gas that so displeased Bishop Hughes. 
 
 On March 2d, 1840, a meeting of the friends of the St. Charles' 
 Seminary was held at this church for the purpose of organizing, 
 on a more efficient plan than had heretofore been in operation, the 
 various auxiliary societies of St. Charles' Seminary that existed in 
 the city. John Keating, Esq., presided; Judge Randall and 
 Louis Laforgue acted as secretaries. Addresses were delivered by 
 Eev. Dr. Moriarty and Rev. Dr. O'Connor, President of the Semi- 
 nary, who presented a plan for the establishment of these societies. 
 
 On St. Patrick's Day, 1840, a collection was taken up in the 
 church to aid in opening a store in front of St. John's Orphan 
 Asylum for the benefit of that institution, wliichwas then situated 
 in Chestnut Street below Thirteenth. At this time the Assistant 
 to Father Gartland was Rev. Edward J. Sourin. 
 
 In June, 1840, Bishop Kenrick issued a Pastoral Letter recom- 
 mending the temperance pledge to his people. On the 28th of 
 that month he delivered a sermon at this church on the subject, 
 when the pastors and three hundred and twenty of the congrega- 
 tion received certificates of membership. A greater number 
 would have done so at that time but for the want of certificates. 
 Within a month over twelve hundred of the congregation had 
 taken the pledge. The society then organized ceased to exist in 
 1877. Mr. Edward McGovern being its last President, and the 
 late Bernard Raflerty the last Secretary, and Francis Cooper the 
 last Treasurer. At present St. John's is one of the few parishes 
 without a total abstinence society. The 28th of June next would 
 be an appropriate time to organize one. 
 
 On July 28th, 1840, Bishop Hughes again visited the scenes 
 of his labors as a parish priest and the church he had founded. 
 He had lately returned from a voyage to Europe. On the above 
 
9 
 
 date he delivered a sermon to his former parishioners. On the 
 28th of October a charity sermon, for the benefit of St. John's 
 Asylum, was delivered by Very Eev. Dr. Power, of New York. 
 Bishop Hughes was expected to speak, but was detained owing to 
 the school controversy in Kew York. He sent Dr. Power as a 
 " substitute," saying it was the first time he had ever disappointed 
 an engagement." 
 
 On November 21st, 1841, the Feast of the Presentation of the 
 Blessed Virgin, Very Eev. Peter Paul Lefevre, Administrator of 
 Diocese of Detroit, was consecrated Bishop of that See. The cere- 
 mony was performed at St. John's by Bishop Kenrick, assisted by 
 Bishop EnglanJ, of Charleston, and Bishop Hughes, of New York. 
 Pontifical Mass was celebrated by Bishop Kenrick ; Archpriest, 
 Very Rev. Edward Barron, V. G.; Deacon, Rev. P. X. Gartland ; 
 Subdeacon, Rev. C. J. Carter; Master of Ceremonies, Rev. M. 
 Mailer, C. M., President of the Theological Seminary. The ser- 
 mon was delivered by Bishop Hughes. 
 
 During the riots of May, 1844, General Patterson placed Major 
 Dithmar with a guard for the defense of the church. No attempt 
 was made, however, to destroy or damage this the cathedral 
 church. In 1845 this congregation contributed ^300 for tlie relief 
 of the sufferers by the great fire in Pittsburg. February 21st, 
 1847, collection for the relief of the poor of Ireland. ^1,223 were 
 contributed. 
 
 The collection on April 8th, 1880, for the 'Irish Famine Fund 
 amounted to SI, 700. 
 
 On Sunday, September 3d, 1848, the pallium was placed by 
 Bishop Kenrick on the Most Rev. P. R. Kenrick, Archbishop of 
 St. Louis. Rev. Edward J. Sourin preached. On Thursday, July 
 23, 1846, the obsequies of Pope Gregory XVI was celebrated at this 
 church by Pontifical Mass sung by Bishop Kenrick. Sermon by 
 Rev. J. P. O'Dwyer, O.S.A., pastor of St. Augustine's. The text 
 of the discourse was, " Beloved of God and of men, whose memory 
 is in benediction." D. Desmond, the Roman Consul, the foreign 
 Consuls and the city authorities were present. 
 
10 
 
 Father Gartland continued in pastoral charge until 1850, at 
 which time he received the appointment of Bishop of Savannah. 
 He was dignus in the nomination. Thus, once again, was a pastor 
 of St. John's elevated to the dignity and lionor of a Bishop. A 
 number of the personal friends of Father Gartland, and members 
 of Ills congregation, as a tribute to his services in behalf of reli- 
 gion, on receiving information of the honors and responsibilities 
 conferred upon their beloved pastor, presented him with a purse 
 containing $1,050. 
 
