Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 10: The Catholic Church in Taunton, 1924

From the present summit of remarkable attainment, the pastors and communicants of the Catholic church in Taunton take a retrospective view of the triumphant line of march of the church along and upwards, from the humble starting-point that none now living may personally recall; while the prospect that is spread just before and into the future is alluring with further promise of such achievement that the pioneer priest, Rev. Father Robert Woodley, could not foresee.

The story of the church within the limits of this one city, which includes first of all, at this hour, the spiritual and religious provision made for nearly seventy per cent. of the population; and second, the possession of many desirably located church properties, parochial schools and charitable institutions - this is a story of the new Taunton that is of vital interest to thousands, and that now for the first time is narrated in its entirety. It is an hour of great pride and gratitude for Taunton Catholicism that leaders of undaunted calibre have secured these foundations for the Mother Church.

It is to be regretted that the names of the first Catholic arrivals here are not anywhere indicated; but there exists no doubt whatever that when they did arrive, they were from the first an active and industrious group of people. Corroborative of this statement is the surety that the Taunton Print Works, established in 1823, were employing a number of people of the Catholic faith; and that five years after the works were established, or in 1828, there was a Catholic neighborhood here of size sufficient to ask for the Mass, the altar, and a priest in Taunton. Thus religion and industry have proceeded hand in hand from that hour to the present day. It was the auspicious time, then, for St. Mary's to gather the first of her flock, and presently the Church answered the call of the faithful. Rev. Father Woodley, the first priest of the church in Taunton, had neither chapel nor chancel, yet he was the priest of the time and the hour; he was the apostle to Taunton, to see to it that Taunton Catholics should have their church home. And thus it came about that the grandsires of many who now worship at St. Mary's were accorded that which they had prayed for, first of all - the Place of Prayer.

In those first days, Taunton was in the section that was directed by the Right Rev. Bishop of the Boston Diocese, but with the increase of population Taunton was transferred to the Providence Diocese; and it was only three days after Rev. Father Woodley had been stationed in Providence, after having been attached to the Boston Diocese, that he came to Taunton. Father Woodley not only brought with him the faith and the standard of his church, but as a native of Maryland and as a descendant cf the loyal men and women who founded Maryland as a Catholic colony, he came here imbued with the traditions of that branch of American ancestry. So it came about that he placed the same ensign on the banks of Taunton river that the bearers of the Cross had set up in the early South, and on those lands where dwelt Lord Baltimore, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Bishop Carroll of the same family - first bishop in the United States, a personal friend of Benjamin Franklin, and his traveling companion to France on the trip that won the assistance of that country in our War for Independence. No better equipped apostle for the church here could have been chosen; and as he came here in February, 1828, it was with a knowledge that his welcome would be a heartfelt one from the pioneer churchmen. His investigations discovered fifty Catholic men in Taunton, and altogether they and their families amounted to eighty in this section. The first place of public.Catholic worship in Taunton was a schoolhouse that was hired through the efforts of Rev. Father Woodley, in order that the nucleus of the large parish that was to be might gather together for public worship on Sunday, and where mass might be said once a month. Such were the beginnings.

Then came the increase in the Catholic congregations, and the building interest; for it was only two years after the first masses were said here, or in June, 1830, that Taunton Catholics forwarded a letter to the Right Rev. Bishop Fenwick, in which they sought his approval of their plans to build a church. In answer to their request, in November, 1830, the Bishop sent Rev. Father John Corry to Taunton. Rev. Father Corry was one of those vigorous pioneer priests who would allow no seeming hindrances to prevent the progress of the church. He had received his ordination at the Cathedral in Boston, and Taunton was a field of labor that at once rejoiced his heart. It was he who established the first church home here for Catholics, with his purchase of land and construction of the building. And it was Rev. Father Corry who had the distinction of making the first baptismal record in the Providence Diocese at Taunton, in 1830; and later, in

