The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-01-05
THE RIGHT REV. JOHN LoUaHLrN.

When Bishop Louahlin assumed charge
Of the Brooklyn diocese there was but a
handful OF churches In the place. and the
Catholic population was not very large.
The latest statistics, those for last year,
5 w that there are no less than 12l
churches and thirty-two chapsls and
stations, and 173 secular and ten regular
PRIESTS. or the churches the city of
Brooklyn has fifty-eight. and OF the
chapels, eighteen, while the remaining
churches, chapels, and stations are scat
tered throughout Long Island. During
Bishop Loughlin's administration there
were established one seminary, two in
iustrial schools, eleven asylums, four
hospitals. two homes for the poor, one
home for newsboys, one home for invalids,
100 parochial schools. which are attended
by 1880 pupils. The Catholic population
Of the diocese Is NJ ore than 300, 900.
Bishop Loughlin was one OF the most
picturesque and familiar figures In the
iaily life Of Brooklyn. He was a remark
ably well preserved, energetic man, sim
pile In his tastes. modest in his personal
requirements, and possessing a peculiar
and incisive wit which made his converse
ton always interesting. His face was
ruddy, and, except when lit up under the
influence OF q smile, his strong features
were grave. His white hair was worn
.ong behind and brushed up over from the
side to conceal his growing badness. His
igure, Of medium height, was compact
and we'll set, and his remarkably broad
shoulders and chest gave evidence of lung
power and vitality. OF late when frequent
attacks came his shoulders became
stopped. and his tread was slow and APP
parently painful.
When his health was good he rose
promptly at o'clock winter and summer,
and a. o'clock said mass AT eight he
had a light breakfast, after which he
went for his mail. One OF his pecularities
was that he went TO the post office him.
self In preference TO having his mail de-
ivered by the postman, On the street in
winter dressed In a closely fitting surtout,
AIDED from long use, and wearing an
ancient oad-brimmed high hat of pe-
,ullar pattern, he always attracted atten-
ton. In summer the surtout was thrown
aside, and tho bishop appeared in clerl-
,a coat OF rusty black.
Before i'll health slowed his pace he trod
along acknowledging heartily the saluta-
lions OF friends he met Even when he
was suffering the pains of sickness he
always had a CHEEKY word, and never
missed an opportunity to crack n joke.
On his return from the post office the
bishop usually retired to his study, where
ae personally answered his large corre-
,pondence and attended to official mat
.ers. Other heads OF great dioceses en-
oloy a secretary for this work. but Blshop
Loughlin preferred to do il himself He
never wore glasses. and he did not look
ais age. During the morning hours he
'eceived many visitors, making no dis
elimination between rich and poor.
IL was very seldom that he used car
.iage. When lie had TO travel long dis
.anoes in Brooklyn hshsed the horse cars
or elevated trains. He attended many inn
posing Catholic ceremonies In New York.
On those occasions he left his house in
Brooklyn. unaccompanied, carrying big
carpet bag In which we're his Episcopal
robes. After the services. when the
,lergymen were leaving the scene for
heir homes. his faded attire and old high
sat were conspicuous in the crowd OF
vell-dressed ecclesiastics.
Among the members OF the Catholic
hierarchy tho bishop was highly es-
:eemed and loved, and every one OF them
rom Cardinal Gibbons down never missed
m opportunity 10 show their affection
aud respect for him.