The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-06-06
VERY Rev. T. BIRMINGHAM, d. D.-At

noon. yesterday, despatch was received
ut the Convent Of the Sisters Nof Meroy
IN this city, from New York, announcing
the sad intelligence Of the death OF this
much esteemed gentleman and revered
pastor. But few days ago he ventured
upon his last journey. to seek recovery
0f his failing health in more braoing
atmosphere; but his strength continued
tn fail, and now he is among the dead
He was b. tier and more widely known in
thus community as Father Bermipgham,
Tor all WHO knew him addressed him by
this paternal title, conferred for his
priestiy character, and as tribute of the
eminence in which he was held by those
ot his faith to whom he had ministercd
the consultations Of religion. He was
born in the County of Tipperary, Ire-
land, in the year 1907, and had com
pleted his seventy. fifth year when be
died. After leaving his native country.
IN 1927. he first landed in Canada. which
he was soon forced to leave on account
OF impaired health caused by the extreme
rigor OF that climate. and from thence
came to Charleston about the close OF the
year 1879. and, entering the seminary OF
Bishop England. in this city, finished
his ecclesiastical course, and was, in 1881,
ordained by the distinguished prelate
who had prepared and perfected him for
tho priesthood. His first mission was to
Columbus. Georgia. which was then in
clnded IN this diocese; from thence he
wH' transferred to Columbia and EiRe
held, South Chrolina. where for years be
discharged the duties of pastor. In this
latter mission ho was engaged and faith
Iully served until war became fragrant in
1862. 1t was while he was in charge OF
this mission that he erected the beautiful
granite church which now adorns the
village Of Edgeield, raised at cost OF
over $50, 600, which he gathered to-
gether in small sums from his friends n
every part OF the country. HE dete.rni
nation in prosecuting this work was in.
domltnble. and his zeal aud energy were
only equaled by the success which
crowned his undertaking. In this, and
other works of charity, lie was occupied
during the whole of his active life.
At the close of the war, upon his re.
turn to Charleston, lie was appointed b1
the Rt Rev. Bishop Lynch, Vicar Gene
raj OF the Diocese of South Carolina,
and this dignity. with which he WAS then
Invested, he retained to the day of his
80 'ss"S wv y oato VI ulo llI6 he
chiefly devoted outside OF the charge OF
his spiritual duties-to the erection of q
worthy edifioe of Catholic Worship on
Sullivan's Island, suitable to the growing
population and Importance of this sea-
side summer resort.
Father Birmingham was widely known
throughout the State. and some OF his
best friends and advisers were members
OF the Protestant religion. He was al
energetic and useful citizen, giving en-
couragement by word and act to every
measure instituted for the public good
or public improvement. He was tho.
roughly naturalized in all his affectione
and his devotion to the State and peo.
pie who sustained him throughout forty
years of his life. In parting with him,
the Jealous pastor, the devoted Vicar,
the benefactor of the poor and the
religious, the good citizen, we can only
IBID fair peace to his sable shroud, and
sny hail! farewelll'-C Charleston Courier