v 1: : *•'•<•<«: ? / ;»*v ; \ • :•"• v•;>£ s VISITATION ACADEMY^ '*: CONVENT ' * ;r y ;••... »vjhi - \ v
•v;%^C-., • • -• •:., •,;..-'•• ', •••;•. -• .; •••: ; :, -, .* , . ... • i .^,: i '-••;- '- •->-•; v^'.'-^v^;^-> •.•>;-. •. , /:. v Bishop Portier secured the services of Visitation Nuns frpm ;^ >;V:"iV'^"*<.';C
K-'^'^ViPribourg, Switzerland in November,? 1832, to conduct a school ;y;../!;v
,;..•-^^for girls, in Mobile* ' They arrived on Dec* 31, Sister 'Madeleine'/.-;':,.:; '^f^v ;'.. -v *;• : '"'.:•';•":.• '•;'•:•••:+•.';-i >•"•.••. •-•''••: '•;•'•••'v--->\'. ••• . '.-'*r'v f^rV^ Augustine d'Arregger, superior, Sister Mary Ignatia Miles and :•*«;;'« K<.-! .^V . •', '• '• .. .'•,•• • v .,'':'•'•'.• : "
.••.:''. i.«.V„ .'..•••«- : ,k -•".. .••...•" •'.•.,...'-,'.' ^'vC^U^'Slster Mary Paulina Millard, from Georgetown. The new institution ,^'V i(jt^|***-fl> erected on the 27-^aore" deAngelis property at a" cost of ^7,000.;:.'.; '•S}^i*!lfl ' •).•;•• •"'"•'>'. ••;. ;•./:/,: •;;:'v:'after a few months "'•"(.•-'• ^ from Baltimore,.'.; ^^•^JvCvV The first croup of sisters left/and were replaced by others under;.^"y-l i'V^i'7* '*'• ',*••' -•. .v'v., :•••!." •' ••••''.,-•:' •• •',•'..-. •.•'•»•..••? ,'.<-,,."•••;•, .• .-•.• • •;. •' •.-• • }.,i^'v V"^* i^Sister Margaret Marshall» The Chapel was .dedicated, under the i-.'i:.,•;,•?' -V
; i ^'> -r .-patronage of St." Francis, deSales in 'l8i;5.' ': . ;1j^^.;|]»t W^tV^^^^^t ^^•'"•%«-;.-:':. ^';«^^1^^-^', :' ;••• / •• •:•••:• •,.-.: -'.v-;'--. v••'.,:.••• .:\-,:,'v^^^
t i v,: , H-,:''-*' ' 1-{--* •.-•:. ••• -•••..•„• ;
n •; \,f ; The Catholic, Female 'Charitable Society" was begun on Jan. ij.,
i^Cy-'I838 'to support and educate orphan and destitute children, '• •'.
^in Mobile. With the permission of Bishop Portier and his sec-
^(.t^^M.retary, Rev. James McGarahan, Z. Guesnard, president and M* * •. :'i :XfM&?&: "'' :V';';;! •' ' 'V- '.-': .::;jA-'-.r": . ";"•., .'"'•'• •v:;;••..'..•:.'• .'
•: ;';*;;/'";.vv:McNally, the society, was Incorporated F"eb. 5, I84.O. These ladies
•^^^-^^ifOrked-for three years j in I8J4.I Bishop Portier obtained the ser-
-V.^l\;;;i,^Vices of the Daughters of'Charity of St. Vincent. dePaul, Emraits.-/;
-.."ii^'i\:?-Vburg, Md. These Sisters also staffed the Cathedral School which.
; •'^3'• :» ';«','•;<:'1*v-H' ; opened in 18J4-7* which has been discontinued, but .the Sisters:N ' havei conti ", - girls. 1 *-" '' for *•>- '*$*-*K. sr * r VjtCiki.^;•• ': v";•"':" .:;, BROTHERS OF SACRED HEART ' /;/,;V" .•', In January, l8i;6, Bdsh6p Portier sent Father, Stephen Bazin to s:^'jv.'>' France to recruit help to teach boys' schools in Mobile. He ''':V^ ^vl^J.,":- returned with Brother Alphonse Bernard and four'other religious ;.. t'^^^on the same ship as the Jesuit Fathers who were enroute to Mobile..;-:;: .. v^;,:,';^'. They arrived in January, I84.7 and have taught in several parish' ^.»vi'*V schools, maintained The Catholic Boys' Home for" orphans, and,teach at McGill High School since'1928., -0-;T;-', tf^.^':;My: •'"''• , : '>•'•;'&"» ; f *,i ;>;'>' ;• ' ' -.-y.,..: •-. • . •>..,., '....^ :• •, ,;•,".' J'.-V". • '.•". • 'iV*.,-,•••' •.'•'^•'•„i i ;«f >-,i- . <•< ...; V in •
•«--M$pl'?4 ?• r-1 »• : '• ••/••*•••• -S •••• ^ r / ••'' • ' '•'••<..-•".'•• :>•: /='i--**-''%vr^i*>»^."i^ :v-sv !i-,;^;41. ? *f >*<• .-. \ , ; i,,f '7, .VISITATION ACADEMY^ '£ CONVENT ' * /? y „' g* '»*h - \ Y
, /:. v Bishop Portier secured the services of Visitation Nuns frpm ; ;;\'^V;•;"*>' V.!\^^vrV:Fribourg, Switzerland in November,fl832, to conduct a school ;y .,/!;v ,;..•-^^for girls, in Mobile. ' They arrived on Dec. 31, Sister Madeleine',;'„•; .->•., *: - v : ; , :
'^f^v ;'.. - *;• : -.•:,•'•:•'-':• ; 'v;,r. ;;;- ,• ".. ; . r'-'-Vi "- •';'•••',•• •• . '.-'*r'v ... -i '^ f^rV^ Augustine d'Arregger, superior, Sister Mary Ignatia Miles and :•*«;;'« K<.-! .^V . •', ''••'.'','• • > .•'.'• >:'- '•'•-.'" •- : "
.••.:''. .^X-.. .'..•••«- : ,k •-•".. .••...•" •'.•.,...'-,'.- £^U^:fSlster Mary Paulina Millard, from Georgetown. The new institution,;^:: '.j-'1- *'A;'''H.'* ' **".'•' ' '••••. " . ' - -*' '•••• ., .- •-. •". .''''' •',''.'. ''•- i(jt^|***-fl> erected on the 27-*aore" deAngelis property at a" cost of ^7,000.;:.'.; '•S}^i*!lfl ' •).•;•• '-'^ '. 'Y;;; •./:/,:.;/'-'after a few months "'•"(.--'• 'Vfrom Baltimore,.'.; ^^^JvCvV The first croup of sisters left/and were replaced by others under; .^"y-l V"^* i^Sister Margaret Marshall» The Chapel was .dedicated, under the -^. ,;,•?' ''•< : v : , , / l ^&$vi*Xi '-'•- :N -. '.T**•;'•••• i,v '>.:i;NA, '-':A •• :.v«V'j.••«•••: ••'••'••-•.-•> •• - ' .v.v'.v-" vrt;.v\.:;; V;..; :,.,,i;;jS:^ ;;j{ ^'> -r .-patronage of St." Francis, deSales in 'l8i;5.' '"/^^V^:^ 1 : v S^^^->x^-^^^^^^ V" .' '' v\- ',.-.; -'.V- ••'•••^. - '--'- .S^VV.>:^-0V v,: , H--^'-*'>-K-{--* •,--:-. '-. -•••..•„• ;
n •; \,f " The Catholic, Female 'Charitable Society" was begun on Jan. ij.,
; ;;; -.'<;,'l838 'to support and educate orphan and destitute children,' ^in Mobile. With the permission of Bishop Portier and his sec- ^(.t^^M.retary, Rev. James McGarahan, Z. Guesnard, president and M* * •. :'i
•: ;';*;;/'";.vv:McNally, the society, was Incorporated F"eb. 5, I84.O. These ladies •^^^-^^ifOrked-for three yearsV in I8J4.I Bishop Portier obtained the ser- -V-^l^j^^Vices of the Daughters of'Charity of St. Vincent. dePaul, Emraits.-/; -..'*^>'i;,;?;Vburg, Md. These Sisters also staffed the Cathedral School which.
; • ';«',;•;; opened in 18J4-7* which has been discontinued, but .the Sisters :N ' ?^i;» <:-;|*V-H; havei conti pyr.>*u> for girls.
*•>- '*K**K. s? * r \jM^:dri ' ." v ":'"'J" :'. , BROTHERS OF SACRED HEART ' r;;,;.V" •', In January, l8i;6, Bdsh6p Portier sent Father, Stephen Bazin to sivl^fe^^Prahce to recruit help to teach boys' schools in Mobile. He '':i; ^vl^J.,":- returned with Brother Alphonse Bernard and four'other religious ;.. v v?-.-'V;-s*yj£.;.:=«, , . • • , •• , • _ •. ''•.•-..•'.,, " . ••• •,; .•''"'• ^''^•^fon the same ship as the Jesuit Fathers who were enroute to Mobile..;-:;:
-"•' •'"'•*''* .;";•'*".-: "'..••' ••'. . * '.,; ' • •' :' • •.-. -. •'••.. .•:'' • ..v;;;,;,';^'. They arrived in January, I84.7 and have taught in several parish; ^.»;^'*V schools, maintained The Catholic Boys'Home for" orphans, and teach at McGill High School since 1928., ;0-;T;-', tf^.^^y' •'"''• : V* V^YVfV • •'•; ',-'C'l>\:';i Y/;..;v, ,.<;*r...."', -••^••. ..tf*?^ 1 :: •^•V-^r'v^••..;• Y v^v:' ^; • ••',.• '•'"•: . ='V ••;•*'*••• ' 'Y>'^^V^#WY^YY<; ;;v 1;Y*.YY-Y/
; : i 1' '''' • " . ' ''' • ,. '•'Y':*'*••,**'*•' Y'. »",'•'"*"'>Y' 'V ' ' t "'•V.'•.^'Y^•' ^'•':'.'Y"Y^j•''''''• v s : :: x , • '• Y,;v Y,Y' ' ' ):'•"'• .•'';•";'*"• The Bonodictine Sisters ^'Y' ';' \'' •. > ---5-^"-;-"" -'.rr-*".'*'- ---*""'^>T^^^i ^-5';Y'-- 1 J 1 u 1 ; Y'' -. *'>*' S -' •• ." \ •'• ' K -., • i'-V *-* . <•' •" M-:-i '••- "'' ' * •••' . '.•'-' ••.-'''vv^v';!-, Y^C-vW W' '. ; l u-f'." '"•*-'} -'• y ,' \ . > .- .. '• '' ' •';, .'. - • , '• ' *Y ; •':--Ji'->-'«.'..."-; "' .^.' > ' j .'.-- {-•^:; Xl In answer to the plea of tha Benedictine Father* of Tuacumbia. Aia,, for''''"j(!>:&
v T *v'^,.v.-;. in lylO. •>-Y - -. -I-- :". '•• V;' -'••:'->.>' , . «••,• :\A.. • •".•• •vYYv'. •!'•.' •.':•-••• . A :'-+\:\^ -:= ••;--**•;•• ''".'^ .•.". • '.'=. ,'. >.'•'* A:. - ..;•; ^',>>'.',' ^•••V :• . •; • . , <•'. AA ' '.A A, ••,.';;•'-: i.." ...A- V; .' •; ,: ; . -.. " \ ' A. .'-%>' V.'X - <"A •,. ?Y--s".^aY'v Yin .1895 * thi$d band from the same convent arrived to teach in St. Catherine " S: ; j '2'!'%'^.:'* ? - • ;*'".'' •••'•-';' '..'"..• - .A',-"-. . ••• .';••."•.'• .,* • - ' .• i,.v ", ,'.'•'.' - - '•'' *" - '' >>, "Y- - f |5&^School, Pratt City (Birmingham).^: ••''• t-'^v'' .; ' '• -Y^; ' s '"''"'• Yv'' v-;V'.'• -Y-s"-' '?&4:P?tfj& %^P^Y • •':*•'• •;:"-*. in September,-, 1898, ' '':, ^ Y''%Yu*Y %'& ^ From Holy Name Convent, San Antonio, Fla.,/came five. Benedictine Sisters to .:'"<;•;?'-YY;: /vJ "»**•;-' ^ . • • .•,.•',•- -•••'•.-.•••., -.. -. • t- .:.••• , ..,-..- ,. • !•- • n:*Y:-,- Q^,^^ staff the little 'Mary Help' convent and school, Cullman, in answer to the Bene-^Y/Y;^ • w k : ; ; YWYY Y - ' .•« , .>.-.• ', ••' • YV: •,..'-.' - .; Y'"; -''•> ' ••••' Y< ••- ,.v c'^^^YH.; ^A'^l^^diotino' Fathers of St. Bernard, Abbey. The Notre Dame Sisters who formerly,operated J^C' ' ,3 v : \*4..-' ^ '.'' : : ?;>;-Athe'school had returned to tho'.North." '*Y.','"„.'¥'-"Y -,* ^: • .'-Y -; .'••.•';":.; •• .• "-• Ay/fYr^YY /' V»v Both the Tuscumbia and Cullman groups wore given permission to establish novi- n *y» ^Y^' • ;^. • •':..- -.<• -• . • :.•- ;'•,:- ' '•.•.>• ; " ;••'• •: :.' ' ••'•;' ' -. •• • v:- \ ;/-^;:;: |u" -',** ff." • ''-.'• * V-"i •"" "' •:•• • '•• ' ' •,•!."-'T.-V-i. —.• V : :4fil ^ x*tl»te8 and accept young ladies into their Order as a diocesan group they became \ .;<' - "^j^;;Y united into the Commvinity of Benediotine Sisters of Alabama in 1902, with the ''Y:>^:t:K^' -if'iYYYpermission and blessing of Bishop Edward P. Allen, bishop of Mobile Diocese. Rev.;Y--YY : r ^ ^"* A,> A:, ' • . .'•>• -. . Y;'' • • • -'' '...•,'....-. ,.'.-. 'A- -+•?%..,.;''. • ; -, jjfijfe" jj^-vi •' •-' ' ;,'•'• ••-''• -•- '• A .. - ,,- -..., . ";•'• - " '•::...' -'..' 'A . ' • AA.-:-', U V'\ .: YV t Mother Mary Otillia Haas, OSB., of the Kentucky group, is revered as the foundress rv- Y;4 and first prioress. They chose the name, Sacred Heart Convent and Academy. From
: : YYYY this small beginning of a few day scholars and boarding students the Order has ,.'./' Y;Yf'V ; IV' rr .'•'•;.? \<. •:, x -...•• ... "... .'•;•••' ,,'•.-•' .•" • . -' . •--.'. '.-•-;."••','ri'• ', ,s'f?-»- "••*"' .- • . : '.; •'. s -• •. • . " • .•' ' ;'A~:;A-.' ./{^^Y grown to more than I50 Sisters) staffing 16 schools in the diocese, two high schools Y; ',Y;college operated by women for women, in the State of Alabama and West Florida. %,•••"13 ' and partly staff another high school, and a junior college - the only Catholic I v%>•;'.^ • vi->YY The Benedictine Sisters follow the rule of St. Benedict who founded the • Y*v?''-''•:''•• • •Y"'iY'-Y: ,St. Soholastica, -A •>:^'. •",:•: ••''."•; W Benedictine Order in 529, and whose twin sister/founded the feminine branch near ' C:%--f,-:'' 'lv -:'- Y Mote CaB8ino, Italy, The Order spread over the world, and the first Sisters came YY'Y; ;" Y . to Pennyslvania from Bavaria in 1850, from there they branched out to Florida and ,£^'' \lX-~' f'< Kentucky, and other plaoes. Rev. Mother Mary Susan Sevier is president of the Oonf\?V^^ •v:rv'^ ' gregation of St. Scholastioa, which embraces 20 affiliations. Rev. Mother Mary '.*t* Y Y^ r4.',-!.%,• Frances Crawford is prioress of Sacred Heart Convent. Both reside iz^-Cullman,Y^A^?^^; v *' * both are natives of Birmingham and attended St. Paul School. Y'Y Y ^Y^Y^'A^Y- .T .• Pastor of St. John's Parish, Tuscaloosa and founder of St. Paxil's, Birmingham, Alabama
Reverend William F. McDonough
William McDonough was one of six young seminarians of All Hallows
College, Dublin, Ireland, who accepted Bishop Quinlan's invitation to
serve in the Diocese of Mobile, Alabama. The Bishop and his party
sailed frcm Queenstown on October 1, I860. The 19-year old youth was
born in the City of Deny in 1841.