What a distinguished event it was for the young parish when, July 19, 1831, the Right Rev. Bishop Fenwick arrived in Taunton on his first visit. The town hall, that stood about where the Robert Treat Paine statue is, was placed at his disposal; and there he said mass - so far as known, the first mass by a bishop in Taunton. The first priests had proven faithful laborers in the new vineyard, for the bishop had the joy of confirming thirty-one in the town hall at Taunton. That afternoon, Bishop Fenwick, accompanied by a committee of the parishioners, made that observation tour of the town that is spoken of today with gratitude because of the fact that its results secured for Taunton Catholics their house of worship. Then, at the intersection of Broadway and Washington street, was advised the purchase of the lot that at that time could be procured for $300. The parishioners, none of them people of means so far as we know, accepted the bishop's advice, and eventually, on October 28, 1832, the first St. Mary's Church was dedicated, a building of the Gothic style, 52 feet long, 38 feet wide. There gathered, on the date named, one hundred and fifty Catholics of Taunton, and many others from Canton, Fall River, Newport and Providence, the bishop confirming twenty-six, some of the latter coming from Canton. It is no wonder the bishop praised his flock for their loyalty, for the church had been built at a cost of $2,000, and by an industrious people of most moderate circumstances. This was the first service in the church home; it was the first home-gathering of the people of the Catholic faith. Their vocalists for that memorable day were leaders in the Cathedral choir in Boston, - Miss Catherine Hogan and Thomas Mooney. The dedication was an incentive to the growth of the parish, and, as a further result, the church building was increased twenty feet in length in 1838. It is stated that there were fully five hundred Catholics here then; and the church with its new addition was blessed in December. Meantime, the paschal communions in Taunton and Newport in 1837 were 402, and the baptisms in both places were ninety. In August of that year, Rev. Father Corry was transferred to Providence, and Rev. Father William Wiley succeeded him here.

During the last years of that decade, St. Mary's probably experienced the lowest ebb of its prosperity; and such, too, was the case at Newport - while there was a gain at the Providence parish. Yet Rev. Father Wiley, praising the efforts of his parishioners, in his report stated that the average of the pew rents annually was $966. The average cost of the maintenance of the church was $344, which left $622 for the support of the priest and the upkeep of the house. And the Sunday collections, which averaged two dollars a Sunday, were given to the altar and the poor.

Rev. Father Wiley was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church at Providence in January, 1842; and his successor in Taunton was Rev. Father Dennis Ryan, who had been the pastor at Whitfield, Maine; and he in turn was succeeded by Rev. Father O'Beirne. Rev. Father Richard A. Wilson, D.D., came here in the summer of 1846, and he remained until 1851. In February, 1848, Rev. Dr. Wilson bought a lot opposite the church, where a new structure was built that, owing to some fault in construction, it is stated, was blown down, December 9, 1849. It was during this year that

Rev. Father Theobald Mathew, the great apostle of temperance, was welcomed to Taunton and made addresses at the town hall, where many signers were obtained to the pledge of total abstinence.

St. Mary's parish was without a priest from 1850 to 1852, but early in the latter year Rev. Father Daniel Hearn was appointed here. He had come to America to obtain funds for the Catholic University of Ireland; but here a new direction and impetus were given his talents and he settled in Taunton. One of his assistants at the time was Rev. Father Cuddihy, O. S.F., formerly of Waterford, Ireland, and a priest for nearly twenty years. A new church, the counterpart of St. Mary's Church at Taunton, England, was begun in 1855, but it was burned June 1, 1856. Many living today will recall the temporary structure that was then built on the site of the present rectory known as St. Charles Hall, that in November, 1872, was dedicated by Right Rev. Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken, the occasion being that bishop's first visitation.

Father Hearn, who remained in Taunton until 1875, was succeeded by Rev. Father Thomas Shahan, who during his stay of six years in Taunton reduced the church debt by nearly $50,000. The longest pastorate of those years was that of Rev. Father Edward Sheridan, who was priest here for nearly a quarter of a century, or until August 12, 1896. It was during his pastorate that St. Mary's, begun in 1854, was completed in 1868.

Meantime, in the spring of 1872, Taunton had come within the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Providence. The next year, 1873, the parish was divided in order that Sacred Heart parish might be formed. In 1882 the parish was further partitioned for the formation of the parish of the Immaculate Conception at Whittenton; again, in 1896, for the formation of St. Joseph parish, and a little later for the Portuguese parish. Then in 1896 came the present rector, Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Coyle, LL.D., P.R.

