Retrospect of Seventy-seven Years
of the
Parish of Cobourg
A.D.
1837-1914.
Of the
PARISH OF COBOURG
****
First Church
To those who peruse this Booklet a retrospect of the beginning, progress and completion of the work carried on in the Parish of Cobourg from its foundation in 1837 to the present year, 1914, may be of interest.
Originally the Church of the parish of Cobourg was under the patronage of St. Polycarp, having been organized in November of the year 1837 by the Reverend Alexander F. Kernan. He called together the few Catholics of this locality to discuss the advisability of building a church. They willingly assented and in time the building was completed and dedicated to God under the invocation of St. Polycarp. It was a frame structure 75 ft. by 15 ft. with tower and spire and was erected on the old Ruttan property, William Street. The congregation at that time numbered about 50 [?]. Father Kernan continued to administer to the [?] wants of the parish, which then comprised the West Riding of Northumberland, until the year 1842 when he was accidentally killed near Toronto. At the request of the parishioners of Cobourg, he was buried under the church he had built. In 1895 during the pastorate of Reverend E.H. Murray when the church on William St. was being vacated, his body and that of Reverend M. Timlin were removed to the central mound in the parish cemetery. On the plates of the respective coffins were found the following inscriptions—
native of County Galway, Ireland, who
departed May 13, 1842. Age 38 years.”
“Reverend Father Timlin, died May
23, 1877. Aged 86 years.”
Father Kernan was succeeded in 1842 by Reverend Wm. Dolan, who built the first parochial residence near the church on William Street. During his incumbency on May 16, 1844, the parish was visited by the Most Reverend Patrick Phelan, Co-adjutor to Most Reverend Remigius Gaulin, Bishop of Kingston. He administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to persons and erected the Stations of the Cross in the church. His mandate, inserted by himself in the parish register, calls on the parishioners to contribute more generously to the support of the pastor and payment of the Church debt; and gives orders to set apart a Potter’s Field in the graveyard, and to make some necessary repairs on the foundation of the church; to arrange certain fixed rates for burial permits and family plots, and to build a sacristy on the East end of the church. A week after this visit Father Dolan, with the authority of Bishop Phelan, erected the Confraternity of the Holy Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
In the summer of 1844 Father Dolan resigned, going away for his health and he was replaced by Reverend Michael Timlin, who remained in charge of the parish for 33 years. During the six years from 1847 to 1853 Bishop Phelan, the energetic Co-adjutor of the Bishop of Kingston, visited the parish six times to encourage the progress of the Mission and to administer Confirmation. In 1850 the church was found to be too small for the increased congregation and a brick addition [?] [?] ft. was built to the former frame structure. The wooden portion was destroyed by fire in 1854 and Father Timlin immediately began the work of re-building the burnt part in brick and with such success that mass was again said within the walls on Christmas of next year.
On the Feast of St. Michael, 1856, the new church was [?] dedicated to God under the title of St. [?] [?] Most Reverend Bishop Phelan in the pre-[?] Very Reverend Patrick Dollard. V.G., Reverend [?] [?] [?]. Pastor of Cobourg, and Reverend K. [?], Pastor of Port Hope. The Bishop also erected the stations of the Cross and gave Confirmation.
In 18[?], 18[?] and 1871 Most Reverend E.J. Horan, Bishop of Kingston, under his Episcopal visitation [?] gave Confirmation to 441 persons.
In 1875 Father Timlin, on account of the weight of years and failing health, asked of the Most Reverend Dr. O’Brien, the newly appointed Bishop of Kingston that an assistant should be sent to the parish. In response to his request, Reverend Michael Larkin was sent as curate. During the next 2 years the Al[?] Society was organized and the Church in Grafton begun.
On May 23, 1877, the aged Rector of the Parish passed to his reward. His funeral on May 25th was attended by a large gathering of the clergy and [?] Bishop O’Brien preached his funeral sermon. Fr. Timlin’s remains were interred in the crypt of the church where they reposed until 1895 when they were removed to the centre of the parish cemetery. The stained glass window in the chancel of the new church perpetuates his memory.
Father Larkin remained in charge of the parish for 2 years. In June, 1897, Reverend E.H. Murray was appointed Pastor, his parish comprising the Town of Cobourg and the Townships of Hamilton and [?] Monaghan. The Eastern portion of the mission erected into a new parish under the charge of Reverend Michael Larkin, who fixed his residence in Grafton.
In 1881 a large bell was procured for the church and was solemnly christened by Most Reverend James Vincent Cleary, Bishop of Kingston, on July 30th of that year. The new bell was called John James, in honor of Most Reverend John O’Brien and Most Reverend James Vincent Cleary, Bishops of the diocese.