Bishop Quinlan enrolled hdia in Mount St. Mary's of the West in
Cincinnati, Ohio, and conferred Tonsure and Minor Orders upon him be
fore leaving the Seminary for Mobile (Conferred on Nov. 21, I860.) In
1861 Sylvester H. Rosecrans reported to Bishop Quinlan that McDonough
was one of three outstanding students at the Seminary.
Early in 1862 William McDonough traveled to Mobile and completed
his theological studies at Spring Hill College He was ordained at the
Cathedral on February 20, 1864 by Bishop Quinlan. In March, 1864, he
was appointed pastor of St. John's Parish, Tuscaloosa, succeeding Rev.
Timothy J.M. Murphy who had been pastor for the previous two years.
The population of the tm had declined since the removal of the
State Capitol to Montgomery, however, there were many soldiers encamped
on University Avenue, with the Army of Missouri under General ivtataa,
who had a Catholic Chaplain with him.
On April 4, 1865, Father McDonough accompanied Mayor Obediah Berry, under a flag of truce, to the Warrior River bank where they surrendered the City of Tuscaloosa to Federal Commander Gen. John T. Croxton. The soldiers robbed and looted throughout the city. Father McDonough asked
General Crcocton to forbid his troops to loot St. John's Church} the
General had a guard placed to watch over the church property. Pastor of St. John's Parish, Tuscaloosa and founder of St. Paul's, Birmingham, Alabama
Reverend William F. McDonough
William McDonough was one of six young seminarians of All Hallows
College, Dublin, Ireland, who accepted Bishop Quinlan's invitation to
serve in the Diocese of Mobile, Alabama. The Bishop and his party
sailed frcm Queenstown on October 1, I860. The 19-year old youth was
born in the City of Deny in 1841.
Bishop Quinlan enrolled hdia in Mount St. Mary's of the West in
Cincinnati, Ohio, and conferred Tonsure and Minor Orders upon him be
fore leaving the Seminary for Mobile (Conferred on Nov. 21, I860.) In
1861 Sylvester H. Rosecrans reported to Bishop Quinlan that McDonough
was one of three outstanding students at the Seminary.
Early in 1862 William McDonough traveled to Mobile and completed
his theological studies at Spring Hill College He was ordained at the
Cathedral on February 20, 1864 by Bishop Quinlan. In March, 1864, he
was appointed pastor of St. John's Parish, Tuscaloosa, succeeding Rev.
Timothy J.M. Murphy who had been pastor for the previous two years.
The population of the tm had declined since the removal of the
State Capitol to Montgomery, however, there were many soldiers encamped
on University Avenue, with the Army of Missouri under General ivtataa,
who had a Catholic Chaplain with him.
On April 4, 1865, Father McDonough accompanied Mayor Obediah Berry, under a flag of truce, to the Warrior River bank where they surrendered the City of Tuscaloosa to Federal Commander Gen. John T. Croxton. The soldiers robbed and looted throughout the city. Father McDonough asked
General Croxton to forbid his troops to loot St. John's Church} the
General had a guard placed to watch over the church property. Very Rev. John J. Browne First Pastor of St. Paul's Parish
Father Brownewas born in the City of Cork, County Cork, Ireland,
in 1840. He received his early education in Cork before leaving his
native land in I860, "with Bishop John Quinlan, who had just been con
secrated as second Bishop of the Diocese of Mobile, Alabama.
Upon arrival in the United States he entered Mount St. Mary's
Seminary, Eranitsburg, Md., where he pursued his theological studies
and graduated with the A.M. degree.
Ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Quinlan in the Cathedral of
the Immaculate Conception, Mobile, on August 30, 1866, his first ap
pointment was at St. Patrick's Church, Apalaehicola, Florida, where
he remained for fourteen months. His preaching was marked by the
character of his sermons with erudition and logic and a pleasing de
livery. assistant
In 1867 Father Browne was transferred as/pastor of St. Patrick's
Church, Mobile, and became pastor of the parish in 1869 where he re mained until 1877 when he took care of the Cathedral Parish for a few months, then in 1878 he was appointed as assistant at St. Peter's
Church, Montgomery for the year 1879*
ffin February 10, 1880, Father Browne received his letter of appoint ment as pastor of St. Paul's parish and attached missions, Birmingham.
He arrived and assumed his duties on Ashwednesday, February 11th. In
May of that year he was made Dean of North Alabama with the title of
Vicar Forane. Father Browne immediately began a building program to take care of the needs of the parish. First a two-story five room rectory on the new property acquired by Bishop Quinlan in January, 1880. In May, 1881, he had the little frame church moved from the middle of 22nd Street between Father Browne-page 2
Second and Third Avenues and piaced it beside the rectory on Third Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets, adding to the length of the church and redecorating the interior. Bishop Quinlan re-dedicated the church en
July 31, 1881.
Meanwhile, Father Brown, while stationed in Montgomery became acquaint ed with the Lorettine Sisters who taught in St. Pater's parochial school.
With the permission of Bishop Quinlan, he wrote to Mother DeFrosa Smythe, superior general, asking for Sisters to operate a school at St. Paul's.
Captain Frank P. O'Brien helped Father to get the Sisters transported from Louisville, Ky., to Birmingham. They arrived in August, 1880 and began teaching in a rented house until the convent and school was built.
Father Browne welcomed his first assistant, Father John F. Roche in
1882, to help on the Missions at Attalla, and St. James, Gadsden, in Etowah
County; St. Catherine of Sienna, Pratt Mines; St. Joseph's, Warrior, and at Wheeling, in Jefferson County. Father Roche was later named pastor of St. Mary's Parish, Mobile.
In July, 1888, Father Browne returned to Mobile where he succeeded
Father Roche as pastor of St. Mary's Church; here he remodeled the church and had the belfry placed over the entrance door.
Father Browne served at St. Mary's for five years, a great admirer of Father Abram Ryan, poet-priest and former pastor of St. Mary's, he freely quoted his poems in his sermons, drawing large crowds to church.
He died on February 13, 1894 and is buried in the priests' lot in the
Catholic Cemetery, Mobile. 'u* f. A By Rose Gibbons Lovett
REV. PATRICK AUGUSTINE O'REILLY
188? - 1904
Father O'Reilly, son of Philip O'Reilly, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1855 in 1855. He came to the United States at the age of 16 years and attended LeGrande Seminary in Montreal, Canada, completing his theological studies
at Saint Bonaventure College, Alleghany, Pennsylvanis. He was Ordained
in Visitation Convent Chapel, Mobile, on December 19, 1879, by Bishop
John Quinlan. He assisted on the missions around Mobile, and in 1883 was Quinlan,pl30) pastor of St. Bridget's Parish, Whistler, with Toulminville attached.(Adm.Bishop / assistant In 1885 He was appointed as/pastor of St. Paul«s Parish, Birmingham,
and again served as pastor of Whistler Parish, until he appointment as
pastor of St. Paul's Church, Birmingham in July, 1888.
Father O'Reilly immediately began a building program for the parish
which had outgrown its facilities. He added two rooms to the rectory, and
began planning for a larger permanent church building. The permit was ob
tained from City Police Chief Frank Gafford on Oct. 1, 1889; with the ap
proval of Bishop Jeremiah J. O'Sullivan, construction was begun on the
corner of Third Avenue and 22nd Street, North, in downtown Birmingham,
by Druding of Chicago, architects, and L. Scully, contractor.
The gothic style structure was 140 feet long with a 90 foot front,
constructed of steel, granite stone, wood and red pressed brick; its twin
steeples dominating the Birminghsm skyline.Dedicated by Bishop O'Sullivan
on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 30, 1893* He was assisted by Fathers James Meurer,
Murray and O'Reilly, all of B'ham and Father James P. McCafferty, Tuscaloosa.
After seeing the need for a hospital, following a typhoid fever epidemic
Father O'Reilly brought the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent dePaul to
operate a hospital, they began with a clinic in the H.F. DeBardeleben hone in which they lived until St. Vincent Hospital was erected and opened on
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 29, 1900 with 12 sisters under the direction of
Sister Chrysostem. He organized the Ladies of Charity in 1901, sent Mrs. Father O'Reilly, page 2
Mamie (Gilb) O'Neill, Katie (DeBardeleben) McCrossin, Minnie (Millpaugh)
Downey, Belle (Allen) Dangaix to St. Louis for papers of Incorporation
into the National Ladies of Charity.
He was instrumental in organizing Knights of Columbus Council 635, in
January, 1902, after obtaining permission from Bishop Edward P. Allen in
November, 1901, he was first chaplain of the council.
In 1901 Father O'Reilly began negotiating for the East Lake Atheneum
property to use as an orphanage; the deed was executed on Feb. 13, 1902.
Again Father O'Reilly appealed for Daughters of Charity of Baltimore to
operate this institution. Four Sisters arrived on Mar. 8, 1903 and lived
at St. Vincent Hospital until June 2nd. Sister Angelica Nelson was superior
of the group. Bishop Allen offered High Mass in the newly dedicated Chapel
of St. Edward, on July 19, 1903-the Feastt of St. Vincent dePaul, he blessed
the buildings assisted by Father Hartnett, CM. and Father O'Reilly. Father
William J. Lane was first chaplain.
Father O'Reilly was much in demand as a mediator between labor and
union, especially among the mining and steel workers of Birmingham. Helived
and worked for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and was loved by people
of all races and creeds.
In July, 1904 Father O'Reilly was appointed temporary chaplain of
Alabama National Guard for a Governor's Review, July 22, by Gen. Lewis V.
Clark. During the review at Fort Jelks, Birmingham, he was thrown from his
horse and died in St. Vincent's Hospital, July 28, 1904, from injuries
received from the fall. One of his brothers was at his bedside.
He was buried on July 39th with the rank of 'Major' with full military
and church honors, in front of the east wing of St. Vincent's Hospital.
Bishop Allen offered the Requiem Mass at St. Paul's Church; Rev. William J. Lane preached the eulogy before the largest assembly of people ever held in Birmingham. He was a priest for 24 and half years. R.I.P. Survivors included three brothers, Philip, Edward and John O'Reilly, all of Taunton, Mass., and two sisters in Ireland. Right Reverend Francis J. Foley
Father Foley was born in Roxbury, Mass., December 6, 1905. He at tended local schools, Medford High in Roxbury, and St. Charles College, Catonsville, Maryland, before entering Saint Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland, in 1928; he graduated with A.B. and S.T.D. degrees.
Ordained on May 24, 1934 in Manchester, N.H., Father Foley came to Alabama and his first assignment was as assistant as St. Peter's Parish, Montgomery. Upon the death of Msgr. Philip S. English, in January, 19^3t he was appointed as administrator of St. Andrew's Parish in Montgomery until June, that year, then returned to his duties at St. Pater's.
In August, 19**4f Father Foley was named pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Birmingham, and in May, 1945t he accepted the post of administrator of St. Paul's Parish, Birmingham, during the long illness of Msgr. Eugene Latady Sands, pastor. He remained as administrator following the death of Monsignor Sands in 1949, and in 1951 Bishop Toolen appointed him as pastor of St. Paul's Parish.
Father Foley was honored by Pope Pius XI with the rank of Domestic Prelate and the title, Right Reverend Monsignor, in September, 1952.
A noted preacher, Msgr. Foley had given retreats and missions through out the diocese, and was much in demand as a speaker. He was Diocesan Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Chaplain of the Catholic Women's Club; Member of Advisory Board of The Catholic Week; on the Toy Bowl Association Board and former Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus.
Monsignor Foley introduced the Diocesan Burse Club to the Diocese of Mobile. While enroute back to Birmingham from a National Council of Catholic Women's Convention, held in Seattle, Wash., travelling by train, he outlined the Procedure for operating the project to raise funds for the education and support of seminarians, to members of the Mobile Diocesan Countil of Catholic Women, who also had attended the convention. Bishop Toolen heartily approved the project and the women of the diocese adopted it as their main project. The first meeting was to be held in Birmingham on March 25, 1953 f hut was postponed as
On March 25, 1953, Monsignor Foled died suddenly with a heart attack while enroute to Birmingham from Montgomery. Rev. Frederick 0o Hughes who was driving the car nearing Clanton, took him directly to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Bishop Toolen was celebrant of the Solemn Requiem Mass held in St. Paul's Church. He was assisted by Msgr. Francis J. McCormack, Rev. Herman C. Cazalas, Msgr. J.R. O'Donoghue, VG of Mobile; Msgr. James B. Rogers of Montgomery; Rev. Edwin J. Bobe, Rev. Joseph C. Allen, both of Birmingham. Father Hughes preached the eulogy.
Interment took place in Boston, Mass. Survivors included his mother, Mrs. Mary Foley, a sister and four brothers. R.I.P. Right Reverend Eugene Latady Sands
Father Sands had the distinction of being the first native Alabama Priest to become pastor of St. Paul's Church, Birmingham, when he was appointed as fifth pastor on March 1, 1936. He was the first native priest to be appointed a dean, and he had the further distinction *>£ being the first Alabama priest to become a Domestic Prelate when he was honored by Pope pius XI, on the occasion of his silver sacerdotal jubi lee, celebrated on September 28, 1937. Born in Mobile, Alabama on April 11, 1884, he moved with bis family to Montgomery as a small child. He received his early education in the local parochial schools before entering the Mungret College Seminary, Limerick, Ireland. He pursued theological studies at the North American College in Rome, Italy, where he earned his Ph. D., and D.D. degrees. He was ordained there on November 1, 1912.
Returning to the United States his first assignment in the Diocese of Mobile was to attend the Missions from St. Paul's Church, Birmingham, and as assistant pastor, 1913-1915. His first pastorate was at St. John's Parish, Tuscaloosa. He resigned to enlist as an Array Chaplain to serve along with ten per cent of his parishioners in World War I. He served in 123rd Infantry, 31st Division for two years in France.
Upon his discharge from the Army Bishop Edward P. Allen assigned him as pastor of St. John's Church, Warrington, Florida, then in 1922 he was named pastor of St. Stephen's Church, Pensacola, where he remained for five years.
In 1927, he returned to Birmingham, as pastor of Saint Anthony's Parish, Ensley. While there he had the present school and convent eonstructed. He succeeded Monsignor William A. Kerrigan as pastor of St. Paul's upon his retirement in 1936.
Monsignor was well-known throughout the state for his participation in interfaith organizations, National Council of Christians and Jews; patriotic groups, toerican Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as religious and cultural activities; with the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society.
A long illness forced him to retire to St. Vincent's Hospital, he became Pastor Emeritus in August, 1945, and died on November 11, 1949. Rt. Rev. Msgr. John R. O'Donoghue, Vicar General of the Diocese, offered the Solemn Requiem Mass at St. Paul's Church, assisted by Rev. Frank Giri, deacon and Rev. Theodore L. FOynn, subdeacon. Rt. Rev. Walter J. Tobin preached the sermonsL The sympathy of Bishop Toolen was expressed by Rev. Francis J. Foley, administrator of St. Paul's Parish to Monsig nor 's family: five sisters, Misses Eva and Edith Sands, Mrs. Ella Haig- ler, all of Montgomery; Mrs. J.B. Champion, Los Angeles, California and Sister M. Isabel Sands, OSB, of John Carroll High School, Birmingham; a brother, Charles Sands, St. Petersburg, Florida; nieces and nephews. Interment was in the Priests' Section at Elmwood Cemetery with the American Legion holding full military honors at the grave. SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
The first Reman Catholic Church erected in the City of Birmingham, a 30 by 60 frame building was started in April, 1872, completed for use in June, was located on a 50 by 140 lot donated to the Church by the Elyton Land Company, on the Southwest corner of Third Avenue and 22nd Street, No. The church faced 22nd Street, was built on the rear of the lot, the altar of undressed lumber was covered with white muslin and had a background of cedar panelling. The pews were added later. The Church was formally de dicated in honor of Saint Paul the Apostle, early in September, by Very , Rev. Anthony Pellicier, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mobile, represent ing Bishop John Quinlan. Rev. Dominic Manucy, pastor of St. Peter's Par ish, Montgomery, preached the sermon to more than 100 parishioners.
Saint Paul's Parish began as a Mission from Saint John's, Tuscaloosa, when the Pastor, Rev. W.J. McDonough, in response to the Catholics of the area, came to Birmingham on October 17, 1871. He celebrated Mass, Sunday, October 18th in the two-room log home of Michael Cahalan with 31 members of seven families present: the Frank P. O'Brien, James Fogarty, Matthew T. Smith, Patrick McAnally, James O'Connor, Thomas Durkin and the Cahalan's. These were the pioneers of the parish.