From this point, the present-day era of St. Mary's Church begins, with an accumulation of triumphs such as rarely comes to the church in a city of the size of Taunton. A man endowed with gifts beyond the ordinary, a fearless executive and organizer, securing the old foundations, and building for the future, he has crowned the church here with his fatherly presence, with the fervor of his spirit, and with many signs of progress in school and conventual lines. Forty-five years a priest on December 22, 1922, he is one of the eight survivors of the forty-two priests who were ordained by Archbishop Fabre at Montreal, December 22, 1877.

The Monsignor was born in Abbelare,, County Longford, Ireland, September 9, 1850, son of Daniel and Mary (Reilly) Coyle, his ancestry on both sides being of the old Irish type. He received his education in early life in the national schools of Ireland, and'in 1863 he came to America with his parents. He then spent two years at St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Kentucky; and in 1871 he entered La Salle Academy, Providence, Rhode Island, and there, while continuing his academic studies, he taught Latin. Chiefly to obtain a knowledge of the French language, he went to St. Laurent College, near Montreal, Canada, in 1872, where he was editor of the college weekly, the "Spectator," and president of the leading literary society, and was valedictorian of his class, graduating in 1874. In the fall of that year he entered the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where he was raised to the priesthood December 22, 1877, by Archbishop Fabre. Soon afterwards he was assigned to a church at North Adams, Massachusetts, in the Diocese of Springfield, then under Bishop O'Reilly, and on the return of the pastor from Europe he was appointed assistant priest at Millbury, remaining there until called by Bishop Hendricken to the Cathedral in Providence. He remained at the Cathedral from February 11, 1880, until his appointment of January 4, 1885, to a new parish established at Newport. The first mass of Monsignor Coyle was said at Newport, in the old Unitarian Church, and later he purchased the Zion Episcopal Church there, for which he paid $15,025. His first mass was said there March 8, 1885. The church interior was remodelled and beautified; and in January, 1889, he purchased the Young estate, adjacent to the church, and in the following summer he built a rectory at an estimated cost of $9,000. In July, 1889, a convent was finished and occupied by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the following September a private academy was started. Monsignor Coyle in 1890 erected the Hazard Memorial School in Newport, that was dedicated August 2, 1891, by Right Rev. Bishop Harkins. The school, then one of the finest in New England, was paid for by George Babcock Hazard who, when the school was built, was not a Catholic, but a short time before his death he was converted. In less than five years after its occupancy, Mr. Hazard's gift was utilized by ten teachers and 550 pupils. During the eleven years of the Monsignor's pastorate in Newport, he collected and disbursed upwards of $165,000.

The appointment to St. Mary's Church in Taunton was made October 1, 1896, and from that time onwards the parish, through the unceasing efforts of the Monsignor, has thriven and flourished. The church building and adjacent property had need of his pastoral care; therefore in 1899 work of beautifying the interior was begun, and during that and the following year the handsome stained glass windows, source of admiration to thousands, were installed. Then came in its turn the adornment of St. Mary's Square, that has made that section one of the most attractive in the city. First, the new rectory, built on the site of St. Charles Hall, was completed February 23, 1903, it ranking among the finest parochial residences in the diocese.

How to care for the parochial instruction of the children of the growing parish was a problem that did not long remain a problem, for on July 4, 1907, the cornerstone of the primary and grammar school building was laid, with Dr. John J. McCoy, of Worcester, as the preacher, while Right Rev. Monsignor Hugh J. Smyth blessed the stone, with all the Catholic societies in the city joining in march. The building was blessed August 24, 1908, by Right Rev. Bishop Daniel F. Feehan, with nearly every priest in the city present, and with visiting clergymen, including Vicar General Madden of Springfield, Rev. Bernard Conaty of Worcester, Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Kelly of Providence, Rev. Timothy Sweeney of Fall River, and Rev. Hugh B. Harold of New Bedford. There was also a memorable procession of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Temperance societies, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The building of the parochial high school came next, it being constructed in 1912, with the annexing of a large portion to the rear of the primary and grammar school building, making the entire building the largest school in the city, equipped with all modern facilities for high school work. The chemistry laboratory, known as St. Rita's Lodge, is a separate building and was erected in 1913. Recently a section of St. Mary's Convent, adjacent to the school, was set off for overflow classes in chemistry. The high and grammar school has an attendance of nearly 900. There are two bronze statues on the convent grounds, one at the front representing the Angel Guardian, the other at the rear, representing Our Lady of Grace.

