From: "Carol McK" <[email protected]> Here is the complete chapter. It was scanned from the booklet, BTW. Though I tried to proof it, there may still be errors. Source Account of Old Home Week, Cambridge, N.Y. : September 10, 11 and 12, 1916 : together with historical sermons and other matters; Source: Original data: Account of Old Home Week, Cambridge, N.Y. : September 10, 11 and 12, 1916 : together with historical sermons and other matters relating to it. unknown: unknown, 1916. Old home week in Cambridge, 1916 Introduction, Old Home Week, Centennial Sermon, A history of the Coila congregation, A history of the Whiteside church, The story of the Second Methodist Church in America; 146 years of Methodism in the Old Town of Cambridge, An historical review of the Presbyterian Church, Excerpts from the discourse by Rev. D. J. Leonard, O. S. A., Rector of St. Patrick's Church on the Sunday Ushering in "Old Home Week"--September 10, 1916, History of the First Baptist Church, Cambridge, N. Y., Relating to the old town of Cambridge prior to April 1, 1816, Letters from those who could not come, List of most of the articles in the antique exhibit building during Old Home Week, Registered list of guests, Cambridge schools, Cambridge village, Communication. Excerpts from the Discourse by Rev. D. J. Leonard, St. Patrick's Church, on O.S.A., Rector of St. Patrick's church the Sunday Ushering in "Old Home Week"<>[1] September 10, 1916 A HUNDRED YEARS AGO !-FIFTY YEARS AGONE !- TWENTY-FIVE AGONE! "No preacher is listened to but Time: which gives us the same train and turn of thought that elder people have tried in vain to put into our hearts."-(Jonathan Swift). It is not apathy or indifference, my friends, to the celebration of "Old Home Week" that will explain all too great brevity or any manifest unevenness in my remarks on this commemorative occasion. Rather is my fondly cherished but ruthlessly shattered hope that another might have been here, clad in Episcopal robes, to recount in familiar accents some of the events in the Cambridge of yesterday of which he was a large part and .to which his mind lovingly reverts today, if though his feet tarry by the way-I refer to Rt. Rev. W. A. Jones, D. D., O. S. A., Bishop of Porto Rico. Consulting the records of our small parish which are by no means easy of access, we are forced to confine ourselves to such events as have found place only in fugitive scraps of information as were gath°©ered in book-form by the enterprise of private persons. In the "History of Washington County, New York," published by Lippincott & Co., of Philadelphia, Pa., we read that Rev. Geo. A. Meagher of the Order of "Priests of St. Augustine", who was pastor of this church in 1874, gave this rather succinct account of the early days in so far as he had definite knowledge.<>[i] He says: "The first Mass in the town of Cambridge was celebrated in the house of James Connaughty, by Rev. J. B. Daly, in the fall of 1839, and in the house of Edward Fox, in 1840, by the same priest. He then had a very large parish. It comprised the western HISTORY of ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH 91 half of Massachusetts, the whole of New Hampshire and Vermont, also the northeastern part of New York from Troy to Lake Champlain. In 1841, the Rev. Father Quinn, then living with Father Shananhan, pastor of St. Peter's church, Troy; celebrated Mass at Buskirk's Bridge. The congregation numbered forty-five. Shortly after, Father Coyle was appointed pastor of Rensselaer and Washington Counties. He built the first Catholic church in Schaghticoke, holding missions in both counties for about two years. He was succeeded by Father Gilligan, who did the same for about one year. - The next priest was Father Farley, since pastor in Jamaica, L. I., . who was permanently stationed in Schaghticoke, and officiated in both counties in different places. He was the first priest who possessed a horse and buggy in these parts. He celebrated the first Mass in the old Baptist church at Hoosick Falls. There was no place he could secure in the village of Cambridge, as much prejudice then existed against Catholicism. He went, however, up the mountain, and celebrated Mass in some poor Irishman's (James Bain's) humble dwelling. He was next sent to Lansingburgh, and, in 1850, was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Hugh Quigley. In the fall of 1853, during the construction of the Troy and Boston, and Rutland and Washington railroads, Father Quigley