Michael Francis Cahalan, son of Michael and Catherine (Kenny) Cahalan, born Dec. 6, 1872, was the first to be Baptized (Dec. 22) in the church. Parishioners Baptized their infants and had their names recorded upon the return of a priest. Matthew Smith led the congregation in prayer when no priest was available. Sunday School for the children was held regurlarly. In 1873 during the Cholera epidemic, Father McDonough stayed in Birmingham to help the stricken people-even using the pick and shovel to bury the dead. Frank P. O'Brien was one of the heroes during the epidemic, and almost lost his life with the disease-they printed his obituary and ordered his coffin, but he lived to be Mayor of Birmingham. For eight years the mission parish was served by Priests from Tuscaloosa or from Selma. Baptismal Records can . be found in both places.
Saint Paul's parish grew so rapidly that expansion became necessary. Bishop Quinlan purchased property between Third and Fourth Avenues, 21st and 22nd Streets, North, on Jan. 24, 1880. Very Rev. John J. Browne was first • resident pastor, appointed on Feb. 10, 1880, he assumed his duties the next • day. In May, that year, he had the church moved to the new property, on which he had erected a two-story five room rectory. The former property reverted back to the Elyton Land Company. In 1882, Rev. John H. Roche was , appointed to assist on the parish missions at Attalla, Gadsden, New Castle, Oxmoor and Coketon (Pratt Mines). In 1880, Father Browne opened a parochial school with the Sisters of Loretto of Louisville, Ky., in charge, in a rented house. Frank P. O'Brien erected the convent and school on 22nd Street and Fourth Avenue, No. in 1882* The Holy Angels Academy and day school closed when the Sisters left in 1884. They were replaced by the Benedictine Sisters in 1886. Later the name was changed to St. Paul's School. Third^astor of St. Paul's Church
VERY REV. JAMES EDWIN COYLE, 1904 - 1921
by Rose Lovett
Father James E. Coyle was appointed pastor of St. Paul's Parish, Birmingham,
and Dean of North Alabama in September, 1904.
Born near Athlone, Ireland, March 23, 1873, he attended the parish church
at Drum, near Athlone, and the National School, graduated from Mungret Col
lege, Limerick, Ireland, with B.A. Degree; he pursued his theological studies
at the North American College in Romey Italy, and was ordained in the Basilica
of St. John Lateran by Cardinal Parocchi on May 30, I896 and offered his first
Mass on May 31» 1896.
Upon arriving in the Diocese of Mobile in October, I896, he was as
signed to the Cathedral Parish missions where he served until his appointment
by Bishop Edward P. Allen, as president of McGill Institute, Mobile, in I898,
a high school for boys.
Father Coyle was called the 'Priest of the Blessed Sacrament.' It
was his desire that parishioners receive the Sacraments more frequently. He
reorganized the senior and junior Children of Mary Sodalities; the senior and
junior Holy Name Societies, assigning Sundays for each division with every
fifth Sunday as 'family Communion Day.'
He served as a member of the Diocesan Council; was chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and of Camp McClellan Army Division, of Ancient Order of Hibernian, the Italian and the Syrian Societies, and edited a monthly pub lication 'The Catholic Monthly.' May 30, 1921, On his silver jubilee/in the priesthood, parishioners and friends presented him with a $25,000 purse, which he transferred to the church fund. Father Coyle had drawn plans for a much needed new rectory, and planned to use these funds to finance it. One of Alabama's most able and zealous priests, Father Coyle was noted in literature fields and wrote many articles explaining the Catholic Faith, many of which appeared in the Birmingham Age-Herald Newspaper. He also penned many poems about his religion, his native Ireland and his adopted country, the United States. Father Coyle-page 2 I
Father Coyle, who well could have been called the "Defender of the
Faith' was a sturdy opponent of the Ku Klux Klan, which had gained po
litical control of Birmingham; many times his life had been threatened.
On Thursday evening, August 11, 1921, he was sitting on his front
porch reading his Breviary, when a Methodist Minister, Edwin R. Steph
enson, rushed onto the porch and fired his pistol three times, mortally
wounding the Priest, who died withing a few minutes of the shooting.
(It is said that Lige Loy ambulance transferred him to St. Vincent's
Hospital in seven minutes.)
Earlier that Afternoon, Father Coyle had performed the marriage of
Ruth Stephenson, daughter of E.R. Stephenson, to Pedro Gussman at 5 p.ra.
in the Church. Father T.F. Brady, assistant pastor, and Miss Marcella
Coyle, sister of Father Coyle, witnessed the wedding. Ruth had recently
taken instructions and had been baptized by Father Coyle. Pedro Gussman
was a Catholic.
The slaying of Father Coyle became a national incident, items appear
ing in the New York Times and other publications of the slaying and the
"mock trial." Victor Hanson, editor of the Birmingham News asked for a
'fair trial' and later denounced publicly the verdict.
Mr. Stephenson had no pastorate but performed marriages at the court
house after couples obtained their licenses. He was defended by Hugo
Black, a member of the Ku Klux Klan and Cramption Harris, attorneys., who
entered pleas of "not guilty* and "not guilty by reason of insanity." (taken from p 26, Ku Klux Klan in Jefferson County, Ala., 1916-1930, by William R. Snell, Birmingham.) The jury deliberated for two hours before reaching the verdict-"not guilty." Thousands of people filed by Father Coyle's bier to mourn his passing. Bishop Edward P. Allen officiated attthe Mass assisted by Rev. John O'Kelley, and Msgr. Denis Savage of Montgomery; Rev .Michael Henry, Mobile, preached the sermon. Interment was in Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery; later Father Coyle's remains were moved to the Catholic Section in Elmwood Cemetery. Right Reverend Francis Joseph McCormack, P.A.
Monsignor McCormack became the^thd.-' pastor of St. Paul's Church on
June 6, 1953* The only living former pastor, he was named Pastor Emeri tus on Nov. 16, 1967, due to a prolonged illness following major sur gery in 1962, and in 1971 he retired to live in his hometwon, Milton,
Mass.
Monsignor McCormack was born in Milton, Mass., on August 10, I895.
He received his early education in Milton; attended Boston College High
School before entering Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., where he earned both B.A. and M.A. degrees. He was ordained in the Seminary
Chapel on June 19, 1923, by Archbishop Michael Curley.
His first appointment was to attend the Missions attached to St.Paul's
Parish; he took care of St. Catherine's Parish, Pratt City, for a few months, and early in 1924 was named assistant at St. Paul's. In October,
1925, he accepted the post of rector of McGill Institute High School in
Mobile, where he served for four years until June, 1929 when he returned to Birmingham as pastor of St. Barnabas Church and spiritual advisor to the Daughters of Charity at the East Lake Orphanage.
In 1933, Monsignor McCormack went to Selma as pastor of the Church of the Assumption. Mass was being offered in the parish school, due to need for repairs to the church. He immediately organized the parishioners into helping renovate the building from foundation to roof, and the church was redecorated and ready for use in March, 1934.
Monsignor served two years, 1939-1941, as pastor of St. Clement's
Parish, Birmingham, then twelve years as pastor of St. Anthony's, Ensley. Here he repaired and redecorated the parish buildings and instituted a new financial program. - Monsignor McCormack-page 2
In 1947, he was honored by Pope Pius XII, by being appointed a
Domestic Prelate with the title Right Reverend, and in September, 1952,
he was again honored by the Church with the highest rank of Monsignor
and the title of Prothonotary Apostolic.
In July, 1954, Pope Pius XII redesignated the Diocese of Mobile
as the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham and St. Paul's Church to the statue
of Co-Cathedral. Monsignor McCormack who had been pastor for thirteen
months, began an extensive renovating program on the church, completely
remodeling the sanctuary and high altar, recessing the Stations, in
stalling new pews and having the building air-conditioned. The exterior
of the church was steam cleaned; St. Paul's school and convent buildings
were repaired and redecorated.
In 1957, Monsignor McCormack was named Dean of the Catholic Church
of North Alabama-titular head of the clergy and people of this section
of the state. In addition to his pastoral duties Monsignor McCormack has been active in Diocesan and District activities including the Holy Name Society which he promoted untiringly throughout his lifetime. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1920 and has served as chaplain of both Third and Fourth Degree Councils; active in Youth work as chairman of the Toy Bowl Assoc iation and on the board since its foundation in 1946; member of Board of St. Thomas Home-On-the Hill, the 1964 Labor Day picnic was designated, 'Monsignor McCormack Day; the 1963 Holy Name Convention was also de signated as 'Monsignor McCormack Day* and he was honored with the Medallion Circle of the Society, by National Holy Name headquarters, for his long
and faithful service; the Birmingham Holy Name Union presented him with a framed hand-printed scroll of appreciation; he was also a member of the Advisory Board of the Catholic Week. by Rose Lovett Right Rev. William A. Kerrigan, L.L.D
Father Kerrigan was born in Warren, R.I., in 1868. His father, Thomas
Kerrigan, a plumber, and mother, Jane Coll were both born in Ireland.
He attended public schools of Warren and after graduating from high
school he entered the Seminary at Mount St. Mary's, Emmitsburg, Md.
where he was ordained on June 27, 1899 with degrees of A.B., A.M.,
and in 1918 his Alma Mater conferred the L.L.D. upon him.
His first appointment was as assistant at St. Peter's Church, Mont
gomery, 1899-1902; then to St. Paul's Church, Birmingham in the fall of
1902 as assistant to Father P.A. O'Reilly. After serving for two years
he was transferred to Mobile as rector of McGill Institute, succeeding
Father James E. Coyle, who was named pastor of St. Paul's, Birmingham.
Father Kerrigan remained at McGill Institute teaching and direct
ing the high school for boys until January, 1922, when he again succeeded Paul's Father Coyle, this time as pastor of St. Knxia Parish, Birmingham. On May 12, 1925, Pope Pius Xi honored Father Kerrigan elevating him
to the rank of Domestic Prelate with the title Right Reverend Monsignor.
During his pastorate at St. Paul's Msgr, Kerrigan erected the new
rectCory which complements the cathedral church; also the new St. Paul
School buildings. He also had the interior of the church redecorated and
the three-manuel Moller Pipe Organ installed replacing the Packard Reed instrument. Msgr. Kerrigan, a noted pianist, retired from active duty in 1935 and returned to Rhode Island to live with his sister's family, Mrs. H. Walsh. the In 1942 Msgr. Kerrigan returned to Birmingham as chaplain to ^fcxxxhHHHS East Lake Orphanage. On May 18, 1949 Monsignor celebrated his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee (ordained June 27, 1899); held at St. Paul's Church Bishop Toolen presided; Msgr. Francis J. McCormick, current pastor, gave the jubilee sermon; Msgr. Leo M. Byrnes, Mobile, was luncheon speaker; the public reception was held that evening in St. Paul's school with Msgr. W.J. Tobin, toastmaster. A highlight was the special message and blessing of the Holy Father imparted by the Apostolic Delegate to the United States. Msgr. Kerrigan died Jan. 20, 1957 and was buried from St. Paul's, in Elmwood Cemetery. R.I.P. Reverend Monsignor John M. Horgan
Monsignor Horgan is the efijinth resident pastor of St. Paul's Church, Birmingham, which duties he assumed on April 2, 1971, following his ap- point»ent by Bishop Joseph G. Vath, Bishop of Birmingham.
A native of Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, Monsignor was born on August 26, 1916. He attended Christian Brothers School and Blackrock College in Dublin, and St. Patrick's College, Thurles, County Tipperary.
He was ordained to the Priesthood in the Cathedral at Thurles on June 14, 1941, by Bishop Richard Kinnane, and offered his first Mass in the Convent of Mercy Chapel, Arklow, County Wicklow, the following day.
Upon coming to Alabama, Bishop Thomas J. Toolen, Bishop of Mobile, appointed him as assistant at Blessed Sacrament Church, Birmingham. He was the first priest to serve as an assistant in that parish.
On October 8, 1944, Bishop Toolen transferred to care for the Cath olic Missions of the 'Bible Belt' his first pastorship included a vast area of more than 3,000 square miles-without a Catholic Church.
He immediately began a building program that culminated in the erection of St. Robert's Church, Atmore-his 'home church'; St. Maurice Church, Brewton; St. Francis Church, Flomaton and St. Agatha's Church, Bay Minette.
After serving in the south-central part of the state for ten years Monsignor Horgan became pastor of Saint Ann's Parish with attached mis sion at Athens, Ala., in the northernmost part of the state, Oct. 8, 195^. While here he built a new school and convent at St. Ann's, Decatur, and a Church dedicated in honor of Saint Paul.
Pope Pius XII honored him as a Domestic Prelate with the title of Righ Reverend Monsignor, July 15, i960. He was invested on November 20, that year, by Bishop Toolen.
After the division of the Mobile-Binningham Diocese and the erection of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama, with the Most Rev. Joseph G. Vath, D.D., as Ordinary, Monsignor Horgan was named Dean of the Northwest section of the state, upon the creation of the seven deaneries of the new diocese. He served in Decatur for 16 years and half, prior to his trans fer as Rector of the Cathedra^ of St. Paul the Apostle, Birmingham. fc^CWoU^ 0*-H*^ PAULIS cmjRCH ^ ^ xfiJt>P**^ (% St. Paul's was the first Catholic Church in the Birmingham district, it was founded in September 1872, and was dedicated by Bishop Pellicier. At that time it was a small frame structure on 22nd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and was donated by Col. Powell. Col. Powell was one of the first founders of Birmingham. Pie invested heavily in this district and promoted many projects here. In the l860'd there were only a few Catholic families in Birmingham and they were attended by a mission priest from Tuscaloosa, Father McDonough. Mass was celebrated at irregular intervals In the home of Michael Cahalan at l|..th Ave. and 21st St. No. The first Catholic child baptised in this small church was Michael P. Cahalan, baptised by Father McDonough on December 22, 1872. Shortly after this the cholera epidemic of 1873 reduced the ranks of the few parishioners to such an extent that iHather McDonough was transferred to Mobile making St. Paul's once more a mission, served from. Tuscaloosa. Among the missioners who visited St. Paul's after that was the "poet priest of the South", Father Abram Joseph Ryan.
In January i860 the Rev. J.J. Browne was appointed the first resident pastor and during his pastorate the church was moved to the site of the present rectory. This, too, was a small frame building. Father Brown and his assistant, Father James P. McCafferty were the only resident priests of the Birmingham District then, and they served the missions near the city.
Father Browne remained until 1887. In 1888 Rev. Father ratrick A. O'Reilly began his sixteen year tenure as a pastor of St. Paul's, becoming known to persons of every creed and color in the city for his tireless work for souls and his countless acts of charity. Father O'Reilly died in July I9OJ4. from injuries received by being thrown from a horse while partipipating In a military review at Camp Jells. He was Chaplain of the Third Reggment, Alabama ^atlonal Guard.
The present church building, a large Gothic structure of dark red brick, on the corner of Third Avenue and 22nd St., x^ras erected in 1890. A portion of the funds for its construction came from a memorable benefit performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan ^inafore. Many of the older parishioners were in the operetta's cast, or oh numerous committees.
Father James E. Coyle succeeded Father O'Reilly in 1901)., remaining in charge for seventeen years, until his tragic death in August 1921. The parish continued to keen oace with, the amazing growth of the Magic City and was ably served by Father Coxjle. Father Coule celebrated bis twenth-fifth anniversary as a oriest m June 1921, and a purse was started at this time for the erection of the new restory.
The Rt.Rev. Msgr. William A. Kerrigan came to St. Paul's as pastor in 1921 and remained until October 1935> when he retired because of ill health. Durinj his time, as pastor and ^ean of North Alabama, the parish saw its greatest advancements. He superintended the erection of the large rectory on Third Ave. and the splendidly equipped school, erected in 1923, also the new Convent. A new organ was also installed in the church during his pastorate„
Rt.Rev.Msgr.Eugene L. Sands was the next pastor of St. Paul's. Bishop Thomas J. Toolen served St. Paul's manv years until he was made Archbishop of the district in 19^0? , MSGR Francis McCormack succeeded him and is still (1962)serving St. Paul s. St. Paul's became a Co-cathedral in 19,5>6, being so designated by Archbishop Toolenc SAINT PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
Saint Paul's Church was elevated to the rank of Cathedral by the Holy See in Rome, June 28, 1969; the final documents signed by Archbishop Luigi . Raimondi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States and the Most Reverend • Joseph G. Vath, D.D., on December 9» 1969i during the installation cere- • raoniedo f Bishop Vath as head of the newly established Diocese of Birming- • ham in Alabama. Birmingham was designated as the See City and Saint Paul's , Cathedral the mother church for 39 counties of North Alabama.
