Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-04-18
GROWTH OF CATHOLICI1Y.
Some of the Pioneers of the Faith in Waterbury.

Some of the Pioneers of the Faith in Waterbury.
 The photograph of the old Catholic school building, with all the old parish oners was to have been taken at D. m. to-day, but on account of the weather has been postponed. This building, which is one of the oldest landmarks of Catholicity in this city, was purchashed from St Johns church congregation by the Rev Michael O'Neil in the fall of 1847. The building then stood on the west end of the green. It was the intention of the Catholics to re- move it to the corner of East Main and Dublin streets, and the work of building a cellar was commenced. Before the work had advanced it was thought advisable to remove it to the land where it now stands, and through the energy of the parishoners and the efforts of Patrick Ramon, father of Captain Ramon, whose memory is fondly cherished by the old residents, who gave him the title of judge, because he used to settle all difficulties, collection was taken up and before the building was occupied it was free from debt On Christ mas day, 1847, Father O'Neil said the first mass in the building, and the Catholics, who, previous to this, had some times wor- shiped in Gothic hall and some times at the house of Michael Neville, began to feel that they had obtained foothold in the community. The building was occupied Hendricken, who found that the growth of Catholicity was advancing and that new church was needed and as result of his labors the church of the Immaculate Conception was erected. The old building was used for many years as Catholic school. It will shortly be re- moved and handsome brick block will take it's place. The building will be three stories high with brown stone front and will be built of the best brick On the first floor there will be two stores, with gymna- sium and reading rooms, on the second, a Sunday school class room and two offices, and on the third a large hall with ante rooms, the whole being thoroughly ventil- ated and pleasantly lighted. The trustees of the parish met last night and the con- tract of J. w. Gaffney for doing the mason and brick work, and Charles OConner for the carpenter work were approved and signed.
 Although death has removed @ large number of the old residents whe struggled hard for their religion, still a number are alive to witness the erection of the new building. Among thoseswho were here when the old building was purchased are; John O'Neil. jr, John Reed, William McDermott, James Moran Of Mlll street, John Hutchln- son, MT and Mrs Michael Dor ahue of Spring street, John Calvin of Elm street, Patrick Mcdonald of Ridge street. Andrew Moran of Cooke street, MT and Mrs James Lunny and Mrs Thomas Claffy of East Main street, MT and Mrs Michael Downey of Baldwin street, Mrs Moran of Cherry street, Mrs Jane Downey of Pleasant street, Michael Ramon and MT and Mrs William Bannon of the Brooklyn district, Mrs Ann Clafy of Dublin street, John Byrnes, East Main stret; Fenton and Martin Phalon, Ridge street; Thomas Delaney, Matthew White, Grove street; John Brophy, Dublin street; Dennis Shay, Bridge street; Patrick McMahon, North Grove street; Thomas Coyle, Pine street; Patrick Rigney, Franklin street; Michael Bower, Stone street; James and Martin Wall, Quarry st, eet; Miles Mccarthy, Adams street, and Edward Delaney of Ridge street.