began to build the present St. Patrick's church, previous to which he said Mass in the old- brick school house on North Park Street (now a dwelling,) and also in the house or wagon-shop of Thomas McGrane (since burned down), opposite Mr. Potter's dwelling; subsequently in the old hall where Mr. Fuller's block now stands. This old hall was burned in 1866. In the spring of 1855, Father Havermans took charge and com°©pleted the present church edifice. During his government the Revs. Herfkins Bradley and L'Abbe Cheves, from the Albany Cathedral, all officiated in this parish. The records of marriages and deaths during their administration are still to be seen in fairly good condition in our rectory. In November, 1856, Rev. Jonathan Furlong was appointed pastor. He died in the spring of 1857, and his remains were buried under the altar of the present church. Later they were re-interred in the new cemetery. 92 OLD HOME WEEK In July, 1857, Rev. John McDermott became pastor, and continued until the fall of 1862, when the parish came under the care of the Augustinian Fathers from Philadelphia, Pa., who at present have charge. Father McDermott had as a parish, Hoosick Falls, Buskirk's Bridge, Cambridge and Salem, where he built, in 1859, the church of the Holy Cross, since replaced by the present one built by Fr. Dona°©hue, late of Albany. Fr. McDermott enlarged and decorated the church in Hoosick Falls, built a fine addition to the pastoral residence here, and otherwise beautified the place. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH AND PAROCHIAL HOUSE, CAMBRIDGE, N. Y. He was succeeded, in October, 1862, by Rev. James A. Darragh, O. S. A., now an invalid at Villanova College, Pa. His assistant was Rev. Edward M. Mullen, O. S. A. The mission was the same in extent that Fr. McDermott attended ; that is, from Buskirk's Bridge on the south, to Granville on the north, and from the State line on the east to the Hudson River on the west above Schaghticoke. Father Darragh was succeeded by Rev. E. Aug. Dailey, O. S. A., in "August, 1865, who attended to this extensive mission himself for one year. The next year Rev. Edward C. Donnelly, O. S. A., came as assistant and officiated in Salem and Cambridge-Father Dailey HISTORY of ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH 93 attending to Hoosick Falls until his removal in April, 1867, to this place, which then became a separate parish. Father Donnelly became pastor of Cambridge and Salem, and had as assistant, Rev. Timothy Hayes, O. S. A., who died in 1869. Rev. James D. Waldron, O. S. A., became pastor November 21, 1868, and in January, 1869, opened the mission in Greenwich, saying Mass in Temperance Hall, in the Brick Block, every second Sunday, until the present church was bought from the Methodists, and fitted up by his successor, Rev. J. J. Fedigan, O. S. A., who became pastor in 1870. There were in Greenwich about sixty families when Father Fedi°©gan said the first Mass and about eighty children in the Sunday school. Sunday schools were opened in each of the missions as soon as they were begun. Father Fedigan, O. S. A., had as assistants, the follow°©ing.: Rev. Father McDonald, who returned to Europe in 1872-73 Rev. Timothy O'Donovan, O. S. A., who died as pastor of Schaghti°©coke in January, 1875 ; also Rev. Thomas A. Field, O. S. A., since pastor in Mechanicville, Saratoga County. It was under Father Fedi°©gan that St. Joseph's in Greenwich became what it is now (1874), a beautiful Roman Catholic church. He was succeeded in January, 1874, by Rev. George A. Meagher, O. S. A., who made many improvements, not the least among them being the purchase of a bell for the church, the sweetest-toned in this valley. In September, 1875, Father Dailey returned to Cambridge and succeeded Father Field as assistant, and is now (1874) living with Father Meagher. During Father Fedigan's pastorate, Salem, became a separate parish under Father O'Sullivan of Albany diocese. In August, 1874, Father Meagher, began the church at Buskirk's Bridge, and held a service there every second Sunday, Father Donnelly of Hoosick Falls is now (1874) in charge of his mission. In the fall of 1875, Father Meagher built a chapel at White Creek village, and held services once a month, and sometimes oftener. Services have also been held at Shushan, in Congdons Hall, and in private houses. Mis°©sion work has been commenced at Bald Mountain by Father Dailey of Greenwich, who says Mass in the hall over Mr. Burke's residence. near the lime-kilns. Before 1870 Mass was said in Greenwich by Father Fedigan. Services were frequently held in Easton (North) and Barker's Grove, in this County, by Rev. Louis M. Edge, O. S. A., and Rev. G. A. Meagher, O. S. A., both pastors successively in Schaghticoke." 