The beautiful Gothic style church was built by Rev. Patrick A. O'Reilly who succeeded Father Browne in July, 1888. It was financed mainly by pro ceeds of sale of property (August, 188?) for use of Jefferson County Court House, 50 by 300 feet. Father O'Reilly obtained the building permit in 1889; construction by L. Scully, contractor and Druding of Chicago, architects, was delayed due to labor strikes. Bishop Jeremiah O'Sullivan dedicated the Church on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 31* 1893. The magnificent marble altar re placed the temporary wooden altar and was consecrated in 1902 by Bishop E.P. Allen who inserved relics of Saints Placidus, Theodorus and Saint Tarcisius. Father &Rielly founded the St. Vincent Hospital and the East Lake Orphanage, he died in 1904 and was buried on the front lawn of St. Vincent's Hospital.
Reverend Monsignor John M. Horgan is the ninth resident pastor of Saint •Paul's Parish. A native of County Mayo, Ireland, he has served in Alabama , since his ordination on June 14, 1941. He has built five churches and a school in the state.
Saint Paul's ebcame a permanent parish in June, 19131 with irremovable pastor. Rev. James E. Coyle (1904-1921) had the two Carrara marble side al tars installed. In 19111 there were 9,500 Catholics in Birmingham. In 1912, '.the first ordinations took place when four Benedictine Monks became Priests. The new rectory, school and convent buildings were erected by Reverend William A. Kerrigan, pastor from 1922-1935, he also redecorated the church and installed the Moeller Pipe Organ. After his retirement Rev. Eugene L. Sands was pastor from 1935-1951; then Rev. Francis J. Foley who had served as administrator during the long illness of Monsignor Sands was pastor from 1951 until his death in 1953. In June, 1953, Rt. Rev. Francis J. McCormack (the only surviving former pastor of St. Paul's) was appointed by Bishop Thomas J. Toolen. St. Paul's was raised to the status of Co-Cathedral when the Diocese of Mobile-Birming ham was created in 1954. In 1955, the first consecration of a Bishop was held when Bishop Joseph A. Durick(of Bessemer) became Auxiliary Bishop. The church was remodeled and redecorated that year, at a cost of $204,000. Rev. Monsignor George W. Keyes was named pastor on Nov. 16, 1967. He died suddenly on March 2, 1971. Rev. Raymond W. Keiser was the first to be ordained (Jan. 31, 197B) by Bishop Vath, first Bishop of Birmingham, in St. Paul's since its elevation to the rank of a Cathedral. On May 17, 1970 Bishop Vath administered the Sacrament of Confixroation to 309 Adults in Saint Paul's Cathedral, a diocesan-wide class.
By Rose (Gibbons) Lovett Right Reverend George W. Keyes
Father Keyes, a native of Tarbert, County Kerry, Ireland, was born on April 26, 1903. He attended the National Grade School, Bantry, and Mungret College Seminary, Limerick, Ireland before pursuing higher theological studies at Propaganda College, Rcmey{ Italy.
He was ordaineiin St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome, on December 22, 1928. His first assignment in the Diocese of Mobile was as assistant in charge of the Cathedral Missions, Mobile, 1929-1938. In 1935 he became the first chaplain for the Port of Mobile, and later was named Diocesan Director of Sacred Music.
In November, 1938 he was named pastor of St. Barnabas Church, Bir mingham, and built the present church on First Avenue and 80th Street. The former frame church having once been a Presbyterian Church which was purchased and used by the parish. In October, 1954 he succeeded Msgr. Walter J. Tobin as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church. He began a program of repairs to the parish buildings; renovating and decorating the interior of the church which had never been completed inside. He then turned his attention to the erection of the present beautiful rec tory which complements the church.
Father Keyes was elevt,aed by Pope John XXIII to the rank of Domestic Apostolic with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor, and he was invested by Bishop Toolen in November, i960. In 1964 he was named a Consultor for the diocese; and became acting Dean of North Alabama on May 6, 1907.
On Nov. 16, I967 Monsignor Keyes accepted the poattas rector of St. Paul Co-Cathedral, and Dean of the Birmingham area, succeeding Monsignor Francis J. McCormack who was suffering a long illness following major surgery in 1962.
When the Diocese of Birmingham was created in 1969f Monsignor Keyes was one of two active Deans in North Alabama, and upon the division of the diocese into seven deaneries he was retained as Dean of Central Bir mingham Deanery.
Monsignor Keyes died suddenly of a heart attack in his rectory on Tuesday, March 2, 1971, while visiting with a friend from Sev^ftalajpd, Father Ted Jordan, and Rev. Msgr. Edwin J. Bobe of Birmingham. He was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Vincent's Hospital.
Msgr. Keyes possessed a beautiful voice which he used to sing the praises of God wherever the occasion permitted. He led the Priests' Choir for many Priests' Requiems,43 years in the diocese; he was an ardent promoter of the Holy Name Society and past chaplain to the Knights of Columbus; Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary for many years. Bishop Joseph G. Vath was main concelebrant of the Requiem Mass at St. Paul's Church on March 5, with Bishop Joseph A. Durick of Nashville, Msgr. Keyes* nephew, Father Marcus Keyes from Peru, and others £mm the Dioceses of St. Augustine and Mobile; Rev. Michael J. White, Chancellor, and pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church preached the eulogy. Msgr. Keyes was survived by a brother, Rickard Keyes, Astoria L.I., New York.
> 1 »Jj6s-a-«w
(BIRMINGAAM NEWS? Thursday afternoon, July rY, 1904.) 7-etS~
Rev. Father ?,A,G*ReiIly died this morning at 3sM oclocl. Story of a. noble career. Splendid Cathedral of St.Paul's, St. Vincent's Hospital and Orphans' home are monuments to his devotion to the "church and community. A friend to all mankind Rev, Father- Patrick O'Reilly, pastor of St. Paul's Catholic church, died this morning at 3} 30 o'clock at. St.Vincent'shosMtal'.'frbm the injuries he received by being thrown from a horse at Camp Jeiks last, -Thursday after-noon while dis charging the duties of chaplain. As early as 5 o'clock last afternoon those who 'were watching by histeedside-physieians, nurse s and friends-saw that the end was near. The reverend patient had a sinking spell and oxygen was admin istered. At 3 o'clock a telephone message from the hospital said, that the priest was dying, and two hoars la^er it v.as the opinion of those around him that he *vould be dead in a very short while. " The injured man passed away peacefully at 3;30 o'clock. As the beloved priest was breathing his last Rev. Father Doyle, who had 'been with his almost from the very moment the injury was received, recited the De Profundis. Bishop-Allen notified. Telegrams ha ye been sent out this morning in all directions to inquiring friends and acquaintances of $&te dec eased and his family. Arrangements are now being made for the funeral. The Rt. Rev. Bishop E.P.Allen, of the Mobile diocese, which includes the Birmingham parish, was notified from time to time of Father O'Reilly's condit ion, and the headquarters of the diocese In Habile is now in possession of the full facts. Everything was done in behalf of .he injured man, but in Win The brother of the priest, who arrived on Sunday and has since been constantly by the bedside of the below, d pastor, is srware tha;: a very effort ms made to save tha life of the man who was so universally loved in $&® community. Bad done a great work. Rev. Father O'Reilly lived and worked for Catholics and non-Catholics in this city and immediate district fois the past sixteen rears. Be made for himself and his church a name during that period which will ever remain in the minds of those now living and will be talked of "ay the children of the citizens of today. Yihen the brigade encampment was held last week at Owenton, a suburb on the Bessemer car line, Rev. Father O'Reilly was appointed brigade chaplain during the absence of Rev, W.G.bearn of Teiladega, and also chaplain of the Third regiment, infantry. On Thursday last, Governor Cunningham and staff reviewed the troops, and Rev, Father O'Reilly chose a horse from among the number at the camp grounds. It was a dashing horse which Father O'Reilly procured from the lot and just after the review the animal became unmanageable. Rev. Father O'Reilly *m» seen to be tugging away aththe reins of the animal, but in vain. The horse dashed across the roads toaards head quarters, near which the animal was wont to be kept. All of a sudden Father O'Reilly; was seen to fail, or rather shot off the back of the horse, striking his head and shoulder. In a very few minutes a large crowd gathered around and Father O'Reilly, unconscious, was picked up and carried into the headquar ters of General Clark, liev. Father- O'tteilly
The brigade surgeons, Drs.Dedman and Morris, were hastily summoned and the priest regained consciousness for a few minutes and told those around aim that he was not badly hurt. An ambulance was called and he was carried to his home, adjacent to St.Paul's Church on third avenue, but it was decided not to tarry long at this point and the injured man was taken almost immediately to St.Vincent's hospital. There the patient appeared to have received a stroke of .paralysis on the left side^ or possibly a stroke of appoplexy. He was unconscious, una le to open his eyes and to move freely. The next morning it was evident to those attending, the injured priest that he was in & very serious condition. Alarm spread throughout tha city and the district and through the state, A day later tha physicians in a consultation decided. $hat an operation was necessary and the skull of the reverend gentleman was trepanned, but there was not a clot of blood, found. . At, the bedsid©, From that time on the priest lay in his bed in a semi-s upor .all the time. se was aroused at times and would mutter, then asked as to who those around hijs f® e he appeared to.be able to recognize them and there we' e hopes. On•Tuesday* hope deserted thos© who watched aroand his bed, The man was grow ing weaker and weaker every, day, his pulse was more and more uncertain. At midnight last night the message came from the hospital "Father O'Reilly is as low as one could be *m& still be alive.* The entire coasaunlty offeree prayer for the recovery of the injured man, Catholic and Protestant, Jew and Gentile. A short sketch, Rev. Father O'Reilly was the san Of Phillip O'Reilly, an honest £.n& indusl rious citizen of ©aunty Cavan, Ireland. Be was bom forty-nine ye&y-s ago and came to this country when If yesuav of age. He attended eollere in his early days in Ireland and upon arriving on this side of the water attended \ the LaGrand.e Seminary, at Montreal, Canada. He finished his education: at ehe Saint Bonaventures College at Allegheny, Pa. He was called to Mobile by Ripht Rev. Bishop'Quinlan and in December, 1S?9, was ordained a. priest, Se worked in and around Mobile for several years, being pastor at Whistler, a. small place s. .few miles out from Mobile, Be was sent from there to Birmingham. Upon his arrival here Father O'Reilly did not take long to get acquainted. Be started on a hard task, and in & very short while he. had mapped out a policy which he carried out to the end, that of building up, not tearing down; making friends, not enemies; working for the church which he represent ed, and also for the community,. Be gelt confident that work for th commun ity meant work for the church. Be witnessed the erection of the fine cathe dral which today sranes on the corner of third avenue and twenty-second street He saw altars gp up befitting the churchy and decorations placed' which -ould do credit' to any cathedral. Bro&^d minded man His labors In behalf of his church never were tiresome to him. .He gathered, a flock that was loyal, and his every wish almost in behalf of the organiz ation, the church, was granted. Be was broadssinded, and he saw opportunit ies to enlarge the work in this field, fie believed that there was need for • hospital In Birmingham and acquired a lot, located' between Birmingham and Pratt City, that it might be convenient for the entire district. Before the hospital plan was w-:!ll under my he' formulated id.©asvfor an orphans' home, though he did not take the matter up definitely until he had completed the plans for the hospital. 3 Rev. Father O'Reilly
Then he accepted advice that the present location of the hospital was the beptsr of the tro, and he disposed, of the first lot a I a good profit, which he divided between the two Institutions he had in mind, hospital and orphans" ho^se. That was his ray. Without personal ambition Be never had personal ambition. He locked ah-esd far the church and the com- munitu. Be was kind hearted and he was noble. He waspleased 'When Protest ants joined in the laying of the cornerstone of the hospital. Smiles covered his face when he saw that the people of the community were with him and he was proud, of the fact. He finally saw the hospital a reality and found joy in its work of relief. Established Orphans' Home, Be then took up the matter of establishing an orphans' home, and before he laid down on his last h-oti ha caw this institution in operation, almost out of debt, sheltering many helpless children. In the meantime he worked hard for the church and the community. Be attended public meetings, he responded to calls on all matters, church and state, he advised with the people, he admonished and demonstrated. Be- visited the elums and prisons that he might do good and no one was so low as not to receive attention when calling upon him for advice and charity. The night was never toe cold to answer a summons and the rain never fell too hard for him to respond to a call to serve his fellow man. In time of strike ^XKL peace he was ever ready to consult with the laboringsmanl He was always ready to call on the manufacturers in be half of the laboring man and vice-versa. Rev, Father O'Reilly kas three brothers living in Taunton, Mass, Philip, Ed ward and John QBReilly, while two siste's live in Ireland. He was one of the few men who joined, the Knights of Columbus, the fraternal, religious organisation, in. its early days. He was an ardent s-ember of that organization. He lived a pure and noble life. Everybody who knew him loved : him. Be teas always willing to do that which was for the good of the church and the community. His smiling face was seen on all sides at all times and when he walked down the street it was almost certain that he was on some mission of good. Bishop coming. The Right Rev. Bishop E.P.Allen, of the Mobile diocese, which includes the Birmingham parish, will be in Birmingham tonight. His coming will probably settle the details of the interment of the beloved priest, • The position held, by Rev. Father O'Reilly for the past sixteen years Is one of the most prominent In the entire south. - 2 - erected in 1923, also the new Convent. A new organ was also installed in the church during his pastorate. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Eugene L." Sands was the next and is the present pastor of St. Paul's. As Msgr. Sands is in ill health at present, Father Frances J. Foley is acting as administrator. S$. Paul's the '"downtown parish", of Birmingham, is one of the largest in the Diocese of Mobile with more than 4000 parishioners attend ing church. lX-3~3i
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* '1 130 S~o a THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS I *
J Continued from. Page 1 ing from the canopy are large, cles, \ and a plaque displaying shields, concealing indirect tke-Apostles' Creed. Highly pol lights which shine on the ished bronze shell ornaments,, main altar. the-: "Boly Ghost insignia, and To the left of the sanctuary an Iethaus, symbol of the early Is a new throne of the Arch- \ l Christians, adorn the chrome bishop, built of the predomi- ; grilii'surrounding the fount. nent blond walnut wood. Also new is a pulpit on the epistles' t New pews side of the sanctuary, the priedieu, and the sedalia in A \ RESPLENDENT interior the chancel. greets the more than 4000 par ishioners served by St. Paul's. THE GREEN AND GOLD Newj walnut pews seating more freize of the dome and sanc than] 800 worshipers comple tuary walls is completely re ment the beige tones of all in stored. New green velvet terior woodwork.- ... '" cushions have been placed in • The historic Gothic dignity front of the altar railing, and of tjhe church is retained in gold velvet . draperies have Gothic ^anterns hanging over been ordered for the confes-. the jside aisles and the tall Co sionals. In "front of the main rinthian columns in refinished altar is• a colorful new » Ori marble which rise among the ental rug, and another smaller ; pews separating the nave from the 'aisles on each side. rug is just inside the altar Modern recessed lighting has railing. .been installed in the ceiling A resplendent feature of the over the nave, adding to the new sanctuary is a large gol [worshipful atmosphere. den tabernacle on the central Prayer stations at each of the part of the altar. The taber 14 Stained glass windows have nacle opens for exposition of "been completely refinished.. the Holy Eucharist. A . bril The plaster relief figures de liant new gold crucifix also picting the passions' and death. stands on the main altar, of Christ are now finished in' flanked on each side by three gold, stationed before a moroc- large golden candleholders. can red background. One decidecUy new note Is Unchanged is the large rose found amid all this Gothic window above the curving tradition., The altar is wired line4 of* organ pipes in the for both radio and television, choir loft. 