Among the church organizations that do much in their contribution to the spiritual, social and educational progress of St. Mary's are: The Holy Name Society, the Rosary and Scapular Confraternity, the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, the Children of Mary, the Holy Angels Sodality, the Society of the Infant Jesus, and the St. John Burchman Sodality. The choir, with Professor F. P. McCormick, director, is a notable one in this section of the State.

It was another great day for St. Mary's when on October 1, 1916, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XV, sent his benediction to priest and people, with the announcement that Dr. Coyle was to be made a domestic prelate. Bishop Feehan invested the Monsignor with the purple, symbolic of his station, and Rev. John J. McCoy, LL.D., of Worcester, delivered the sermon. A pontifical mass was sung, and at vespers a sermon was preached by Rev. Francis T. McCarthy, S.J., of New York. And then in 1923 a very elaborate set of chimes was installed in the tower of St. Mary's, of tubular style, that can be heard for a distance of six miles. They are from the J. C. Deagan Company of Chicago, and are world famed for their sonorous and exquisite music.

The opportunity for doing a special service for charity in Taunton came when the Bethlehem Home for Babies and very little children was opened on Summer street, and since its beginning not only Catholics but non-Catholics as well, have acknowledged its worthy place in the community. Through the efforts of Rev. Father James Dolan and all closely connected with the institution there has thus been added to the city's charitable organizations one that makes its present-day appeal to all. The Home was opened and dedicated October 9, 1909, by Right Rev. Daniel F. Feehan, Bishop of the Fall River Diocese, and placed under the supervision of Rev. Father Timothy Sweeney, at that time Diocesan Director of Charities of the Fall River Diocese, with Sister M. Christina of the Order of Sisters of Mercy in charge. Rev. William E. Corr was made supervisor, and he was in turn succeeded by Rev. Father Charles A. Donovan, who is at present supervisor of St. Vincent's Orphans' Home in Fall River. During the years that Rev. Fathers Corr and Donovan were in charge, the children were cared for by Sister M. Teresa and five other members of the Sisters of Mercy. In May, 1920, at a special meeting of the board of directors of the corporation, the Rev. Father James Dolan was elected treasurer and placed in charge of the finances of the institution. Shortly thereafter, Sister Teresa was transferred to Mount St. Mary's Convent, there to assume responsible duties; and Sister M. Benedict was appointed superior at the Home. During the comparatively short time that Rev. Father Dolan has been in charge, many improvements have been made in the property, chief among them the alteration of a part of the house into two new dormitories for the older children, the installation of a temporary isolation ward, bath rooms, diet kitchen, and increased facilities for the laundering department.

The purpose of the institution is the care for and supporting of minor children. Interpreting this purpose in a broad sense, the Home has cared for close onto seven hundred children, all worthy cases from the charitable standpoint. At no time in the history of the Home has the question ever been raised as to race, color or creed, when deciding the merits of a case that has been referred to the Home authorities. Although under the supervision of and supported mainly by Taunton parishes, the records of the institution show that Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile, have been accepted and cared for, all in the same way. Sustained by its many friends who admire and love the work that is being done, the children have been well cared for. But in fairness, particular credit must be given the Queen's Daughters, organized June 5, 1914, to guarantee as far as they are able, to keep the Home financed. This organization now numbers more than two hundred and fifty Catholic women of Taunton, and much has been done by them for the welfare of the babies - in contributing the major portion of the regular income of the organization from dues; in the formation of sewing circles to keep the children clothed, and in conducting the social events that have brought into the treasury of the corporation funds needed for the upkeep of the asylum. In conjunction with the Knights of Columbus and other interested friends, they in 1921 staged the largest social event ever held in Taunton - their Charity Ball. The Home, which at present has some sixty little charges, is cared for by Sisters under the supervision of Sister M. Benedict.

The property occupied by the Home was formerly the N. H. Skinner estate, but many changes have had to be made for the present purpose. During 1920, Dr. Thomas F. Clark was instrumental in organizing the present staff for the Home, which includes a number of the doctors of the city, who have regular periods of service at the Home. No officer of the corporation receives any salary for services. The Sisters, bound by vows of poverty, receive no money for their labors. The first incorporators of the Home were Right Rev. Daniel F. Feehan, D.D., Right Rev. James E. Cassidy, V.G., Right Rev. James Coyle, LL. D., Rev. Timothy Sweeney, Rev. Martin J. Fox, Rev. John W. Quirk, Rev. Charles W. Cullen, Rev. Patrick F. McKenna, Rev. James L. Smith, Rev. Alfred Carrier.