94 OLD HOME WEEK Thus far the printed history takes us. Father Meagher was succeeded by Father Bowles, a priest of large heart but of thrilling eccentricities as all who knew him will admit. We recall the exclamation of delight made by a devout woman of the parish on her first entrance to St. Patrick's church after it had been renovated and brilliantly lighted up a few years ago-"Glory be, isn't it fine! I thought I was in heaven, till I saw Fr. Bowles and then I knew where I was." After a term of two years Rev. Wm. A. Marsden ,O. S. A., was succeeded by Father Francis A. McCranor, O. S. A., under whose splendid foresight the future Bishop Jones was directed to prepare for the priesthood in Villanova and who today presides over the See of Porto Rico which diocese was erected by Pope Julius IL August 8, 1511-or nineteen years after Columbus discovered America. Father McCranor also enlarged the church to its present dimen°©sons and otherwise wrought well both here and in Hoosick Falls, where he died March, 1914. Father Maurice J. Murphy, O. S. A., comes next-a man of childlike simplicity who won the love of all. As his assistant, Rev. Augustine Leonard, O. S. A., is well remembered here, having died here March 22, 1894, at the early age * of 32 years. Father Jeremiah J. Ryan, O. S. A., labored here for four years, though not of robust health and was succeeded in 1890 by Rev. Thos. A. Field, O. S. A who has been mentioned already many times by reason of his long priestly services in this diocese. For a while there dwelt among us, at this time, one whom as a luminary in the literary and ecclesiastical world, and yet as guileless as a child, viz: Rev. F. X. McGowan, O. S. A., whose sermons both written and- spoken were such as only real scholars are wont to give. We are today, my brethren, a congregation of seven hundred and eighty souls (780) of whom just 300 are children under 18 years. HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH 95 Four hundred and ten are of the devout female sex and three hundred and sixty are males. Many think we have a fairly ideal parish with some advantages not enjoyed in all rural districts. However, we thank God this blessed day for being called to His Holy Faith and for the service this church has done to our kith and kin since its earliest day. Hither your parents came on the Lord's day for prayer and pub°©lic worship. Here they were cheered and consoled to behold "the beauty of the throne of God, and the place where His Glory dwelleth." (Psa. 25-8). Here they forgot the world and its toils and its vanities when they came within the walls of this temple; every emblem of which is calculated to prefigure to the Catholic mind "the eternal good things that are to come." Once within these sacred precincts we, as they did, bid farewell (for the time being) to all mun°©dane thoughts, to think on the higher things. (Sursum corda). They reverently besprinkled themselves and their children with the water sanctified by the benediction of the Church, impressing on their mind the necessity of purity of intention and simplicity of heart while engaged in the service of the Lord. The emblems of angels and saints. here and there, reminded them of the watchful care of guardian angels. The sanctuary's spreading arch awed them with thoughts of the Majesty of the Most High-the tones of the organ elevated by voices harmonizing in the tuneful praises of the Lord, seemed as if identified with the celestial choirs singing praises for ever to Him "who was, who is and who ever shall be." (Apoc. IV). The priestly vestments represented to them the attractive beauty and attributes of the Eternal; the lights brilliantly reflected the joys of Paradise and the incense-the homage of their adoration; the fragrance of the flowers adorning the altar bespoke the odor of edifying and Christian conversation; the pictures of the saints placed in relief those virtues that made them favorites of heaven and exhort us today as then to cultivate the same, as we hope to join them in the hereafter. The Crucifix brought them in spirit to the foot of Calvary where the Saviour died for our Redemption, as it today excites in us contrition for our sins, for we know it was sin that fixed Him a bleeding victim upon the cross and it impresses us with love for Him "who blotted out the handwriting that was against us."