'Below it candles' as well as the church's own burn before a statue of St. public address system. c l2i ^7 ^ANCEt OF ST. PAUL'S. . . Redecaration added great beauty J - Anthony of Padua holding the Christ Child. ' f WITH A DISTANCE of h more than 80 feet between the ) ^HE WHOLE/sanctuary has floor and ceiling of the vast » been extended forward, allow dome, the Co-Cathedral fea ing the Georgian marble side tures historic Gothic design altars. to be taken out of the throughout. BY BARBARA WILLIAMSON spires reaching skyward at the r sanctuary proper, while the Built traditionally, in the j. News staff writer date, with redecorating done estibule through the las sly e. corner of 3rd-av and 22nd-st is only once before this time; lew mahogany doors liey are maHn altar has [been refinished form of a cross,-St. Paul's Co- .A brand - new St. Paul's known today a$ St. Paul's Co- atmos- throughout. A mew reredos of Cathedral retains a majestic Church was dedicated Thanks- Cathedral. , greeted instantly by a Italian red marble has been watch over downtown Bir Swing ^morning of 1893. Last Same exterior ?here of worship, enh'anced by installed before a completely mingham, offering a haven to V Refurbishing the church last iimmed' lights and an lover-ali Thanksgiving, 63 years later, year cost approximately $125,- I THE SAME EXTERIOR still •rffect of softness. New beige nek ..backdrop of yellow and busy urbanites who stop by that same building with an en 000 while the original building greets parishioners' when they and* brown asphalt ti|e floor white Italian ;marble on which between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for tirely new decor, was remod was erected at a cost of less come for one of the seven (covering has been installed is mounted the central spire devotions each day. eled for its Birmingham par than $65,000, according to Msgr. masses held each day by Msgr. through the church, fiofri vesti jroflthe old aljtar. In the alcove ishioners' at almost twice the Francis J. McCormack, present McCormack and his assistants. bule to altar. mder the spire stands the re*..- cost of its construction. pastor of St. Paul's. No major changes were made finished statue of Saint Paul, in the exterior of the building The vestibule houses! a com patron saint of the church. A* CL .. Designated by the Most Rev. The St. Paul parish was M,n Archbishop T, J. Toolen as but stonework was cleaned, pletely new baptistry, land in Suspended from the dome *neers_ Com established p. 1872, with the side the bap istry grill ijs a new * the cathedral church of Bir woodwork refinished and all over the main altar is a huge mU\nr Tvna present building erected 18 windows were repaired and re- baptismal fount, built-in cabi neiy canopy bearing the coat 9U ar • /Pe mingham," the Gothic- design years later. Nothing structural : Fitt stone structure with its twin leaded. nets for storing baptisnkal arti* of arms bf the Most Rev. has been changed since that When worshipers enter the Turn to P 6 ~2 9- 7^. CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 24th 3:00 P.M. Bishop Vath, together with the bishops of the region, and the Deans of the Diocese, will be celebrants of a concelebrated Mass. A reception will follow with entertain ment provided by children from the parochial schools. 6:00 P.M. The Bishops will be the guests of Bishop Vath at a dinner at the Parliament House. September 25th 7:30 P.M. A concelebrated Mass will take place for the living and deceased members of St. Paul's Parish during the past 100 years. Concelebrants will be former pastors and assistants of St. Paul's. A reception will follow. September 28th 7:30 P.M. A Speak Up session will take place as part of the Diocesan program for spiritual renewal. The program will involve representatives of the clergy, religious and laity of the Central Birmingham Deanery. September 29th 3:00 P.M. A liturgy for the youth of St. Paul's Parish will be held. This liturgy will be for grade and high school youths of the parish, both those attending parochial and public schools. Bishop Vath and Monsignor William Houck will be concelebrants of this Mass. October 1st 3:00 — Today marks the closing of the Centennial celebration. There will be an open house 5:00 P.M. from 3 until 5 p.m. at the Cathedral, convent, rectory and school. The winners of the parochial schools poster and banner contest will be announced. ttk HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI LETTER FROM THE APOSTOLIC DELEGATE TO BISHOP JOSEPH G. VATH June 27, 1972 Your Excellency: On the joyous occasion of the Centennial Anniversary of Saint Paul's Parish in Birmingham, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that our Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, has graciously bestowed his paternal Apostolic Benediction upon the priests and people of the parish and all who join in observing this happy event. Much has been accomplished for the honor and glory of God during this past century; for this reason, there is cause for joy and deep gratitude in the hearts of all who have in any way been associated with Saint Paul's Parish. In the years to come, may Our Lord ever continue to draw the priests and people of the parish closer to Himself, the Way, the Truth and the Life. To this Blessing of the Holy Father, I wish to add my personal congratulations and prayerful best wishes. With sentiments of esteem, I remain Sincerely yours in Christ, Archbishop of Tarsus Apostolic Delegate His Excellency The Most Reverend Joseph G. Vath, D.D. Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama HIS EXCELLENCY THE MOST REVEREND JOSEPH G. VATH, D.D. BISHOP OF BIRMINGHAM Stnrrsr nf lirmmrjljam in Alabama 2112 11TH AVENUE, SOUTH SUITE 522 BISHOP'S OFFICE TELEPHONE 322-2501 P. O. BOX 2086 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35201 August 30, 1972 Dear Friends in Christ: It is a happy privilege that is ours to celebrate one hundred years in the history of the Church of St. Paul's in Birmingham, Alabama. Many things have happened during this Century that make us very proud to be members of the people of God, moving forward as we have done in this Century of progress in St. Paul's Parish. There have been many moments, too, of distress and difficulty and trial that we recall at this time. Yet we are filled with joy today as we realize God's providence that protected us and brought us to this moment. However, as we look to the future, we can only look with bright hope, realizing that in this decade the Church has indeed moved forward tremendously With Vatican Council II. If we can be true to the spirit of renewal that was asked for by the Church, then the next one hundred years at St. Paul's Parish will be Indeed a diadem in the crown that God will give to those who serve Him faithfully and well. Let us hope that the bright future of renewal in our Church will bring the joy, the happiness as well as the spiritual blessings of God. May God continue to bless St Paul's Parish as we enter our second century of existence. Joyfully, with a blessing, I remain Faithfully yours in the Lord. YTo^phG. Vath, D.D. JGV:ar Most Reverend Joseph G. Vath, D.D. Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama HIS EXCELLENCY MOST REVEREND THOMAS J. TOOLEN, D.D. FORMER ARCHBISHOP OF MOBILE-BIRMINGHAM LETTER FROM GOVERNOR GEORGE C. WALLACE TO BISHOP JOSEPH G. VATH June 14, 1972 Most Reverend Joseph G. Vath, D.D. Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama Bishop's Office P. 0. Box 2086 Birmingham, Alabama 35201 Dear Bishop Vath: Please allow me this opportunity to express my personal greetings and my congratulations to the priests and people of Saint Paul's Parish upon this great milestone in your history. Your priests and people are certainly to be commended for their dedication and their continued faithfulness to the Church throughout these many years. Your efforts have meant much to the strength of your community and to the people of your area. We pray that your endeavors will continue to meet with success. With kindest personal regards, I am Sincerely, George C. Wallace Governor LETTER FROM MAYOR GEORGE G. SEIBELS, JR. TO BISHOP JOSEPH G. VATH June 9, 1972 The Most Reverend Joseph G. Vath, D.D. Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama Diocese of Birmingham P.O. Box 2086 Birmingham, Alabama 35201 My dear Reverend Vath: GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, THE PRIESTS AND PEOPLE OF ST. PAUL'S PARISH upon the celebration of your first one hundred years of existence in Birmingham on September 24, 1972. This date marks an historic mi lestone... not only in the history of your Church ... but in the history of Birmingham, which is also celebrating it's first one hundred years as a City. The history of St. Paul's Parish, Roman Catholic Church, has been synonymous with the history, growth and progress of our City. Civic minded members and dedicated priests and people of St. Paul's Parish have been most faithful to the Church and the community throughout the years and have made significant contributions to our City in many important ways. Assuring you, your people and the priests of St. Paul's Parish of my profound sentiments of esteem and every good wish for the future, I remain, with warm regards and gratitude. Faithfully yours, George G. Seibels, Jr. Mayor SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA The first Roman Catholic Church in Jefferson County, Alabama, was erected in the newly Incorporated (Dec. 19, 1871) City of Birmingham. The 30 by 60 ft. wooden frame building was started in April, 1872 and completed for use in June. The 50 by 140 ft. lot on the corner of Third Avenue and Twenty-second Street, North, was do nated to the Church by the Elyton Land Company, developers of the City. Erected as a temporary church the build ing was located on the rear of the lot facing Twenty-second Street; the altar was made of undressed lumber covered with white muslin and had a background of cedar panelling. The pews were added later. Saint Paul's Parish began as a Mission from Saint John's Church, Tuscaloosa when Bishop John Quinlan, Bishop of Mobile, in response to petition of the Catholics of the area, appointed Rev. William J. McDonough, pastor of St. John's to establish a Mission in Birmingham. The Catholic families had followed the construction of the Alabama and Chattanooga, and the South and North Railroads; others came to operate businesses in the new city. Father McDonough arrived in Birmingham on Saturday, October 17, 1871. He celebrated the first Mass known to have been held in Jefferson County, on Sunday, October 18, 1871, in the two-room log home of Michael Cahalan, located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Twenty-first Street, North. Present were thirty-one members of seven pioneer families: the Frank P. O'Brien, James Fogarty, Matthew T. Smith, Patrick McAnally,James O'Connor, Thomas Durkin and the Cahalan families. Thereafter Father McDonough or his assistant came monthly to administer to the people of the area. The Church was formally dedicated in honor of Saint Paul the Apostle in September, 1872. (The September 11 issue, Tuscaloosa Times stated that the Catholic Church in Birmingham was to be dedicated and announced the roundtrip fare on the Alabama and Chattanooga Railroad to be $3.00. September 15, 1872 - the following Sun day is presumed to be the date of dedication, no actual date has been recorded at St. John's or St. Paul's or found any other place as to date.) Very Rev. Anthony Pellicier, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mobile, representing Bishop Quinlan, dedicated the church; Rev. Dominic Manucy, pastor of St. Peter's Church, Montgomery, (later third Bishop of the Diocese of Mobile) preached the sermon. In January, 1872 the population of Birmingham was reported to be 800. Father McDonough mentioned the Catholic population as 100 persons. Michael Francis Cahalan, son of -Michael and Catherine (Kenny) Cahalan, born Dec. 6, 1872, was the first child baptized in the Church (Dec. 22nd). For eight years the mission was served by Priests from Tuscaloosa or Selma. Baptismal records can be found in both places; parishioners baptized their infants in many instances and had their names recorded when a Priest returned. Matthew Smith led the congregation in prayer services when no Priest was available. Sunday School for children was held regularly. Tuscaloosa records include Baptisms of of Margaret and Thomas Friel, December 24, 1871; later their mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Friel, a convert; infants: Gertrude Clements and Michael Marieiter were baptized on June 23, 1872. Major A. Maree, of Wetumpka, Ala., who purchased the first city lot sold by the Elyton Land Co., June 1, 1871, in Birmingham, and his wife, Mary were parishioners of St. Paul's. They were called the "first settlers." Major Marree served as an Alderman on the first city government council of Birmingham. As the City grew, so did St. Paul's Parish. The Bishop saw the necessity for expansion and purchased prop erty on 22nd Street between third and fourth avenue from the Elyton Land Co. for the purpose of maintaining a Roman Catholic Church, rectory and school in the City of Birmingham. St. Paul's parishioners rejoiced in the appointment of their first resident pastor, Rev. John J. Browne, who took charge on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1880. Fr. Browne had a two-story five room rectory constructed on the new church property, facing Third Avenue. In May he had the little frame church moved on rollers, pulled by mules, onto the property beside the rectory. The church was enlarged with an addition on the front, renovated and re-decorated. Later - on July 31, 1881, the build ing was re-dedicated. With the permission of the Bishop, Father Browne secured the services of the Sisters of Loretto, Louisville, Ky. They opened the school in September of 1880, which was known then as Holy Angels Academy and Convent. In 1881 St. Catherine of Sienna Church was erected in Pratt City, the second Catholic Church to be erected in Jefferson County - thus St. Paul's became the mother-church of the Birmingham District. Rev. John F. Roche was appointed by the Bishop to assist Father Browne at St. Paul's parish and missions in 1882 - the first assistant. Fathers Jas. P. McCafferty and Michael F. Filan served briefly as assistants at St. Paul's and in 1885, Father Patrick A. O'Reilly was appointed as assistant pastor. The Sisters of Loretto withdrew from the parish in Aug. of 1884. It was at that time that Father Browne secured the services of the Sisters of St. Walburga's Convent, Covington, Ky. The school opened in September 1886 with an attendance of 200 pupils. Father Browne resigned as pastor in 1886, due to ill health. Rev. Jas. P. McCafferty then was in charge of the parish, until July 1888 when Rev. P.A. O'Reilly was appointed pastor of St. Paul's. As more industry moved into the area, a real estate boom occurred in 1886 that brought in many residents. St. Paul's parish also grew to number almost 1,000 parishioners. A mission was established in Bessemer -St. Aloysius, and one on the Southside of the city, known as Our Lady of Sorrows. Fr. O'Reilly then began making plans for a larger church and rectory. The building permit was issued Oct. 1, 1888. The Solemn ceremonies of laying the cornerstone took place on June 11, 1890. Progress on theChurch was delayed due to violent labor strikes which plagued the area. Father O'Reilly became noted far and near for his tactful leadership as counsellor and mediator in both city affairs and in labor disorders. The imposing Gothic edifice was dedicated by Bishop O'Sullivan on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1893. The first ordination of a Catholic priest in North Alabama took place in the little wooden St. Paul's Church on July 19, 1892, when a young deacon of Saint Bernard Abbey, Cullman, received the Sacrament of Holy Orders and became Father Bernard Menges, O.S.B. Fr. O'Reilly in 1896 secured the services of The Daughters of Charity of Emmitsburg, Md. to operate a hos pital. The Daughters of Charity Hospital Association was formed in 1898. The new large hospital was completed and formally opened on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 29, 1900. Begun with $4,000 in donations and pledges, the In stitution has progressed into a $12 million hospital plant on top of Mt. Saint Vincent, under the direction of Sister Mary Bourke and her predecessors. The new plant was dedicated on May 27, 1972 by Bishop Jos. G. Vath and an Interfaith group of Ministers. Fr. O'Reilly's next project was the establishment of the East Lake Orphan's Home. He purchased the pro perty on 82nd Street and Fourth Ave. So. in East Lake for about $12,000. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul came to operate the orphanage in 1903; Thousands of children in need of care were cared for through 68 years. Sister Mary Barbara, D.C. was sister-servant when the Institution was phased out in 1971, due to decrease in the number of orphans and modern methods for placing children in foster homes. Father O'Reilly, as chaplain to the Alabama National Guard, while attending a review of the troops by Gov. Cunningham at Camp Jelks, Birmingham was thrown from his horse and injured. He died a few days later-on July 28, 1904. Internment took place on the front lawn of St. Vincent's Hospital by request of the people of Birm ingham. Three years later, on July 28, 1907, a monument, a heroic-size figure of Fr. O'Reilly, dressed in his cassock, mounted on a six-foot base, was unveiled over his grave. Fr. Jas. E. Coyle was appointed pastor of St. Paul's Parish in September 1904, to succeed Fr. O'Reilly. Fr. Coyle, 31 years of age, and in his eighth year of priesthood, was a zealous and capable man. In November 1904, work on the foundation for the new main altar was begun. The Birmingham Age-Herald, Mar. 26, 1905, described the new altar as "the handsomest altar in the South," made of Italian white marble. St. Paul's parish was not without problems - people came and went - many did not contribute to the support of the parish actively or financially. In April 1907 Father Coyle announced that 1200 contributed $6,000 per year; there was a large debt outstanding on the church; the income from pew rent and collections sometimes did not even meet the current expenses. But as the years passed by, the parish grew larger and progressed. In 1916 there were 4,000 parishioners listed. The parish that started with seven families in 1872 has 640 families listed in 1972. At the Diocesan Synod in Mobile in June 1913, St. Paul's Church was elevated to the status of a permanent parish with irremovable pastor. On Aug. 11, 1921, Father Coyle, while sitting on his front porch reading his bre- viary, was shot and killed by a man whom the courts ruled "not guilty by reason of insantity." Rev. William A. Kerrigan, assistant at St. Paul's in 1902, returned as pastor in January 1922. He immediately began the fulfillment of plans made by Father Coyle that had been held back by adverse circumstances-the church debt, then World War One. Fr. Kerrigan built the new rectory, school and convent. One of the greatest improvements was the installation of a three-manual Moller Pipe Organ which replaced the old Packer Reed organ. Mrs. Colgan was organist for 59 years - until her death in 1947. She was succeeded by Mrs. Hester Wulffaert. Dr. Patrick Moultis is the present director of Sacred Music. Fr. Kerrigan retired in 1935, and returned to his native Rhode Island. He returned to Birmingham in 1942 as chaplain at the Orphanage. Monsignor died on Jan. 20, 1957 and was buried from St. Paul's Church. Upon the death of Bishop Edw. P. Allen in 1926, Bishop Thomas J. Toolen was consecrated as sixth Bishop of Mobile on May 4, 1927. He arrived in his See City on May 18th, 1927. Upon the retirement of Monsignor Kerrigan, Rev. Timothy J. Pathe, his assistant for the past six years, was appointed temporary administrator. Others to serve as Assistant under Monsignor Kerrigan were Rev. Leo Byrnes, and Rev. Herman C. Cazalas. Rev. Eugene L. Sands had the distinction of being the first native Alabama priest to serve as pastor of St. Paul's Parish, when he was appointed by Bishop Toolen on March 1, 1936. Monsignor Sands was well-known throughout the State for his participation in interfaith organizations, patriotic, religious and cultural activities. After a long illness, he died on Nov. 11, 1949. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Foley served as administrator of St. Paul's during Msgr. Sand's long illness. John Carroll, K.S.G., a prominent business man headed a committee to campaign for funds to build a central high school in Birmingham. For many years he gave his time, efforts and financial backing to the church. Mr. Carroll died in 1943, and the new central high school was named 'John Carroll High School' in his honor. His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York, came to Birmingham in the interest of Catholic Education in December 1946, to attend the first annual Toy Bowl Classic. Following the opening of John Carroll High School in Sept. 1947, St. Paul's High School was phased out. St. Paul's 30-voice boys' choir was under the direction of Rev. Jules Keathing. Rev. Theodore Flynn and Rev. Francis J. Wade were assistants at St. Paul's. Msgr. Foley was named pastor of St. Paul's Parish by Bishop Toolen in 1951. He was honored by Pope Pius XII with the rank of Domestic Prelate and the title Right Reverend Monsignor in September, 1951. Msgr. Foley introduced the Diocesan Burse Club for the education and support of seminarians, in the Diocese of Mobile. Approved by Bishop Toolen the plans as suggested by Monsignor have been carried out by members of of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women headed by Mrs. A.S. Lucas, Sr., and Mrs. W.L. Thornton, Sr. Mrs. Lucas has retained the chairmanship throughout the past 19 years. The first meeting of the Birmingham Deanery Council BurseClub was postponed-because on this day, the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 1953, Monsignor Foley died suddenly while enroute from Montgomery to Birmingham. Rev. Frederick O.Hughes, became adminis trator of St. Paul's. On June 18, 1953, Rt. Rev. Francis J. McCormack, P.A. accepted the pastorship of St. Paul's Parish. Msgr. McCormack had served on St. Paul's Missions following his ordination in June, 1923, and became assistant in 1924 for a year before going to McGill as rector of that Institute in 1925. On July 9,1954, the Diocese of Mobile was re-designated as the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham, and in October, that year, Saint Paul's Church was elevated to the rank of Co-Cathedral. The West Florida portion of the Diocese became incorporated into the St. Augustine Diocese. Bishop Toolen was invested with the personal title of Arch bishop, 'Archbishop a Personam' an honor bestowed by the Holy See, in St. Paul's Church, October 21, 1954, and ceremonies held in the Cathedral, Mobile, on October 28th. The first Consecration of a Bishop took place in St. Paul's on March 24, 1955, when the Rt. Rev. JosephA. Durick became Auxiliary to Archbishop Toolen. Archbishop Toolen officiated, assisted by Bishop J.P. Hurley of St. Augustine, Fla.,and Bishop Richard O. Gerow of Natchez, Miss. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen of New York, preached the sermon. Bishop Durick was the first to serve as an auxiliary bishop in the diocese; he was the second di ocesan priest to serve as a Bishop of the diocese. (Bishop Manucy was the first). Bishop Durick, born in Ten nessee, was reared in Bessemer since infancy, a son of Stephen and Bridget (Gallagher) Durick. Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, presided at the consecration ceremonies. Bishop Durick was the first American Bishop who was of Slovak origin. His father came from Austro-Hungary to Bessemer in 1888. Bishop Durick was appointed as Coadjutor of Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 11, 1963, and installed on March 3, 1964, as administrator of the diocese. On Sept. 10, 1969, he succeeded Bishop William L. Adrian as Ordinary of the Diocese. Monsignor McCormack began an extensive renovating program at St. Paul's Church in 1955; remodeling the sanctuary, rebuilding the high altar to include rose marble with the white of the former altar, raising the tower over the center of the altar, in which the statue of St. Paul was placed: recessing the stations; installing new pews; air-conditioning the building; redecorating the entire interior; steam cleaning the outside brick and making other repairs; St. Paul's School and convent were repaired also, and redecorated, for a cost of $204,000. The .year 1960 was highlighted with celebrations in alldeaneries of the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham honoring Archbishop Toolen who observed his golden sacerdotal jubilee. Mayor James Morgan of Birmingham proclaimed Nov. 14, 1960 as "Archbishop Toolen Day" in the Magic City. Rt. Rev. Francis J. McCormack, P.A., pastor of St. Paul's and Dean of the North Alabama Deanery, was host. The Archbishop celebrated an evening Pontifical Mass, prior to which he invested four new Monsignori of the City: Rt. Rev. George W. Keyes, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church; Rt. Rev. Edwin J. Bobe, pastor of Saint Anthony's, Ens ley; Rt. Rev. Herman C. Cazalas, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Homewood, and Very Rev. William R. Houck, principal of John Carrol) High School. Speakers at the banquet that evening included Abbot Bede Luibel of St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman, Ala., Msgr. McCormack and the Archbishop. Rt. Rev. Francis J. Wade, editor of The Catholic Week, was toastmaster. John McKenna, Alabama State Deputy, Knights of Columbus pre sented a gift to the Archbishop on behalf of that organization. Rt. Rev. John M. Horgan, (current pastor of St. Paul's Parish) was invested by Archbishop when he cele brated his jubilee in Huntsville, Sunday, November 20, along with Rt. Rev. John A. McGonegle, pastor of Visitation Parish, there. Msgr. Horgan was then pastor of St. Ann's Parish, Decatur. During this jubilee year of the Archbishop, St. Paul ladies participated in raising and presenting $50,000 for the Diocesan Burse Fund (presented during the annual NCCW Convention that Fall in Mobile). The Diocesan Holy Name Society presented $22,090.10 towards erection of chapels and churches. Eighteen men and eighteen women were recipients of Papal Medals, conferred by Archbishop Toolen. Two men were raised to rank of Commanders, Knights of St. Gregory the Great: Joseph H. Brady (whose family were pioneers of St. Paul's Parish) and Edward J. Orth. Others receiving the KSG Medal included Frank J. Beuerlein, Robert W. Block, Jr., Joseph Bruno, Frank Contri.H.M. Fogarty, E.F. Glennon, F.J. LeBlanc, Edwin S. Loring, Alfred S. Lucas, Jr., Louis B. Mackin, Robert J. Oliver, Steven F. Slovensky, Dr. William J. Stephens, William J. Sullivan, Jr., Charles Troncale, Harold F. Wood, from Huntsville: W.F. Davoren, S.A. Greenwood, J.H. Northrup, Hugh B. Vallely, F.M. Grace, Ralph Pear- sail; from Florence: Thomas W.McGough, A.J. Locker, Louis A. Eckl; Frank S. Dirago, Tuscumbia and Jack Burke of Gadsden. Other men who have received the Papal medal prior to and after the Archbishop's golden jubilee in clude John Carroll, pioneer of St. Paul's Parish since 1909; Dr. A.L. Stabler; Clarence F. Boggan, whose grand father helped to build the present St. Paul's Church, Ed S. Cusick, W.L. Thornton, Sr., George S. Plaisance, William G. Kidd, Joseph C. Sudduth, R.B. Kime, George Dolan, Vernon G. Gentle, Doug Wi I ley, Sam G. Baldone; receiving the Benerementi Medal: Clarence Evans, J.B. Johnson, Harry C. Reich. Laywomen honored were Mrs. Harry E. Flemming, Mrs. Richard King, Mrs. John McGeever, Mrs. George Plaisance, all of St. Paul's; others of the city: Mrs. C.R. Covington, Mrs. Thomas Gilmore, Mrs. R.J.W. Hobbs, Mrs. W.O. Lasseter, Mrs. Patrick J. Lovett, Mrs. Ed J. Orth, Mrs. D.C. Shi Ilingburg, Mrs. V.A. Scalco. Previously honored were Mrs. W.I. Grubb, Mrs. John A. Carroll and Mrs. A.S. Lucas, Sr, in 1939; Mrs. John (Mamie) Carney, Mrs. O.W. Colgan, in 1944; Mrs. Terence Mackin, Mrs. A. Noser, Mrs. John Gahan, Mrs. W.L. Thornton, Sr., Mrs. J.L.Wright, Sr., Mrs. Ed Wilkinson Jr., Miss Nancy McCann, Mrs. V.G. Gentle, Mrs. John Outlaw, Mrs. W.T. White, Mrs. E.S. Loring, Mrs. Robert J. Oliver, Mrs. Joseph P. Wier, Mrs. O. Massa, in 1952; Mrs. Frank Beuerlein, Mrs. Russell James, Mrs. Anthony McDevitt, Mrs. Lillian Rucker, Mrs. Hayden Myer, Mrs. Sophia Zeigler, Mrs. W.S. Schneider, Miss Mickey Ross, Mrs. W.S. Tarver, Mrs. M.K. Rainer, Mrs. B. Jones, Mrs. Augustine Brinskelle, 1967. Rt. Rev. Joseph G. Vath, J.C.L., Officialis of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and pastor of Saint Rita Church there, was appointed by Pope Paul, VI, as Auxiliary to Archbishop Toolen, March 9, 1966. He was Consecrated on May 26, in the Basilica of St. Louis, New Orleans, where he had been ordained on June 7, 1941. Archbishop Edigio Vagnozzi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States was Chief Consecrator, assisted by Bishop L.A. Caillouet, New Orleans, Bishop Charles P. Greco, Alexandria, La., Archbishop Philip Hannan of New Orleans, preached the sermon. Concelebrant Bishops of the Mass were Archbishop Toolen and Bishop Harold V. Perry, SVD, of New Orleans, Very Rev. Anthony McDevitt and Rev. Oscar H. Lipscomb, both of Mobile, and Rev. John Fox of Birmingham. Bishop Vath arrived in Mobile to assume his duties on May 30 as a Diocesan Consultant, Vicar General, and pastor of Little Flower Church, Mobile; a Pontificial Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile, began the day-long official welcome to Bishop Vath. Monsignor McCormack, seventh pastor of St. Paul's was named Pastor Emeritus on Nov. 16, 1967, due to a prolongued illness surgery in 1962. He was succeeded as pastor of the Co-Cathedral Parish and Dean of North Alabama by Rt. Rev. George W. Keyes. In December, 1968, another great ceremony was held in St. Paul's Church when Rt. Rev. Joseph M. Raya, Grand Archimandrite of Jerusalem, and pastor of St. George Church for the past sixteen years, in Birmingham, was elevated to the rank of Archbishop of Acre, Haifa and Gallilee, and returned to work in his native Middle East. Archbishop Raya was consecrated by Patriarch Maximos Hakin, assisted by Bishop Stephen Kocisko of Pittsburgh; Archbishop Paul Acnkar of Syria; Bishop Joseph Durick of Nashville; Archbishop Toolen presided; Msgr. George Keyes was sponsor for the new archhishop; Rt. Rev. Herman C. Cazalas preached the sermon. Archbishop Raya celebrated his silver sacerdotal jubilee on Sept. 11, 1966 at St.George's Church. Upon his installation Archbishop Raya became head of Isreal's largest Christian community; he resides in AKKA. (Melkite Rite Catholic Church). In March, 1968, Bishop Vath invested 326 'Knights of the altar' at St. Paul's; Rev. Martin Muller, director of Radio and Television media, Diocese of Birmingham, preached the sermon. Five hundred boys attended the services sponsored by the Serra Club, Francis J. LeBlanc, president; Robert Vance, vocations chairman. During the annual Birmingham Festival of Arts Celebration, Italy was honored. Pope Paul Vl's Tiara and Pope John's Stole were placed on display in St. Paul's Church. Msgr. W.F. McDonough of the Immaculate Conception Shrine, Washington, D.C, brought the sacred objects to Birmingham; Msgr. Francis J. Wade was festival religious chairman; Joseph Bruno, chairman and Mrs. Louis Davis assistant. Archbishop Luigi Raimondi of Washington, D.C, Bishop Durick, Bishop Vath, Msgr. Edwin Bobe and Msgr. Herman C. Cazalas were co-concelebrants at the Mass which was attended by the Italian Ambassador, city officials, festival officials and other noted guests. St. Paul's School was re-organized into an inter-parochial school; St. Clement's School merged into the schedule; St. Joseph's School also was made into an inter-parochial School, including St. Anthony's and St. Catherine's students. Saint Paul's Church was elevated to the full status of Cathedral on Dec. 9, 1969, when Archbishop Luigi Raimondi and Bishop Vath and witnesses signed formal documents in Saint Paul's Rectory, creating the new 'Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.' The Apostolic Constitution establishing the new diocese, and documents appointing Bishop Joseph G. Vath as Ordinary, and elevating the Church to rank of Cathedral were read in the Cathedral at 4 P.M., by Msgr. Oscar Lipscomb, chancellor of Mobile, and Rev. Michael J. White, chancellor pro tern, Diocese of Birmingham. Promise of Fealty to Bishop Vath was made by Msgr. George W. Keyes, Dean of Birmingham, and Msgr. John A. McGonegle, Dean of Huntsville; two teenagers from John Carroll High School; two children from St. Thomas Home-on-the-Hill; Mrs. Patrick J. Lovett, president, Birmingham Deanery Council of Catholic Women, and Mr. Fred Henning, president of the Holy Name of Jesus Society Union, Birmingham. Concelebrants of the Mass were Archbishop Raimondi, Archbishop Hannan, Bishop John L. May, bishop-elect of Mobile, Bishop Vath, Msgr. David Sullivan, president of the Diocesan Priests' Senate, Mobile, Msgr. Joseph McArdle, Dean of Central Alabama, Montgomery, Rev. Joseph Konen, CM, Auburn, Rev. Laurence O'Neill, SJ, Mobile, Rev. Gordon Milsted, Montgomery and Rev. John Walton. Archbishop Toolen, who had met the procession of clergy at the Cathedral door, presided. His chaplains were Msgr. Oscar Lipscomb and Rev. Joseph C. Allen, vicar general pro tern, Diocese of Birmingham. Archbishop Raimondi's chaplains were Rev. Malcolm Riera and Rev. John Fox. Masters of ceremonies were Msgr. William R. Houck and Fathers Desmond Regan Frank Muscolino and Joseph Monti; Kirkwood Balton was Lector; Frank Savage, hymn leader; Joseph Schilleci, head usher; Dr. Patrick Moultis in charge of the music; Rev. Martin Muller and Hugh O'Brien were commentators over Television Stations WBRC and WAPI. News of the retirement of Archbishop Toolen was publicized on October 8th. A letter from the Holy See in Rome, dated Sept. 3, 1969, named him Titular Archbishop of Glastonbury and Apostolic Administrator of Mobile (which office he held until the installation of Bishop John L. May, Dec. 10th.). Archbishop Toolen had sub mitted his letter of retirement to Pope Paul VI on April 13. Bishop May was the former Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, III and president of the Catholic Church Extension Society, and pastor of Christ The King Parish. The beautiful Gothic Cathedral was now indeed the 'mother church' of North Alabama Catholics. As Shep herd of the Diocese of Birmingham, Bishop Vath became spiritual leader of 39,828 Catholics among a population of 2,134,396 in 39 Counties of North Alabama - 28,091 square miles. At this time there were 52 parishes; 25 mis sion parishes; 60 diocesan priests; 95 priests of religious orders and 37 seminarians studying for the priesthood. Two High Schools with 1,163 students enrolled; 27 elementary schools with 6,110 pupils enrolled. Monsignor George W. Keyes, pastor of the Cathedral since Nov. 16, 1967, died suddenly on March 2, 1971, a native of County Kerry, Ireland, he had worked in the diocese since his ordination in Rome, Dec. 22, 1928. He was an ardent promoter of the Holy Name of Jesus Society, the Legion of Mary, the Knights of Columbus and the Deanery Council of Catholic Women. He was survived by a brother, Richard Keyes, Astoria, L.I. New York and a nephew, Father Marcus Keyes of Peru, South America. Rev. Raymond W. Keiser, son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Keiser, Birmingham, was first to be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Vath, first Bishop of Birmingham (January 31, 1970), in Saint Paul's since its elevation to rank of Cathedral. Father Keiser is presently serving as assistant at St. Paul's. St. Paul's was the scene of a beautiful ceremony on May 17, 1970, when 309 adults of the Diocese of Birm ingham were Confirmed by Bishop Vath. Rev. Monsignor John Milne Horgan is the ninth resident pastor of Saint Paul's Parish, he assumed his duties here on April 2,1971, after serving as pastor of St. Ann's Parish, Decatur for the past sixteen and one/half years. A native of County Mayo, he was educated in Ireland and was ordained in the Cathedral at Thurles on June 14, 1941, by Bishop Richard Kinnane. Father Horgan's first assignment was assistant at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Birmingham-the first assistant to serve in that parish, March 23, 1942 to October 8, 1944, when he was appointed as pastor to care for the Catholic Missions of the 'Bible Belt' of Alabama, a vast area of more than 3,000 miles square, without a Catholic Church. He immediately began a building program that culminated in the erection of St. Robert's, Atmore, his 'home church'; St. Maurice Church, Brewton; St. Francis Church, Flomation and St. Agatha Church, Bay Minette. After serving in the south-central part of the state for ten years, Father Horgan became pastor of St. Ann's Parish and Mission at Athens, in the northernmost part of the state, Oct. 8, 1954. While here he added a new grade school at St. Ann's, and erected a Church in honor of St. Paul the Apostle in Athens. On July 15, 1960 Pope Pius XII honored him as a Domestic Prelate with the title of Rt. Rev. Monsignor, conferred by Bishop Toolen, Nov. 20th. When the two existing deaneries Birmingham and Huntsville were divided into seven deaneries by Bishop Vath, Monsignor Horgan was elected Dean of the Northwest Deanery of Alabama. Monsignor is currently serving as Dean of the central Birmingham Deanery. He is conducting a survey of St. Paul's Parish to compile a complete and accurate census of every phase of Catholic activity and of the parishioners. Early this year (1972) Bishop