During the next year the Diocese of Peterborough erected into an Episcopal See and Cobourg was in[?] in the new diocese. Most Reverend John [?] [?], first Bishop of Peterborough, made his [?] Episcopal visit to Cobourg on Nov. 12, 1882, when he confirmed 137 persons. He also erected the Stations of the Cross, paintings in water-colors, which had been purchased by the Pastor, in Paris in 1874.
Father Murray considered the old Separate School [?] insufficient for the needs of the parish [?] [?] to establish a Convent and school [?]. Accordingly he sold the old building to [?] [?], one of the parishioners, and purchased [?] [?] and grounds of the Brookhurst Ladies’ [?] [?] which he fitted for Convent and School purposes. On September 5th, 1883, Bishop Jamot blessed the Chapel of the Convent of St. Joseph, as a public oratory. On the same day the convent and school were blessed and classes were begun under the Sisters of St. Joseph, from Toronto.
The first teachers in the new Convent School were Reverend Mother Austin, Reverend Sisters Petronilla, Irene, Theodosia, Paulin, Maxentia and Margaret.
In this long period of time, during which so many pupils have come with various talents and much to distract them from their school studies because of attractions and amusements found in small towns and other circumstances standing as obstacles to the application of the young mind to school work. Nevertheless the results from the teaching abilities of the Sisters have proved their remarkable efficiency. The school is divided into four different grades. Sisters in charge of each, hold the required Government certificates and their success in advancing their [?] boys and girls, from grade to grade, until they are found ready to pass those difficult examinations demanded by the Education Department for Entry into the High Schools or Collegiate Institutes, has seen by the large number of those who in these years have gone from our school to the Collegiate Institute. Not only have they obtained the percentage of marks required, but our annual record shows may have not only passed with honors but on occasions have won the scholarship.
In this historical sketch of the Parish of Cobourg it would be a serious omission to not place on record these facts connected with our school work, facts which are well known in out town and a special source of pride to the parents of our children and an honorable mention which should be placed in the Annals of our Parish regarding the patient work carried on so successfully by the Sisters of St. Joseph during the [?] years.
Meanwhile a necessary work had been going on in [?] [?] of the parish. The village of Harwood, [?] [?] on the south shore of Rice Lake, with a population of about 500 people, had been from the beginning a portion of the Cobourg Mission. Mass had been said for a number of years once a month in a [?] and the time was now considered ripe for the erection of a suitable church. Accordingly the church was erected by Reverend Father Murray. Mr. [?] of Cobourg, being the builder. It was [?] by Most Reverend Bishop Jamot on [?], under the title of the Sacred Heart [?]. High Mass was sung by Reverend Father [?] of Perth, and the sermon was preached by [?] Murray, P.P. of Cornwall.
[?] Harwood was separated from Cobourg [?] [?] [?] with Burnley, forming a new parish under the charge of Reverend James Sweeney.
In the parish of Cobourg proper, several religious societies had been organized by Reverend Father Murray in 1883, viz.: the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin for young women; the Sodality of the Holy Angels for girls and the Sodality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for young men. In 1889 this last Sodality was merged into the League of the Sacred Heart and Apostleship of Prayer which was organized at the request of the pastor, by Reverend Father Connolly, S.J., of Montreal. The Altar Society was re-organized and put on a new basis.
In the year 1884 the parish was twice visited by the Most Reverend Bishop Jamot. During his first visit he erected the Stations of the Cross in the Convent Chapel and on his return he have Confirmation to 80 persons.
On account of the distance which separated priest’s residence from the majority of his flock, the old presbytery was sold in 1885 to Mr. Wm. [?] member of the parish, and a new one was erected on the property on which the Convent and School also stood.
The years 1888 and 1892 were unmarked by Episcopal visitations. On June 3rd of the former year, Reverend Thomas A. Dowling, Bishop of Peterborough confirmed 102 persons and on June 12th, 1892, Most Revered R.A. O’Connor, who had succeeded to the Diocesan See, gave Confirmations to 141 persons.
One important work remained to be done to place the parish on a proper basis. The growth of the Town for years past had been away from the quarter in which the church was located. Moreover, on account of a necessary haste in building, the foundations had never been very strong and after 40 years gave signs of instability. In consideration of these facts, Dr. O’Connor, Bishop of the See, yielded to the urgent request of Father Murray, regarding the construction of a new church on the property on which the presbytery, convent and school already stood. The pastor and people went to work with great alacrity and excavations were immediately begun.
The corner-stone was laid by Most Reverend R.A. O’Connor on June 9th, 1895 at 4 P.M. The Bishop was assisted by the pastor, Reverend M. Lynch, of Port Hope. The sermon was preached by Reverend W.B. McColl, of Ennismore. Over 3000 people were in attendance.