Owing to the increase in the Catholic population at Weir Village and adjoining towns, it was decided in the year 1873 that the expedient thing to do would be to form a new parish. This, the second Catholic parish in Taunton, and the second daughter of old St. Mary's parish, was formed as the Sacred Heart Church in 1873. Rev. Father Hugh J. Smyth, afterwards Monsignor at St. Lawrence Church in New Bedford, was called from Sacred Heart Church in Fall River, and appointed first pastor of the new parish. From the time when the parish was first formed, up to November 14, 1874, the communicants attended services at Forester's Hall in the Staples block.

The building of the first church, a wooden one, proceeded on land that had been city property, and part of the actual church was the district schoolhouse that had stood on that spot. This church was completed November 14, 1874, and it was dedicated November 15, by the Very Rev. L. S. McMahon, V.G., of the new diocese of Providence, and the sermon on the occasion was preached by the pastor, Rev. Father Hugh J. Smyth, the high mass being celebrated by the Very Rev. Vicar General L. S$. McMahon. Rev. Father Smyth, kindly and sympathetic, as well as scholarly, presided over the parish until August 23, 1879, when he was appointed to succeed the Very Rev. L. S. McMahon (who had been consecrated as the Bishop of Hartford), in one of the most important parishes in New England - St. Lawrence, at New Bedford. While there, he was invested with the purple robe of domestic prelate of his holiness, the Pope. While Father Smyth was at Weir Village, his assistants were Fathers William J. McCoomb, Bernard Conaty, George Y. Mahoney, William Lonergan, J. A. Ward.

Rev. Father James Beaven, brother of the Bishop of Springfield, was elected to fill the vacancy at Sacred Heart Church, he having come from St. Joseph's Church at Providence, where he had been curate to his uncle, Rey. Father Daniel Kelly, from the time of his ordination in 1871. While Father Beaven was here, the first parochial residence was built. Near its site had stood the cottage and home of Patrick Curtin and family, that was purchased and had been used eleven years as the rectory. Rev. Father James A. Ward served as assistant to Rev. Father Beaven until March, 1880, from which time up to September, 1882, Father Beaven was without an assistant.

Rey. Father M. P. Cassidy then served as assistant up to November, 1883, and those who served successively as assistants were Rev. Fathers James Brady and William Doherty. When Father Beaven took a trip to Europe, in 1884, Rev. Father John Harty was pastor in the interim. Rev. Father T. J. O'Toole was Father Beaven's next assistant.

The entire parish was grief-stricken, December 24, 1886, at the death of Father Beaven, whose funeral, December 26, was the largest that had taken place at Weir village up to that time.

In January, 1887, Rev. Father Joseph McDonough, many years at the Cathedral in Providence, came here as pastor. It was through his efforts that a place of worship was secured for the people of Dighton, as he was enabled to purchase land at North Dighton that had a schoolhouse upon it, that eventually was converted into St. Joseph's Church. Father Mc- Donough also renovated and repaired the Church of the Holy Family at East Taunton. He was called, in November, 1892, to take charge of St. Michael's parish at Providence. His assistant at Weir Village was Rev. Father Thomas F. Kennedy, who remained from February, 1888, to September, 1894.

Rey. Father J. L. Smith, then assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was appointed to Weir Village by Right Rev. Bishop Matthew Harkins, of Providence; this was on March 10, 1892. It was through his efforts that the parishes at South Dighton and Seekonk were assured, he purchasing land and building the church at Seekonk. Father Smith, in 1899, formulated those plans for building a new church at Weir Village that became materialized, when the basement of the church was first used in 1904, the old wooden church having been torn down in 1903. After having been pastor here eighteen years, he died, April 22, 1910.