Vath, the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and Monsignor Horgan began a com plete renovation of the 79-year old structure exterior and interior from foundation (in which there were found large crevices) to roof, which had to be replaced including new guttering. Some of the large stone crosses on the steeples had been dislodged into dangerous positions (probably by lightening-which had struck the church three times), sandblast cleaning the old red bricks then waterproofing them. The remodeling of the Sanctuary was in compliance with the directives of Vatican ll's decree on the Liturgy. The marble of the old altars being used as much as pos sible to replace the temporary wooden Altar of Sacrifice and a Blessed Sacrament Altar. A new stained glass window replaces the one blown out by winds of a storm over the main doors and other improvements made on the interior of the building including a new organ by the Saville Organ Co., of Northbrook, III. Monsignor Horgan esti mated the total costs of renovation about $250,000, of which some $100,000 is for necessary repairs. By Mrs. P.J. Lovett, historian Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama 1028 Monte lair Road Birmingham, Ala. 35213 4 JtOsrct vC JfltSfar-ma-, Jnc, %in*?cj/ifl/k-; Failure to i _DREN*S DEPT. 72-90 Blf: AM PUBLIC LIBRARY and punish - 7TH- AVE N S 35203 STARTED IN 1872 2'Ur KW Sat., Sept. 23, 1972 qtftg gfrmtogfram £fa r<\ Church briefs— istoric old St. Paul's 1 * Ground brep ' ceremorr O grew up' with city A community recre?' i BY WALTER BRYANT Sienna Church was erected in Pratt City, the Staff additions ar And a touring - .A News staff writer second Catholic Church to be built in Jefferson St. Paul's Cathedral shared Birmingham's County. Thus St. Paul's became the mother- These and o*' humble beginning. church of the Birmingham District. GROUND*" The first Roman Catholic Church in By 1886 St. Paul's parish grew to almost breaks gro>- Jefferson County was begun in April, 1872 just 1,000 parishioners. Missions were established which ca' L, four months after Birmingham was incor in Bessemer, St. Aloysius, and on the district i porated. In June of that year a 30 by 60 foot Southside, known as Our Lady of Sorrows. presr white frame building on the southeast corner The Rev. P. A. O'Reilly, who was of Third Avenue and 22nd Stt. North was appointed pastor of St. Paul's in 1888, is d- completed. remembered for his tactful leadership and The site, on a 50 by 140 feet lot donated by mediation in labor disputes that hounded the the Elyton Land Co., was across the street growing industrial center. > from its present location. On Thanksgiving Day, 1893 the present St. Paul's began as a mission from St. imposing Gothic edifice was dedicated by John's Church, Tuscaloosa, when Bishop John Bishop O'Sullivan. J*r Quinlan, in response to the petition of "Catholics of the area, appointed the Rev. THE FIRST ORDINATION of a Catholic William J. McDonough pastor of St. John's to priest in North Alabama took place in the little wooden St. Paul's Church on July 19, 1892, {~s establish a mission in Birmingham. Many > Catholic families had followed the construction when a young deacon of St. Bernard Abbey, - of two railroad lines whose crossing in effect Cullman, received the Sacrament of Holy created the village of Birmingham. Orders and became Father Bernard Menges, Pft OSB. FATHER McDONOUGH celebrated the Other projects of Father O'Reilly were the first Mass known to have been held in Jefferson formation of a hospital in 1900, later known as County on Sunday, Oct. 18, 1871 in a two-room St. Vincent's, and the establishment of the log cabin located at the corner of Fourth East Lake Orphan's Home at 82nd St. and Avenue and 21st St. Present were 31 members Fourth Avenue South in 1903. of seven pioneer families. The Rev. Eugene L. Sands had the The church was formally dedicated to its distinction of being the first native Alabama patron, St. Paul the Apostle, in September, priest to serve as pastor of St. Paul's parish, 1872. Birmingham's population was 800 that when he was appointed by Bishop Toolen in year, and Father McDonough mentioned the March, 1936. IMPRESSIVE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL NOW USED BY ST. PAUL'S PARISH Catholic population as 100 persons. His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman, ... Ninety-three-year-old struct ure renovated for second century On Dec. 22, 1872 the first child was archbishop of New York, came to Birmingham baptized in the church. For eight years the in December, 1946 to attend the first annual mission was served by priests from Tusca Toy Bowl Classic. loosa and Selma. Baptismal records for Birmingham families can be found in both ST. PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL was phased cities. out in 1947 when John Carroll High School was opened. Major A. Maree, of Wetumpka, who purchased the first city lot sold by the Elyton On July 9, 1954 the Diocese of Mobile was Land Co. in June, 1871, and his wife, Mary, re-designated as the Diocese of Mobile-Birm were parishioners of St. Paul's. He served as ingham, and in October of that year, St. Paul's an alderman of the first city government Church was elevated to the rank of Co-Cathe council of Birmingham. dral. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen of New York ANOTHER PIONEER member of St. preached the sermon at the first consecration Paul's was Frank P. O'Brien, who survived of a bishop at St. Paul's on March 24, 1955. the 1873 cholera epidemic and became mayor The Rt. Rev. Joseph A. Durick became of TJ'irmingham. Auxiliary to Archbishop ...Taaleru.-. St. Paul's Church was elevated to the full As the city grew, so did St. Paul's Parish. status of Cathedral on Dec. 9, 1969 in events Bishop Quinlan saw the necessitty of expansion creating the new Diocese of Birmingham. and purchased from the Elyton Land Co. the Bishop Joseph Vath was installed at the same present property on 22nd St. between Third time. and Fourth Avenues. The property was to be In 1972 the parish that started with seven used for a new church building, a rectory and families in 1872 had 640 families. The year 1972 school. also saw extensive renovation of the 79-year The Rev. John J. Brown was appointed old structure's exterior and interior. St. Paul's first resident pastor in February, SOME OF THE LARGE stone crosses on 1880. He was responsible for Birmingham's the steeples had been dislodged into dangerous Catholics as well as the outlying missions of positions (probably by lightning which had Oxmoor, Helena, New Castle and Gadsden, struck the church three times). The old red Father Brown had a two-story rectory bricks were sandblastted and waterproofed. A constructed on the newly-acquired property. In major remodeling of the sanctuary was in May he had the small frame church moved on compliance with directives of Vatican IPs rollers, pulled by mules across Third Avenue decree on the Liturgy. A new stained glass beside the rectory where priests lived. window dominated by a figure of St. Paul SMALL FRAME BUILDING SHARED B IRMINGHAM'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS overlooks the sanctuary from the rear of the ... First St. Paul's was across street from present cathedral THROUGHOUT THE booming 1880s the organ gallery. The Saville Organ Co., of church grew. The Sisters of Loretto, Louis Northbrook, 111. designed a new organ. ville, Ky. opened a school in September, 1880 Msgr. Horgan estimated the total costs of which was then known as Holy Angels renovation at about $250,000, of which some Academy and Convent. In 1881 St. Catherine of $100,000 was for necessary repairs. f&J(s/Y^ STARTED IN 1872 Sat., Sept. 23, 1972 ®fr> Imtffltgfrmt *v^3 Church briefs— ric old St. Paul's Ground breaking 'grew up' with city ceremony slated BY WALTER BRYANT A community recreation center is begun. News staff writer Sienna Church was erected in Pratt City the Staff additions are announced by churches. second Catholic Church to be built in Jefferson And a touring choir visits the city. St. Paul's Cathedral shared Birmingham's County. Thus St. Paul's became the mother- humble beginning. These and other events dot this week's calendar. church of the Birmingham District. GROUNDBREAKING: Avondale United Methodist Church The first Roman Catholic Church in By 1886 St. Paul's parish grew to almost breaks ground Sunday for a $210,000 family recreation center Jefferson County was begun in April, 1872 just 1,000 parishioners. Missions were established which can also be used by community groups. Dr. Paul Clem, four months after Birmingham was incor in Bessemer, St. Aloysius, and on the district superintendent, preaches at the 11 a.m. service and porated. In June of that year a 30 by 60 foot Southside, known as Our Lady of Sorrows. white frame building on the southeast corner presides at the groundbreaking services. of Third Avenue and 22nd Stt. North was The Rev. P. A. O'Reilly, who was JOINS STAFF: The Rev. Steve Franklin has assumed completed. appointed pastor of St. Paul's in 1888 is duties as minister of evangelism at Central Park Baptist': remembered for his tactful leadership and The site, on a 50 by 140 feet lot donated by Church. The Birmingham native who was associate pastor of mediation in labor disputes that hounded the the church in the summer of 1971 will supervise the bus . the Elyton Land Co., was across the street growing industrial center. from its present location. ministry and visitation programs. Shortly he will begin special I On Thanksgiving Day, 1893 the present Worship service for younger children. St. Paul's began as a mission from St. imposing Gothic edifice was dedicated by John's Church, Tuscaloosa, when Bishop John Bishop O'Sullivan. ACCEPTS CALL: The Rev. Lloyd Gregory Taylor, former x Quinlan, in response to the petition of vicar of St. Magdalene Church, Margate, Fla., and St. Phillips,- Pompano Beach, Fla., will become the new assistant to the. Catholics of the area, appointed the Rev. THE FIRST ORDINATION of a Catholic rector of All-Saints' Episcopal Church. William J. McDonough pastor of St. John's to priest m North Alabama took place in the little establish a mission in Birmingham. Many wooden St. Paul's Church on July 19, 1892 STUDENTS RECOGNIZED: Hueytown Bible Church will' Catholic families had followed the construction when a young deacon of St. Bernard Abbey' have a special student service at 11 a.m. Sunday. The service of two railroad lines whose crossing in effect Cullman, received the Sacrament of Holy will be broadcast over radion station WYAM. created the village of Birmingham. Orders and became Father Bernard Menges, TOURING CHOIR: A Mobile-based, 16-voice group known, as "Truth" will sing at 7:30 p.m. September 25 in the old : FATHER McDONOUGH celebrated the Other projects of Father O'Reilly were the auditorium of Hunter Street Baptist Church. The college age first Mass known to have been held in Jefferson formation of a hospital in 1900, later known as County on Sunday, Oct. 18, 1871 in a two-room members are traveling for one year and recently sang for a St. Vincent's, and the establishment of the Congressional Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D. C. log cabin located at the corner of Fourth East Lake Orphan's Home at 82nd St and Avenue and 21st St. Present were 31 members Fourth Avenue South in 1903. BAPTIST WORKSHOPS: Three workshops for preschool of seven pioneer families. and children's leaders are scheduled this week by the Alabama The Rev. Eugene L. Sands had the Baptist Sunday School Department. The first is set for Sept 25:r The church was formally dedicated to its distinction of being the first native Alabama patron, St. Paul the Apostle, in September, priest to serve as pastor of St. Paul's parish, at Mobile's Spring Hill Baptist Church. On Sept. 26-27 a sec-" 1872. Birmingham's population was 800 that when he was appointed by Bishop Toolen in ond workshop will be held at Gadsden's First Baptist Church. year, and Father McDonough mentioned the March, 1936. Hosting the third workshop will be Whitesburg Baptist Church Catholic population as 100 persons. IMPRESSIVE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL NOW USED BY ST. PAUL'S PARISH of Huntsville on Sept. 28-29. His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Spellman •.. Ninety-thrpe-year-old struct are renovated for second century On Dec. 22, 1872 the first child was archbishop of New York, came to Birmingham UNITARIANS: Sunday's sermon at the Unitarian Church baptized in the church. For eight years the in December, 1946 to attend the first annual on Cahaba Road will be an introduction to basic Unitarian • mission was served by priests from Tusca Toy Bowl Classic. beliefs for persons interested in finding, out more about-the. loosa and Selma. Baptismal records for faith. Birmingham families can be found in both ST. PAUL'S HIGH SCHOOL was phased cities. out in 1947 when John Carroll High School was ARLINGTON FAIRFIELD HIGHLANDS Major A. Maree, of Wetumpka, who opened. BAPTIST CHURCH BAPTIST CHURCH purchased the first city lot sold by the Elyton On July 9, 1954 the Diocese of Mobile was : ; J 09 Monger Ave., S.W. 910 Ninth St., Midfiel 11 A.M. Land Co. in June, 1871, and his wife, Mary, re-designated as the Diocese of Mobile-Birm SEPTEMBER 24 "God Sustains— were parishioners of St. Paul's. He served as ingham, and in October of that year, St Paul's 11 A.M. WORSHIP Degeneration" 7 P.M. an alderman of the first city government Church was elevated to the rank of Co-Cathe 6 PM. BIBLE STUD* dral. "God Redeems— council of Birmingham. T PM. fELlOWSHIP Regeneration" Sunacry school Bishop Fulton J. Sheen of New York .Wkfta|«&nice'&SuH>er6R.M. 9:45 Christian ANOTHER PIONEER member of St. preached the sermon at the first, consecration IOUIS WILHITE; Pastor Training 6:00 Phone 787-4647 YJ22-i8>9 Ron Herrod, Pastor Paul's was Frank P. O'Brien, who survived of a bishop at St. Paul's on March 24, 1955 Nursery Open the 1873 cholera epidemic and became mayor The Rt. Rev. Joseph A. Durick became of Birmingham. Auxiliary to Archbishop Toolen. As the city grew, so did St. Paul's Parish. St. Paul's Church was elevated to the full dantcrburg United fttcthodist Church Bishop Quinlan saw the necessitty of expansion status of Cathedral on Dec. 9, 1969 in events creating the new Diocese of Birmingham. Overbrook at Pine Crest, Mountain Brook and purchased from the Elyton Land Co the Announces ..,..,, present property on 22nd St. between Third Bishop Joseph Vath was installed at the same Two Worship Services Each and Fourth Avenues. The property was to be time. 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning 11 00 a.m. used for a new church building, a rectory and In 1972 the parish that started with seven (Broadcast Over WAPI AM-FM at 10:00a.m.) school. families in 1872 had 640 families. The year 1972 "DON'T PLAY WITH THE The Rev. John J. Brown was appointed also saw extensive renovation of thu 79-year MOUNTAIN" St. Paul's first resident pastor in February, old structure's exterior and interior. 1880. He was responsible for Birmingham's SOME OF THE LARGE stone crosses on Catholics as well as the outlying missions of the steeples had been dislodged into dangerous Oxmoor, Helena, New Castle and Gadsden. positions (probably by lightning which had Father Brown had a two-story rectory struck the church three times). The old red constructed on the newly-acquired property. In bricks were sandblastted and waterproofed. A May he had the small frame church moved on major remodeling of the sanctuary was in rollers, pulled by mules across Third Avenue compliance with directives of Vatican IPs beside the rectory where priests lived. decree on the Liturgy. A new stained glass window dominated by a figure of St. Paul, SMALL FRAME BUILDING SHARED BIRMINGHAM'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS THROUGHOUT THE booming 1880s the overlooks the sanctuary from the rear of the ... First St. Paul's was across street from present cathedral church grew. The Sisters of Loretto, Louis organ gallery. The Saville Organ Co., of ville, Ky. opened a school in September, 1880 Northbrook, 111. designed a new organ. which was then known as Holy Angels Msgr. Horgan estimated the total costs of -^my and Convent. In 1881 St. Catherine of renovation at about $250,000, of which some $100,000 was for necessary repairs. SAINT PALLS CATHEDRAL PARISH 1872 - 1972 I CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION of SAINT PAULS CATHEDRAL PARISH 1872 - 1972 SEPTEMBER 24, 1972 sacrament of salvation," simultaneously manifesting Leader: They come to praise the Lord's name, as he ordered and exercising the mystery of God's love for man. Israel, Here where the tribunals of justice are, the royal tribunals of David. For God's Word, by whom all things were made, was Himself made flesh so that as perfect man He might People: I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us goto the house save all men and sum up all things in Himself. The of the Lord. Lord is the goal of human history, the focal point of the longings of history and of civilization, the center of the human race, the joy of every heart, and the answer SECOND READING: The Heavenly Jerusalem (Book of Rev. Ch 21:1-8) to all its yearnings. He it is whom the Father raised J. B. Text from the dead, lifted on high, and stationed at His right hand making Him judge of the living and the dead. Enlivened and united in His spirit, we journey toward Lector: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, the first the consummation of human history, one which fully heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and accords with the counsel of God's love: "To re-establish there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and all things in Christ,, both those in the heavens and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, those on the earth." (Eph. 1:10). as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice call from the throne, "You The Lord Himself speaks: "Behold, I come quickly! see this city? Here God lives among men. He will make And my reward is with me, to render to each one his home among them; they shall be His people, and He according to his works. I am the Alpha and the Omega, will be their God; his name is God-with-them. He will the first and the last, the beginning and the end." wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no This is the Word of the Lord. more death, and no more mourning or sadness. The world of the past has gone." People: Thanks be to God. Then the One sitting on the throne spoke: "Now I am making the whole of creation new." He said, "Write this: that what I am saying is sure and will come true." And then he said, "It is already done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water from the well of life free to anybody who is RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 122 thirsty; it is the rightful inheritance of the one who proves victorious; and I will be His God and he a son Leader: I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to the house to me. But the legacy for cowards, for those who break of the Lord. their word, or worship obscenities, for murderers and fornicators, and the fortune-tellers, idolaters and any People: I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to the house other sort of liars, is the second death in the burning of the Lord. lake of sulphur." Leader: How I rejoiced when they said to me, "Let us go to This is the Word of the Lord. the House of the Lord!" And now our feet are standing in your gateways, Jerusalem. People: Thanks be to God. People: I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to the house ALLELUIA: Sung by Congregation; of the Lord. Leader: Jerusalem restored! The city, one united whole! Here =53 V- the tribes come up, the tribes of the Lord. P A) - le - lu »! Al - le - lu ial People: I rejoiced when I heard them say; Let us goto the house of the Lord. - 4 - - 5 - Leader: in my house, says the Lord, everyone who asks will For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate: receive; He suffered, died, and was buried. Whoever seeks shall find; and to him who knocks it On the third day he rose again shall be opened. in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven SUNG: Alleluia, Alleluia. and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living Celebrant: The Lord be with you. and the dead, People: And also with you. and his kingdom will have no end. Celebrant: A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. People: Glory to you, Lord. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. GOSPEL: Matthew 28: 16-20. Jesus speaks His last words to His church. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. Celebrant: Meanwhile the eleven disciples set out for Galilee, We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. We look for the resurrection of the dead, When they saw Him they fell down before Him, though and the life of the world to come. some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He Amen. PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all Celebrant: God, our Father, we thank you with all our hearts for nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and having called us to life on this great day and destined of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to us for happiness in Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always, yes, to the end of time." Leader: Father, we want to be aware of all the things that you This is the gospel of the Lord. do for us and of all the gifts you have given us. Often People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. we do not think of them, and often we do not use them in the right way, but now that we are gathered in Your name, we want to thank you for your ever-present kind ness and concern. HOMILY People: i^ PROFESSION OF FAITH: Lord, hear our pray'r. Copyright 1970 by J. F\ Paluch Co. All: We believe in one God, Used by permission. the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, \\^/^R#® eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. - 6 - Celebrant: For all your creation we give you thanks, Father, and HOLY, HOLY, HOLY: Cathedral Choir 'Mass in Honor of St. Paul" most of all we thank you for being a God of people, for by Rosendo E. Santos. giving us our parents, and friends, and teachers, and especially for giving us your Son, Jesus, to live with EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IV: us, to be our friend, and to teach us about You. In the name of all Creation and in union with Jesus we pray MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION: together and make these requests. Celebrant: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith. People: Amen. People: LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST £ ~w~ Christ has died, Christ is lis - en, Christ will come a - gain. OFFERTORY PROCESSION Copyright 1970 by J. F. Poluch Co. Used by permission. OFFERTORY HYMN: Folk Group "Service" by Paul Ceasar CONCLUDING ACCLAMATION: INVITATION TO PRAYER: Celebrant: Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, Celebrant: Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to for ever and ever. God, the almighty Father. People: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his Church. men, men, men. Copyright 1970 by J. F. Paluch Co. Used by permission. PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS: COMMUNION RITE Celebrant: Father accept these offerings from your whole family THE LORD'S PRAYER: Sung by Congregation. in memory of the day when Jesus Christ our Lord gave the mysteries of the Holy body and blood for His Celebrant: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace disciples to celebrate. Today we celebrate in your in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and House in Jesus' name. protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. People: Amen. People: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, PREFACE RESPONSES: now and for ever. Celebrant: The Lord be with you. RITE OF PEACE: People: And also with you. Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church and grant us the peace People: We lift them up to the Lord. and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. and ever. People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise. People: Amen. - 8 - -9- Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be with you always. "OUR FATHER" - Cathedral Choir By Malotte People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us offer each other the sign of peace. MEDITATION: "Day by Day" - from Godspell - Folk Group PEACE, MY FRIENDS: Sung by congregation. Words and Music by Ray Repp PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION: Peace I leave with you my friends, Shalom, my peace, in all you do. Celebrant: Lord you have given us yourself in this joyful cele Peace 1 leave with you my friends. I give to you so you can give to bration. Fill us with your spirit of love and make us others, too. all one in heart. We ask this through Christ our Lord. To share His love is why I came, to show His kindness to all men. People: Amen. Go now, my friends, and do the same, until I come again. CHORUS. From the recordinq COME ALIVE. Copyriqht 1967 by F.E.L. Publications, Ltd. Los Anqeles, California 9001 S. Used with permission. LAMB OF GOD: Cathedral Choir-"Mass in honor of St. Paul" by Rosendo E. Santos. COMMUNION: CONCLUDING RITE: Celebrant: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. People: And also with you. Celebrant: We wish you the grace and peace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ. COMMUNION HYMN: "Look Beyond" Sung by Congregation; Words and Music by Darryl Ducote Celebrant: Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Look beyond the bread you eat: see your Savior and your Lord. People: Now and forever. Look beyond the cup you drink: see his love poured out as blood. Celebrant: Our help is in the Name of the Lord. Give us a sign that we might believe in you. Our fathers brought us manna from the sky. Chorus. People: Who made heaven and earth. I am the bread which from the heavens came: He who eats this bread will never die. Chorus. Celebrant: May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The bread I give you will be my very flesh: my blood will truly be your drink. Chorus. People: Amen. This man speaks harshly, who can listen to his word? We shall no longer follow him. Chorus. Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. You, my disciples, will you also leave? Lord, to whom can we go? People: Thanks be to God. Chorus. From the recording TELL THE WORLD. Copyriqht 1969 by F.E.L. Publications, Ltd. Los Angeles, California 9001 5. Used with permission. - 10 - 11 - RECESSIONAL HYMN: Sung by Congregation "Now Thank we all our God" Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done, In whom His world rejoices; Who from our mothers arms Has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today. O may this gracious God Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts, And blessed peace to cheer us; Preserve us in His grace, And guide us in distress, And free us from all sin, Till heaven we possess. All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given, The Son and Spirit blest, Who reigns in highest heaven; Eternal, Triune God, Whom earth and heav'n adore; For thus it was, is now, And shall be ever more. The selections PEACE, MY FRIENDS, LOOK BEYOND have been used with permission from the copyriqht owner, F.E.L. Publications, Ltd., 1543 West Olympic Blvd., Los Anqeles, Colli. 90015. Further permission in writinq must be obtained from F.E.L. beiore additional reproductions are made. -12- tenntal Centennial Lemerui^Tf tennial Centennial Center} Sal Centennial CentennU/ Sal Centennial Centerr/ \ial Centennial CeJ mtennial CentenJ \enteiutial Ceil \nnialCentJ id 5vO tw« 4. m K2 ljU3 *j mnmajua' mni3fU9j rmuuajua-^ Irrmni9fua^\ pmmapta^ Ini&fua") jtmmajua^ (Uw lirminoham %w* FRIDAY MAY 18, 2001 Religion Calendar 2H Comics 4H DearAbby 4H Horoscope SH FAITH WATCH The courage of TRANSITIONS Tindol joins Sherwood staff Minister of Music Terry Tin dol will join the Sherwood Church of God staff on May 20. Tindol chairs the music Father Coyle board at South Alabama Church of God Camp Meet ings. He has owned and oper ated his own piano business, His death 80 years ago recalled in dramatic reading The Rev. James E. Coyle The Piano Shoppe, in South east Alabama for 19 years, tun By GREG GARRISON movies. Ward also defended the ing and rebuilding pianos. He News staff writer Irish Catholic police chief, Mar and his wife, Gina, have two he killing of a Catholic tin Egan. sons, Eric and Seth, who take priest outside St. Barrett's campaign chairman part in choirs and praise Paul's Cathedral in charged that a Catholic men's teams. 1921 brought Bir group, the Knights of Columbus, mingham's religious was a dangerous military and Please submit items about per anTd ethnic turmoil to a climax in political group. sonnel changes at religious in an era dominated by Ku Klux Barrett won the election, and stitutions to Greg Garrison at Klan bigotry. Egan was removed from his post The Birmingham News, P.O. It's an event that has been as police chief. "Apparently, my Box 2553, Birmingham, 35202. widely overlooked but shouldn't religion is unpopular," Egan re Items may also be sent by e- be forgotten as a significant portedly said after being de mail to ggarrison@bhamnew- event in the city's history, said moted to patrolman. s.com or faxed to 325-2283. John Wright, 73, a former direc tor of communications for Uni Bigotry and intimidation Court rules prayer versity Hospital who has cham In 1916, the Rev. Sidney J. pioned a campaign to remember Catts, recentiy elected governor policy constitutional the slain priest. of Florida, gave a speech in Bir A federal appeals court has On Sunday at 2 p.m. in St. mingham in which he described again decided that students in Paul's Cathedral, actors will re how he defeated Catholic politi a Florida public school district call the event by reading from "My goal is to cal lobbies. can choose a member of their the transcript of the trial of the acquaint the Coyle responded with a letter class to give a prayer or other Methodist minister who killed to the editor of the Birmingham brief message at high school , the priest. community,.. with Age-Herald refuting Catts' ap - graduations. The Rev. James E. Coyle, who parent charge that Catholics In an 8-4 ruling issued last had been pastor of St. Paul's Ca the life of Father could not be loyal Americans. Friday, the 11th U.S. Circuit ... thedral since 1904, was shot on Coyle.. his efforts to O.T. Dozier published an anti- Court of Appeals determined the porch of the rectory, or Catholic booklet that was widely that the Duval County school priest's house, on Aug. 11,1921. be accessible in the circulated in Birmingham argu policy remains constitutional. Coyle's name most often ap ing against Coyle, affirming such The appellate court made a pears in association with bio face of what became charges as, "The Pope seeks to similar ruling last year, but graphies of the late U.S. Su control American politics." was ordered to reconsider the preme Court Justice Hugo Black, violent anti-Catholic Catholic-owned businesses in matter after the U.S. Supreme who helped Coyle's killer gain bigotry." Birmingham at the time some Court ruled that a Santa Fe, an acquittal based on an appeal times had their front windows Texas, policy permitting stu to the jury's ethnic and religious John Wright painted by vandals with the slo dents to lead prayers before prejudice. football games was unconsti- fCu Kltix Han targeted Roman gan,- "T,W;K„-" which §tood fel.- . Coyle ought to be better re "Trade With the Klan," Wright tutional. membered in Birmingham than Catholics for persecution in Bir mingham, just as they did blacks said. Writing for the majority, Cir he is, Wright said. "Catholics haven't talked cuit Judge Stanley Marcus dif "He ought to be our patron and Jews., But the city's history of anti-Catholic bigotry remains much about the terrible bigotry ferentiated between the poli saint for racial and religious un and intimidation they experi cies in the two states. Santa derstanding," he said. a delicate topic in Birmingham, one that many Catholics have enced," he said. Fe's policy permitted the prin preferred to view as distant past. The trial of Stephenson on cipal or other school staffer to An unpopular religion murder charges featured per have a role in selecting the The Rev. Edwin R. Stephen Wright wants to make sure it's haps the most bizarre combina speaker and what he or she son, a Methodist minister who adequately documented. "That's tion of religious and ethnic prej said while Duval County's pol conducted weddings at the Jef where our roots are," he said. udice in American judicial icy forbids school employees ferson County Courthouse, An anti-Catholic group called history, with a future U.S. Su from reviewing or censoring gunned down the Catholic priest the "True Americans" cam preme Court justice arguing for SPECIAL the two-minute student [ . after becoming irate that Coyle paigned to keep Catholics out of the defense. The Rev. James E. Coyle's grave marker at Elmwood statements. had married his daughter, Ruth, public office. In 1917, they sup Stephenson's defense attor Cemetery Jacksonville attorney Gray to a Catholic Puerto Rican, Pe ported Nathaniel A. Barrett in a ney, Hugo Black, "had Pedro Thomas, who represented op dro Gussman. campaign against City Commis Gussman summoned into the "Ruth is a very tragic figure," ister's daughter would be risky, ponents to the Duval County The killing of Coyle was the sion President George Ward, an courtroom and had him stand Wright said. "Their marriage was Wright said. policy, said he plans to ask the most high-profile incident in a Episcopalian who was criticized before the jurors so that they doomed from the moment of "I think he knew he was put U.S. Supreme Court to con sweeping anti-Catholic for not being an ardent prohibi could see the man whose mar the murder." ting his life in danger," he said. sider the case, The Florida movement in Birmingham. The tionist and not opposing Sunday riage to Ruth Stephenson (had) She moved to Chicago and re "My goal is to acquaint the com Times-Union reported. precipitated the killing. Lights married and died in 1928 of tu munity, 80 years later, with the were arranged in the courtroom berculosis. Her body was sent life of Father Coyle, his courage, Focus group says so that the darkness of Gus- his efforts to be accessible in the sman's complexion would be back to Birmingham, where her donations dropping long-estranged father conducted face of what became violent accentuated," said an Oct. 20, anti-Catholic bigotry." COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. 1921 newspaper account of the her funeral in his living room, Wright said. The Rev. Andy Kennedy, pas — The influential evangelical final day of the trial. tor of Our Lady of Lourdes Cath Christian organization Focus In a strange twist, Gussman on the Family says it's facing a died a few years later after being olic Church in Huffman and for It was sickening' merly on the staff of St. Paul's $2 million budget deficit, struck by a car in the street in prompting founder James As actors John Falkenberry, front of St. Paul's Cathedral. Cathedral, said it's good to re Dobson to make what he calls Edward Miller and Hal Mcintosh member Coyle, though he lived in an era that is difficult for an unprecedented request for dramatize the trial this Sunday, A martyr's reward more money. the mockery of justice led by Catholics to recall. "It obviously Hugo Black will be brought back It's clear from Catholic church was a painful time," he said. "On In a May letter to 2.4 million to life, Wright said. documents that the church offi the other hand, it's a long time supporters, Dobson writes that cials were disappointed in the ago." donations have slipped to the "When he had Pedro on the point that the ministry is at a stand, he mocked him, he made outcome of the trial. An official Interdenominational relations biography of Coyle on file at "crossroads that will deter fun of his hair," Wright said. "It have improved for the better, mine where we go from here." was sickening." what was formerly known as the and Coyle's death led to ecu After he was acquitted, Ste Diocese of Mobile notes, "The menical dialogues among Bir The Colorado Springs-based phenson once again was a regu trial was a parody on justice — a mingham clergy that improved group, whose radio shows, disgrace to Alabama." magazines and other programs lar at the courthouse, conduct relations between Jewish, Catho reach 98 countries, has a $129 ing marriages. His daughter's In the rabid anti-Catholic at lic and Protestant clergy, he million budget for 2001. SPECIAL life went further awry. In June of mosphere of the day, Coyle said. This is the rectory porch where the Rev. James E. Coyle was 1923, she had a civil divorce knew that officiating the mar "If it led to that, then that's a Dobson said he thinks the from Gussman. sluggish economy and in shot to death in 1921. riage of the courthouse min good thing," Kennedy said. creased use of the Focus on