The work proceeded with great rapidity an the solemn dedication was held on February 23rd, 1896, His Lordship Bishop O’Connor, officiating. Following is the official entry of the event signed by his Lordship.
On the 23rd of February, 1896, We, the undersigned Bishop, have, with the prescribed solemnities, dedicated the Church of St. Michael, Division Street, Cobourg. Said Church built of brick with stone foundation.
Length 120 ft.
Width 52 ft.
Height of Walls 24 ft.
Plans drawn by J. Belcher, Architect.
Stone Work by Jno Hayes, Peterborough.
Carpenter Work by Carruthers & Gordon, Cobourg.
Painting by Fetherston, Cobourg.
Plumbing by W.R. Whitelaw, Cobourg.
Plastering by Jas. Comrie, Cobourg.
Building Committee:--Messrs. E.C. McNicholl, M. D., J.B. McColl, Jas. Bulger, Ed. Gordon, M. Quinn, D. Rooney, Jas. Butler.
The first Mass was sung by Dean Murray, P.P. of Trenton, and first Benediction given by Beau Murray, P.P. of Trenton; sermon. – Venerable Archdeacon Casey, Peterborough.
Reverend Clergy present:--
Venerable Archdeacon Casey, Peterborough.
Very Reverend Dean Murray, Trenton.
Reverend W.J. McColl, Ennismore.
Reverend W. Keilty, Douro.
Reverend T. Collins, Brighton.
Reverend E.H. Murray, Cobourg.
+ R.A. O’Connor,
The new church is a red brick building with stone foundation. In front, two square towers flank the main entrance. At the rear is a spacious vestry 30 ft. by 16 ft. Interiorly it is divided into a nave wish 2 side aisles, by fluted Ionic columns which have pilasters to match on the side walls. Over the entrance is a gallery for the choir. The pipe-organ which was put in a few months later was built by Warren & Co. of Toronto. An ornate communion-rail of oak supported by brass standards, separating the sanctuary from the body of the church, was donated by Miss Harrington, of Cobourg.
The windows, 13 in number, are of figured glass and are the gifts of:--
Very Reverend Dean Murray.
Reverend E.H. Murray.
Mr. Moylan, Ottawa.
Mr. P. Delanty and the Misses Lucy.
Miss McCabe, Port Hope.
Mr. Donegan, Los Angeles.
Mr. Juo Grosjean.
Mrs. P. McGwan.
The C.M.B.A. Branch of Cobourg.
The I.C.B.U. Branch of Cobourg.
The Altar Society.
The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin.
The Pupils of the Convent School.
On September 6, 1896, the Most Reverend R. A. O’Connor, Bishop of Peterborough, administered the Sacrament of Holy Orders in this church, raising to the dignity of the priesthood the Reverend F. P. Duffy, a native of this parish. The sermons on the occasion at High Mass and at Vespers were preached by Reverend Dr. Teefy, Pressident of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, and the Venerable Archdeacon Casey, Rector of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Peterborough. The Most Reverend Dr. O’Connor, the ordaining Prelate, was assisted by the following clergy:--Reverend Dr. Teefy; Ven. Archdeacon Casey; Reverend Father Lynch, P.P. of Port Hope; Reverend Father Larkin, P.P. of Grafton; Reverend Father Kelly, C.S.B. of St. Michael’s College, Toronto; Reverend M.J. O’Brien, Sub-deacon and Master of Ceremonies; Reverend Mr. Hourigan, Syracuse, N.Y.; Mr. Aveling of the College of the Propaganda, Rome, and Reverend E.H. Murray P.P. of Cobourg. This was the first ordination held in this parish.
In November following, Confirmation was administered to 96 persons by the Most Reverend Bishop O’Connor, the ceremony taking place after the High Mass. The Vespers were sung by Reverend Father Fitzpatrick of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Peterborough, and His Lordship addressed the congregation in his own interesting and eloquent manner.
In the past eighteen years improvements of various kinds have been made, prominent among which, worthy of mention, is the magnificent altar, blessed on November 7th, 1896, by the Most Reverend Bishop O’Connor, attaching to it the Indulgences of the “Privileged Altar,” by virtue of faculties granted him by Our Most Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII, in an audience on January 14, 1896.
On either side of the altar in shrine-like position are seen two beautiful statues of the Blessed Virgin an St. Joseph, the former being donated by Mrs. Jno. Healey, the latter by Mr. Jno. Doyle.
Further among the improvements are the improved method of electric lighting and the steam heating system provided for the church by Miss Mary Leonard of this parish.
Some five years ago the decoration of the Church was begun by a celebrated artist, P.C. Browne of Toronto, and under his master hand, the sanctuary was embellished by a series of paintings, which during the year 1913, has been extended throughout the entire church.
The Church is a Romanesque structure of Basilican type, in section showing the triple arch, emblematic of the Trinity.