Rey. Father James H. Looby came to Sacred Heart Church as the pastor of this parish, September 28, 1912, he having been pastor of the church at North Easton. Rev. Father Looby has won the hearts of the people here, both Catholics and Protestants, chiefly because of his entire devotion to his parish, whose debt he completely cleared in 1920 by no other method than that of soliciting for the funds required to do so. Through his efforts in this way, also, the upper part of the church has been entirely repainted and ornamented, the work being done while the congregation were worshipping in the chapel of the church all through the spring of 1923. Father Looby has also added much statuary and altar furniture. The roll of honor for the young men of the parish in the World War contains 140 names; twelve gave their lives for the cause. The assistant priests of the parish since Father Looby has been here have been Rev. Fathers Thomas Trainor, now of North Dighton; Matthew Lowney, who died here during the influenza epidemic, and Felix S. Child. The fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the parish was observed this year.

There are many still living in this city who are able to recall the time and occasion of the first Mass that was said in East Taunton, in 1856, and that thus inaugurated the East Taunton mission, assuring the Catholic people there of the beginnings of their present church home - that of the Church of the Holy Family. Services were first held that year in the home of Francis P. King, on Middleboro avenue, next to the Dorsey homestead, and the mass was said by Father Hearn, then pastor of St. Mary's From that time onwards, East Taunton became a regular mission of the mother church, St. Mary's. Mass was also said in a house now occupied by a certain Fontes, on Middleboro avenue. Eventually, in 1858. the wooden church was built on Liberty street, the first collection therefor amounting to $830. This church, according to records left by Rev. Father Shahan of Malden, was one of the first churches in Massachusetts to emerge from debt. There, a large mission that brought people from even so far distant as Cape Cod, had Rev. Father Gross, later on Archbishop of Portland, Oregon, for preacher. Rev. Father Shahan was the priest here from 1864 to 1871, and he was enabled to pay all bills. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Sheridan, who delighted in the duty of the eight o'clock mass.

It was in 1873 that East Taunton became a mission of the newly established parish of the Sacred Heart at Weir Village, when Monsignor Hugh J. Smyth, later of New Bedford, came regularly every Sunday for services. His notes show that the church on Liberty street had been dedicated September, 1858, by Right Rev. Bishop Fitzpatrick, of Boston, Taunton then being a part of the Boston diocese.

Then, in 1885, came Rev. Father Beaven, a brother of the late Right Rev. Bishop of Springfield, and he built the Sunday school addition to the church. Rev. Father James Smith came in 1892, and he made great improvements, decorating the interior, building the belfry - one of the finest of the times - on the north side of the church, for the large bell that is still in use in the new church. 'The bell was blessed by Right Rev. Bishop

Harkins, the sermon being preached by Rev. Father Cornelius O'Brien, later on Archbishop of Halifax. Rev. Father Smyth made it possible to establish in 1900 the present parish, over which Rev. Father Charles W. Cullen was appointed. The parish was growing, and Rev. Father Cullen from the first provided for its future by purchasing the Fairbanks estate, on the north side of the avenue, from George A. King, superintendent of Taunton Water Works. The rectory was built in 1901, and the church itself in 1909, the latter being solemnly dedicated in 1910 by the Right Rev. Bishop Feehan. :

The Church of the Holy Family, long ago out of debt and with its four masses every Sunday, is a structure that receives general admiration for its unique site and for its beautiful grounds. The church has its large St. Charles Hall, dear to the parishioners of old St. Mary's, where the dramatic club meets every week, and with the name on the golden cross over its door. In the east end is St. Joseph's chapel, where services are conducted on week days, the room seating two hundred people. There, a large bronze tablet commemorates the eighty boys of the parish who served in the World War. The parish has about two thousand souls, the majority of the families being descendants of the people who settled here in iron works days, such as the Leahys, the Walshes, Dorseys, Mitchells, O'Briens, Burns, Conleys, Sullivans.

The parish has furnished quite a number of the members of the teaching staff in the city, as well as professional people. A playground in the rear of the present church furnishes a fine spot for recreation for young people. The curates who have thus far served the church are Rev. Fathers James Ward, A. M. Maltese, W. H. Eaton, F. B. LeBlond, S. M. DeMello, M. C. Fernandes, A. C. Ponte, and Dr. M. G. Salvador, the present assistant.