-but above all did they rivet their eyes on the Tabernacle wherein is contained the Holy of Holies. How glorious the thought !-how entrancing the desire of 96 OLD HOME WEEK their simple devout souls to prostrate themselves in the presence of their Lord Jesus Christ there to crave mercy, peace and benediction from the very source of power, of sanctity and love ! Truly "this is none other than the home of God and Gate of Heaven"-and such has it been for your predecessors-such may it continue to be for yourselves ! Here for more than half a century have been enunciated the same unchanging doctrines-"the faith once delivered to the saints;" here taught obedience to God and the civil authority; here we partook of the seven sacraments as taught by Christ through His church : the Holy Catholic Apostolic Church--Holy in Her Founder; Holy in Her doctrine, Holy in the lives of so many of Her saintly members. Yes, saints have lived near this altar; saints have been carried hence to yonder cemetery but their souls are with God. Ye salute the blest spirits of those gone before-some have their names on memorial window or station or on marble tablet-and there were others whose holy lives were their only and best gifts to their children. "I think upon the days of old." "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord." To recapitulate-Four Popes have known and blessed anon this little parish; Pius IX, Leo XIII, Pius X and Benedict XV. Five Bishops have shepherded us,-McCloskey, Conroy, McNierney, Burke and Cusack. Four and twenty priests have ministered to your spiritual wants and you "who have been instructed in the word, have indeed communicated to him that instructed him, in all good things." (Gal. V. 25, VI. I-io). A Bishop, priests, nuns, authors, teachers, physicians, judges, architects, contractors, nurses, converts, have adorned the records of this parish; men too, and woman of great faith and noble char°©acter, these were where we are now-let us be heartened today as we think of them above with the God whom they loved and worshipped, that where they are now, we may some day, by God's grace be, safe in the Arms of Jesus.-Amen. [Following is my list of Priests made from names Leonard has mentioned within the pages rel. to St. Pat's.] 1. Father Havermans 1855 2. Rev. Herfkins Bradley 3. Rev. L'Abbe Cheves 4. Rev. Jonathan Furlong 1856 5. Rev. John McDermott 1857-1862 6. Rev. James A. Darragh 1862 7. Rev. Edward M. Mullen 1862 8. Rev. E. Aug. Dailey August, 1865 9. Rev. Edward C. Donnelly 1866 10. Rev. Timothy Hayes 1867 11. Rev. James D. Waldron 1868 12. Rev. J. J. Fedigan 1870 13. Rev. Father McDonald 1870 14. Rev. Timothy O'Donovan 1870 15. Rev. Thomas A. Field 1870-1890 16. Rev. George A. Meagher 1875 17. Rev. Louis M. Edge 18. Father Bowles 19. Rev. Wm. A. Marsden 20. Father Francis A. McCranor 21. Father Maurice J. Murphy 22. Rev. Augustine Leonard 1894 [died] 23. Father Jeremiah J. Ryan 1886-1890 24. Rev. F. X. McGowan Carol T McK Glen Allen, VA <>[1] Account of Old Home Week, Cambridge, N.Y. : September 10, 11 and 12, 1916 : together with historical sermons and other matters; Source: Original data: Account of Old Home Week, Cambridge, N.Y. : September 10, 11 and 12, 1916 : together with historical sermons and other matters relating to it. unknown: unknown, 1916. Old home week in Cambridge, 1916 Sections: Introduction, Old Home Week, Centennial Sermon, A history of the Coila congregation, A history of the Whiteside church, The story of the Second Methodist Church in America; 146 years of Methodism in the Old Town of Cambridge, An historical review of the Presbyterian Church, Excerpts from the discourse by Rev. D. J. Leonard, O. S. A., Rector of St. Patrick's Church on the Sunday Ushering in "Old Home Week"--September 10, 1916, History of the First Baptist Church, Cambridge, N. Y., Relating to the old town of Cambridge prior to April 1, 1816, Letters from those who could not come, List of most of the articles in the antique exhibit building during Old Home Week, Registered list of guests, Cambridge schools, Cambridge village, Communication, <>[i] History of Washington County NY- Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent men and Pioneers - Philadelphia: Everts & Ensign 1878 Press of J.B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia [Johnson, Crisfield] No info past 1878 obviously.