Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-12-27
left the Church FOR Love,

The accession from tie Catholic
Church Of Dr.. William Sullivan proves 20
have matrimonial cause, and is Great
ing an extraordinary sensation, ofwhich
California lady is the centre. Dr.. Sui
liyan, who is fine looking man, Of
about thirty-two years of age, was
known as the most influential priest in
London, famous for his elegance of ges-
turc and diction in the fashionable West
End pulpits and for his influence over
the working classes at the East End.
He was generally regarded as the
most powerful young man in the Cath
Ole Church, and one who had bril-
liant future before him. His father IS
n merchant tailor in Bayswatcr and he
comes of a respectable Irish family, the
members Of winch pinched themselves
to send him to Rome, where his student
career was brilliant and he gained the
unusual honor among the pupils Of the
Propaganda of the degree OF doctor
of divinity, which is conferred only af-
ter rigorous examination lasting for
seven DAYS, and at which all the lead
ing lights OF the church questioned the
candidate on all points that may arise
in controversy against the Catholic
faith. Returning to London he was ap-
pointed professor of canon law at ham
mersmith College, where he rapidly
gained both ecclestical and social repu-
tation. He met in society, Mrs. Sher-
wood CaIiaghan, whose husband was
the son of the late President of the
First National bank, of san Francisco.
He was of extremely incorporate
habits, and was often seen helplessly
drunk at the Victoria Hotel and other
places of resort. The marriage was
q very unfortunate one. There were
three children, one . cripple from
birth. Mrs. Callaghan is a very bril-
liant woman, a graduate OF the Mills
Seminary, San Francisco, and was
related to the best families OF
that city. She bore her trials bravcly being
consolcd by Dr. Sullivan. her spiritual diTec-
TOR. whose interest in her was very marked
in fact, it was through his efforts that she be-
came convert to the Catholic faith. She was
given rare privileges, making retreats OF
week at n time at the Convent OF the Sacred
Heart, Roe Hampton, where she was treeted
in ali respects like a nun.
In the spring OF 1891 her husband died.
She went to San Francisco. proved his Will,
which left her sum of $4,000, returned 20
London last September and sold out her house
in Phiiimorc Gardens taking large man.
sion at Slough, near Windsor, where she lived
in luxury. Meantime. DR.. Sullivan's interest
in he! caused a good deal of gossip IL Catho-
lie circles and while nothing absolutely i'm
proper was alleged, the association still made
good deal of talk, in consequence Of which
the archbishop gave him parish work To do
for the church in Spanish places. his profess
sional duties taking very little time III London
DR.. Sullivan was also ordered to take up his
residence in the archbisiiops house. at West
minister allowing him two months holiday
preyious to the change At the conclusion OF
his holiday DR.. Sullivan cane to America
last October. saying Shat he was going TO
Rr;ti5I, Columbia, but il is believed ihat he
went 10 California instead, for reasons only
known to himself Mira C;.liaghaii remained
HI London.
On his return DR.. Sullivan was frequent:
visitor ct the house OF Slough. and the result
annesrcd in a circular sent by him from Paris
two weeks ago TO his friends, il which be
stated that he had left the Catholic Church
because he lost ali belief in the Old Tesla
raent. The fact is iha. he and Mrs Caliag-
han were married az Fcikestone on their way
10 Paris. where they have now taken Up their
permanent residence.