The Catholic population of Whittenton, which consisted largely of the employes of the mills in that section of the city, had increased to such an extent in the early eighties that it became plain that they would require a parish of their own. Immaculate Conception parish consisted largely of French-Canadian and the Polish people who were mill-workers, and the parish was organized in 1884 by Rev. Father James Roach, through whose efforts a large wooden church was built, together with a school and parochial residence. Rev. Father Roach died January 7, 1906, but he gave his life for his work and the increase of his parish. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Patrick F. McKenna, who not only improved the property, but he opened the Convent of St. Margaret in 1908, for the Sisters of the Order of the Union of the Sacred Hearts, these sisters already for years previously having performed parochial duty here from St. Mary's Church. Father McKenna died in 1913, and his successor was Rev., Father Thomas A. Kelly, who paid the debt on the church and improved the property.

Rev. Father Kelly was transferred to SS. Peter and Paul Church at Fall River, as pastor, and in July, 1915, Rev. George Maguire was appointed pastor here. Rev. Father Michael J. O'Reilly was the next pastor, and rebuilt the rectory in 1920, the old building having burned a few years previously. Upon the honor roll of the World War are the names of 132 from this parish, one having given his life. The assistant priests have been Rev. Fathers Eaton, John F. Downey, George Flanagan, Thomas

The western portion of St. Mary's parish, as it. began to spread out beyond the bounds of the former central section of Catholic population, began to hold services at St. Charles Hall, the earliest occasions being November 1 and 8, 1896, Rev. Father William H. Curley being appointed to the pastorate. The communicants of St. Joseph's will recall the efforts that were then made to secure a regular place of worship within the limits of the new parish, and on Myrtle street a small brick building, a former tack shop and wire nail factory, was made over into a chapel with a seating capacity for 450 people. Mass was said in this chapel, that was called St. Charles Hall, November 15, 1896, and Sunday school classes met there, so continuing for about a year. A choir was soon formed, and high mass and vespers were begun November 22. Then were formed a number of societies that have continued up to the present hour, such as the Altar Society, the 'Guard of Honor, the Holy Name, Rosary and Scapular, and Young Ladies' Sodality. It is well known that the first Holy Name society in the city was formed in this parish. The dramatic society was organized in 1899.

A more central location being desired, a site was purchased on Sheridan and Lowell streets, on which was erected old St. Joseph's Church, with a rectory on Agricultural avenue, a short distance away. It was on February 20, 1897, that the Wheelwright estate, of more than two acres, was purchased for the purpose, the land having a frontage of 373 feet, and depth varying from 300 to 470 feet. Both church and rectory were built within the year 1897. The church, designed as a temporary structure, was a building 45 by 100 feet, and had a seating capacity for about six hundred people. The interior had a Gothic arch, and memorial windows and four statues were the gifts of parishioners.

In January, 1908, Father Curley was appointed pastor of the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, in Fall River, and Father John W. Quirk, of St. Mary's pro-Cathedral, Fall River, succeeded to the pastorate.

Ground was broken for the present church in November, 1909, the cornerstone being laid by Right Rev. Daniel F. Feehan, D. D., the local clergy assisting in the ceremony. Within six months the church, English Gothic in architecture, was completed. First mass was sung in the new church on Christmas morning of 1910, and the edifice was dedicated by the bishop January 1, 1911. The main altar, the Blessed Virgin altar, St. Joseph altar, the sanctuary and choir windows, the sanctuary lamp, fourteen aisle windows, and the twelve Stations of the Cross, were donated by members and friends of the parish. The former church building is in use as a church hall and for the Sunday school; and a part of it has been fitted up with a stage and accessories. The property is now clear of debt. During 1923, the pastor replaced the old church organ with a new memorial instrument dedicated to relatives and friends of the parish who have passed on. Forty-eight members of this parish served in the World War.

It is generally conceded that one of the most attractive properties in Oakland is that of St. Paul's Church and rectory, situated as they are in the very centre of the population of that part of Taunton. This parish, formerly the northern section of St. Joseph's, was established by the Right Rev. William Stang, July 28, 1904, and the first pastor was Rev.

Father Martin J. Fox, who up to that time had been curate at the Immaculate Conception Church. For the period of about one year, and while the church was being built, services were held in the local "Band Hall," that is now the residence of George Wood. The number of communicants, then as now, was about three hundred souls, and the first trustees of the parish were Michael J. Conway and Eli J. Ducharme.