 On the transfer of Father Gartland to the Bishopric of Savan- 
 nah, his Assistant, Kev. Edward J. Sourin, became pastor. On 
 February 17th, 1851, the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute, 
 at the invitation of Father Sourin, met in St. John's School-room. 
 He had been elected the first President of the Institute on Feb- 
 ruary 3d, 1851. 
 
 In 1852, the Assistants to Eev. Father Sourin were Bev. K. 
 O'Connor and Eev. W. Kean. During this year there were 150 
 marriages and 305 baptisms solemnized at this church. During 
 the early part of this year the subject of parochial schools began 
 to be agitated in the several congregations, and about the begin- 
 ning of April, arrangements were made for the reception of a 
 large number of scholars. These were received and instructed, 
 and by so doing for several years, a large debt was incurred. To 
 aid in the liquidation of the debt, the Catholic Philopatrian Lit- 
 erary Institute secured the services of Dr. Bryant, who, in Feb- 
 ruary, 1855, delivered a lecture in the church. 
 
 The efforts of Fathers Gartland and Sourin were successful in 
 relieving the church of the debt with which it was encumbered ; 
 and on May 22d,. 1853, the church was consecrated by Bishop 
 Neumann. In the evening he lectured for the benefit of the 
 orphans. During this year this church contributed $5,935.75 to- 
 wards the erection of the Cathedral. 
 
 On September 12th, 1854, Bishop Gartland, the former pastor 
 of this church, died a victim to the yellow fever. He was born in 
 Dublin in 1808, came to this country at an early age, studied at 
 
11 
 
 Mt. St. Mary's College, and was ordained in 1832 The universal 
 regret at the demise of this Prelate was no where more sincere 
 than in St. John's parish, where Father Gartland had labored. 
 Sad were the hearts of the people when they assembled to assist at 
 the celebration of Pontifical Eequiem Mass by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
 Kenrick, on Wednesday, September 27th, 1854. At this time 
 Yery Rev. James Ryder, S. J., was pastor. He continued in the 
 pastoral charge until 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. John 
 McGuigan, S. J., who was assisted by Rev. Father Paccharini, S.J. 
 In 1858 Rev. John Blox, S. J., was pastor assisted by Fathers 
 Lachat and Ward. 
 
 In 1860, January 9th, the funeral obsequies of Rt. Rev. John 
 Neumann, late Bishop of this diocese, took place at this church. 
 
 During the same year Rev. John Blox, the pastor, died. His 
 Assistants in the pastoral charge at this time were Fathers Lachat 
 and Immasso, the latter of the seculars and stationed at the 
 church to assist the Jesuits. 
 
 In 1861 the Jesuits surrendered the control of the church, and 
 Rev. John Brannagan, of St. Patrick's, was appointed pastor, in 
 which position he remained but a few days, being transferred to 
 the interior of the diocese. He was succeeded by Rev. John P. 
 Dunn, of St. Theresa's, who continued in pastoral charge until his 
 death, in 1869. During his pastorate he had been assisted by Rev. 
 P. R. O'Reilley, the present Rector, Rev. Richard Keenan, Rev. 
 Father Immasso, Rev. Peter McGrane, Rev. John Fitzmaurice, at 
 present Rector at St. Agatha's Church, West Philadelphia, Rev. 
 James Powers, and Rev. James Fitzmaurice, now Rector of the 
 Church of the Sacred Heart. 
 
 On February 27th, 1861, Rt. Rev. Bishop Wood blessed the 
 present bell. It weighs 1640 pounds. 
 
 The present Rector is Rev. P. R. O'Reilly, who has been 
 stationed at St. John's for the past twenty years. He succeeded 
 Rev. John P. Dunn in 1869. 
 
 The congregation are familiar with his services during this 
 score of years, and it would be beyond the scope of this sketch to 
 
12 
 
 dwell upon it words of commendation. Suffice it to say, that he 
 is a worthy successor of the illustrious priests who have "ruled 
 well " over the spiritual interests of those committed to his care. 
 
 It may be mentioned that, although generally believed to be 
 free from debt, that an obligation of nearly ^25,000 rested upon 
 the congregation. This was paid off during the pastorates of 
 Fathers Dunn and O'Eeilly. The last payment was made on 
 November 11th, 1872. 
 
