Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-10-20
THE NEW BISHOP.
Biographical Sketch Of Very Rev. a Van
de yyyer.

Biographical Sketch Of Very Rev. a Van
de vyver.
Richt Rev. A. Van dc Vyver was born
December. isi5, in Haesdonck, East Fland-
ers, Belgium.
pursued his classical studies.
He soon determined 20 devote his life TO
the altar. and felt that America was the
proper field for his labors. In 1867 he en-
tered the American Missionary College mt
Louyain, and was ordained priest July "a,
1870, ut Brussels, in the private chapel OF
the kuncio Apostolic TO Belgium. Soon
after ordination he came TO America and
located in Virginia. having been appointed
an assistant pastor OF st. Peters Cathedral,
Richmond.
AT HARPER's FERRY
He was sent by Bishop Gibbons to Harp
er's Ferry as the successor Of the Right
Rev. John j. Kahn, of Wheeling, W. Va.
For six years he labored at that important
position in a manner that won for him the
friendship Of all with whom he came IN
contact.
The pastor at Harper's Ferry has parish
over seventy miles in length and several
counties in width. The stations are widely
scattered, and it requires his entire time to
attend the wants of his people.
vIcAR-GENERAL.
Father Van de Vyyer labored so success
fully that Bishop keane called MN TO
Richmond TO become pastor of the Cathe-
dral and yicar-general of the diocese when
the present Archbishop Janssens was made
Bishop of Naches.
Father Van De Vyver became admins.
traitor Of the diocese on the resignation or
Bishop Keane.
Ii is said that Bishops McGill. Gibbons,
and Keane all cherished a deep love for
the new Bishop, and agreed that he was
fitted for a high place in the Church.
PRIEST AND PASTOR.
In Father Van de Vyer vigorous intel
lect is joined to a robust physique. He Is
of the medium height. stout. and active.
His bearing marks decisiyencsS OF charac-
ter, while his face and head indicate intel
ligence and firmness, and his smile Is so
kindly and inviting that those who come
into his presence and greet him feel forth
with that he il their friend. In every depart
ment of priestly work that he has been
called upon to perform his duties have
been discharged with high-minded courage
and fidelity.
He is pleasant speaker and his sermons
mark the man Of culture, the thorough
student Of books and human nature, and
the devoted pastor. He is often very elO-
auent: but his discourses are usually
modelled for practical instruction and are
intended 20 reach aud do reach down into
the daily lives of his people. His palms.
taking care; his orderly mind and far
sightedness have been seen and felt for
good in the management Of the affairs OF
the diocese.
ALREADY TEIED.
Father Van de Vyyer has been already
tested. For two years or more the chief
responsibility of the diocese has been upon
him. as Bishop keane before he was actu-
ally relieved of his duties here was 50 over
whelmed with university cares that he was
compelled 10 resign much Of the diocesan
work into Father Van de Vyver's hands.
"FATHUG VAN"
This is the familiar name by which the
B;shop-clect is called by many of his people.
He was too modest ever to aspire 20 sue
coed Bishop Keane. and when unexpected
" the honor came he would have been
glad 10 decline It: but the selection had
been made because of his fitness, for those
IN higher station knew his goodness and
his abilities, and nothing was left 70 him
but 10 accept and TO carry forward the work
as Bishop in which he had shown such apt
ness rs phstor and vicar-general.
The new Bishop will bepopular with the
whole community.
He has the we'll balanced mind. the calm
judgment, the practical sense 10 win the
confidence of the people; and his good
ness viii win their hearts rs well.
In receiving the purple and entering
upon his high Office, all here wish him
success in saving souls and advancing the
kingdom Of Christ, well-knOwing that this
will be the happiness of his fondest wish.