The church itself, built by Irving Bassett from the plans and specifications of Maginnis, Walsh and Sullivan, Boston architects, has a seating capacity for approximately four hundred. The dedication of the church and the blessing of the bell both occurred on the same day, April 2, 1905, the Bishop of Fall River, Right Rev. William Stang, D. D., presiding at both ceremonies, morning and afternoon. The land for both church and rectory were purchased of Zenophile Yelle, and the grounds were beautifully embellished with trees, shrubbery and vines, making a very pleasing picture, particularly in the summer. The church was decorated as to its interior in 1921 by John Bielenberg, of Boston, and a handsome stained glass window from Munich was placed above the altar in 1923, and dedicated to the memory of Rev. Father Fox and the thirty-seven boys from this parish who participated in the World War. The subject of the representation upon the window is: "Christ Blessing the Children."

_ To this date, there have been but two pastors: Rev. Father Martin J. Fox, 1904, to August, 1917, the date of his death; and Rev. Father George F. Cain, from September, 1917, to the present, Father Cain having been curate at St. Matthew's Church in Fall River. The curates have been - both during the present pastorate - Rey. Father William J. Smith and the one now serving, Rev. Father Felix Labonté.

The Portuguese people in the central part of the city have their church home at St. Anthony's, at the corner of Washburn and School streets, where they worship today in the basement of the church that Rev. Father A. F. Louro proposes to complete in a short time. Father Louro came to Taunton in April, 1903, having been appointed here by the Right Rev. Bishop Matthew Harkins, of the Providence diocese. Father Louro's mission in Taunton was to organize the parish of St. Anthony, and that he did to the satisfaction of the nearly three thousand Portuguese who desired a priest who might address them in their language, and provide a place of worship for a large part of the townspeople. When he first came here, Father Louro occupied for his parsonage a house on Weir street, and in a part of the parsonage he fitted up a chapel where services were held on week days for a few years. Father Louro also at that time had charge of a congregation at South Dighton. On Sunday, services were held at the Temperance Hall, on Trescott street, and later at the Foresters' Hall, at Weir Village.

Right Rev. Bishop William Stang, of the Providence diocese, caused this parish to be divided in 1905, the year when Father Louro purchased the land on School street, where the church foundation was laid. One year later the church basement and the rectory were built. In 1905, Rev. Father Manuel F. Silva, of Fall River, was appointed to take charge of the southern part of the parish, at Weir Village, which had been started through the efforts of Father Louro. This priest also purchased land at the rear of his School street church and rectory, in order to be ablé to carry out any plans for building in the future.

A large community of Portuguese people have their homes at Weir Village. In 1905, Right Rev. Bishop William Stang appointed Rev. Father Manuel A. Silva, of Fall River, to the pastorate of Our Lady of Lourdes. September 26, 1906, the church was started, and the foundations laid. Bishop Stang had charge of the ceremony at the laying of the cornerstone, July 1, 1906, and the church was dedicated by the bishop, December 3, 1906. Rev. Manuel Travassos, who had been assistant at St. John's Church, in New Bedford, was appointed pastor, November 20, 1911, and the present pastor, Rev. Father Augustino Santos, came here November 20, 1913. The curates have been Fathers Manuel Cordeiro, Manuel Vallela, and Joaquin Fortuna. Fifty-four soldiers of the' World War were members of this parish.

Large numbers of French-speaking people arriving in Whittenton, the northern section of the city, from time to time, their employment being at the mills and factories, the need became more and more apparent of a church of their own. Hence it was that Rey. Father Alfred Carrier received his appointment here, and St. Jacques Church was built in June, 1904. The convent was built in 1922, the sisters entering in April that year. The curate is Rev. Father Joseph S. Larue. One hundred and twenty-five members of this parish served in the World War, and the list has two gold stars.

The Polish-speaking population of Taunton, mostly employed in the mills and foundries, some proprietors of small stores, and living in all parts of the city, are communicants at Holy Rosary Church, on Bay street, Whittenton. Rev. Father Hugo Dylla was appointed by the bishop to take charge of the parish in 1907, and the church was built in 1908. The edifice was dedicated by Right Rev. Daniel F. Feehan, D. D., in 1909, and Rev. Stanislaus Basinski came to the parish in 1912. The present pastor is Rev. Father Michael Dreszouski, and the parish has sixteen hundred souls.