 At present the pecuniary responsibilities of the parish are only 
 #3,600, and this mainly for two properties on Clover St., adjoining 
 the church property. On to-day (April 16th, 1882) the collection 
 at the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the opening of 
 the church will be devoted to the payment of this debt. 
 
 Although St. John's cannot, like St. Joseph's, St. Mary's or 
 St. Augustine's, be regarded as an "old" church, yet there are 
 many incidents connected with its history of interest to the young 
 of the parish, while to those of more mature years this sketch will 
 recall pleasing memories of ceremonies at which they may have 
 assisted, or of facts with which they may be more accurately con- 
 versant than is the writer. 
 
 With the church there are connected many joyous reminis- 
 cences and sad remembrances. It was the scene of the usefulness 
 of Archbishop Hughes before he was called to so eminent a position 
 among the number of the American hierarchy. Here he labored 
 in behalf of the faith of his native land, and was successful in dis. 
 seminating it not only in his own parish and diocese, but also 
 throughout the country. Here he exerted the faculties of a vigor- 
 ous mind in support of the doctrines and practices of that religion 
 of which he was an admirable representative and so able and so 
 eloquent a champion. Here labored the learned and sainted Bishop 
 Kenrick, whose memory is endeared in the hearts of the people of 
 this diocese, and by St. John's congregation in particular, with a 
 warmth of affection entertained for but few departed Prelates. 
 Here it was that this venerated servant of God ordained many of 
 the clergymen who have labored earnestly and successfully for the 
 
13 
 
 advancement of the faith in this diocese. What a grand theme of 
 exultation have the faithful of this parish in the recollection that 
 this has been the field of the labors of the two most distinguished 
 Prelates of the Church in this country — the Most Rev. Archbishops 
 Hughes and Kenrick — the one famed for learned and classical 
 acquirements, the other for a vigorous and public defense of the 
 doctrines of the Church, and a constant watchfulness in regard to 
 its interests ; thus in several cases preventing the encroachments 
 of the State or securing the just rights of his people. 
 
 Here also labored the good Father Gartland, the memory of 
 whose virtues is still cherished in the affectionate hearts of this 
 congregation. He worked here for eighteen years with surpass- 
 ing zeal and consummate skill, energy and success. Having 
 thus, while a priest, labored as an apostle, it was fitting that 
 his death should be the epitome of his life, and that his entrance 
 to eternal life should be the result of his devotion to those princi- 
 ples which had ever guided him, and which should be inseparably 
 connected with one occupying the office of a Bishop. While alle- 
 viating the miseries and affording spiritual consolation to those 
 afflicted with the yellow fever in Savannah, in 1854, he fell a vic- 
 tim to the same fearful malady, thus laying down his life while 
 laboring for his flock. 
 
 Here also labored that learned and' eminent orator. Dr. Ryder 
 —Philadelphia's King of Eloquence^than whom no other clergy- 
 man ever secured a reputation equaling that of this celebrated 
 divine. Others may merit a distinguished position among the 
 excellent speakers of the Catholic Church in this diocese, but 
 none have as yet rivalled the clear, musical voice of Dr. Ryder. 
 Of Georgetown College, the most noted of the Catholic educational 
 establishments of this country, he had been President. In him 
 St. John's has been most highly honored. 
 
 We would not pass by bearing testimony to the much good 
 wrought in this parish by Rev. E. J. Sourin, now of the Society of 
 Jesus, and at present laboring at Frederick, Md. The record of 
 his virtues and services is impressed upon the hearts of the faith- 
 
14 
 
 ful among whom he labored. And the good Fathers Blox, Mc- 
 Guigan, "Ward and Dunn are remembered with feelings of love 
 and respect, and are not forgotten, we trust, in the prayers for the 
 departed pastors. 
 
 It is, perhaps, unnecessary to refer to all that the late pastor, 
 Father Dunn, did for religion, not only in this parish, but through- 
 out the diocese. Before coming to this city, lie had been, we be- 
 lieve, at New Orleans. In 1839 he was stationed at St. Mary's as 
 Assistant to Father 0. J. Carter, late pastor of the Church of the 
 Assumption. In 1840 Father Dunn began and succeeded in 
 erecting St. Philip's Church, and of which he became the first 
 pastor, and was such during the riots of 1844. Being transferred 
 to Kellyville, in Delaware County, he remained there until given 
 the pastoral charge of St. Theresa's, the pastor of which, Kev. 
 Hugh Lane, was transferred to Kellyville. Father Dunn remained 
 in charge of St. Theresa's until 1861, when he was transferred to 
 St. John's, where his services are, no doubt, known to and appre- 
 ciated by all. Thus, it will be observed that the scenes of his 
 labors, were many as have the duties been varied. His actions 
 always had the sanction of the ecclesiastical authorities, and this 
 venerable priest won the respect and esteem of the clergy as he 
 had the confidence and affection of his people. 
 
 While we thus mention these pious, learned and zealous 
 priests who have been intimately connected with the history of 
 St. John's, there remains to be mentioned one who, though a lay^ 
 man, labored with a zeal and energy as great, perhaps, did the 
 pastors for the welfare of the church. This benefactor of the 
 church, and the intimate, personal friend of its founder, was M. 
 A. Frenaye, Esq., a gentleman who devoted much wealth to the 
 interests of this diocese, and especially for the prosperity of reli- 
 gion in St. John's parish. At the beginning of St. John's Church 
 he was the most generous contributor. Of him Archbishop 
 Hughes has written : "The position which you occupy, and have 
 occupied since 1833, is, in my estimation, of too sacred an order to 
 be ascribed to any human being, either as to its commencement or 
 
15 
 
 as to its continuation. You have been the servant of God, and 
 in His service you have been honored and happy. May that hap- 
 piness continue until its full reward shall be realized in heaven." 
 That he now enjoys that happiness every worshipper at St. John's 
 will unite in hoping. 
 
 Another early benefactor of the church was the late Dr. 
 Nancrede, who died in 1857. Of him Archbishop Hughes said : 
 " During the period of our difficulty in the erection of St. John's 
 Church, he stood by us with great constancy and great fidelity." 
 
 The late William Whelan was also among the number of those 
 who rendered valuable services at the time of the commencement 
 of the church. He became security for work to be performed — 
 that the erection of the desired edifice might not be retarded. 
 
 St. John's parish extends from the South side of Vine to the 
 North side of South, and from the "West side of Ninth to the East 
 side of Broad. This is a populous and wealthy- district, and within 
 it reside a number of influential Catholics, but as many who pos- 
 sess wealth are not the most liberal in its distribution, so to the 
 working classes, principally, must be given the honor of contri- 
 buting the means for the support of the church— as their's was 
 the first contribution towards its beginning. 
 
 The illustrious founder of this church, in writing to his sister 
 in November, 1832, said: "St. John's Church goes on prosper- 
 ously, but its afEairs leave the pastor but little time at his own 
 disposal. This will be the case for many years, perhaps, after I 
 am dead." Thus it is now; the church "goes on prosperously," 
 because its present Kector and Assistants are zealously laboring 
 for the advancement ot religion — yet little time is left at their 
 own disposal, for the spiritual interests of the people of one of our 
 most distinguished churches require their constant attention. 
 
 The Assistants to Eev. P. R. O'Reilly are Rev. J. Ferry, Rev. 
 J. J. Donnelly and Rev. P. Burke. 
 
 On Sunday, April 16th, 1882, the commemoration of the 
 Fiftieth Anniversary of the opening of the church, was celebrated 
 by Solemn Pontifical Mass being offered by Rt. Rev. Wm. O'Hara, 
 
16 
 
 D. D., Bishop of Scranton, Pa. The sermon was delivered by Et. 
 Eev. J. E. Shanahan, Bishop of Harrisburg, Pa. In the evening 
 Solemn Pontifical Vespers was sung by Bishop Shanahan, and the 
 sermon was preaclied by Et. Eev. Martin Crane, Bishop of the 
 Diocese of Sandhurst, Australia. 
 
 Thus have we sketched the principal events connected with 
 the history of St. John's Church during the past fifty years. Be- 
 ginning the publication within one week of the celebration of the 
 Semi-Centennial Anniversary, time has not permitted a more 
 exact annalizing of the events of the past ten or fifteen years, but 
 these are so fresh in the minds of the regular attendants at the 
 church that the annals of the Catholic Church in this Archdiocese 
 loses little by the omission. 
 
 That this sketch may serve to perpetuate the record of the 
 events named, and of the servants of God who have labored for 
 Faith and the People, I offer it to the pastor and people of St. 
 John's in commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
 opening of the church. 
 
 MAETIN I. J. GEIFFIN. 
 
fCD 
 
 1902 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 314 328 4^ 
 
 fli I, J. Gllfi, 
 
 Printer (^d J^uhfUher 
 
 No. 711 SANSOM STREET- 
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