The Washington times., 1895-03-17
HISTORIC ST. PATRIcK'S
Pioneer Of Catholicism at the
Capital of the Nation.
FATHER MATTHEW'S GIFT.
The Beautiful Edifice, Now the Pride of the
Parish, Monument to the Zeal and Per-
severance of Rev. Jacob Ambrose Walter
Most Beloved of Pastors-An Exquisite
Tablet in Honor Of His Memory.

st. Patrick's Church. located on the east
side OF Tenth street, between the busy
thoroughfares of F and G streets north
west, is the child of the old st. Patrick's,
the mother of Catholicism in this city.
This parish was founded April IT, 1894,
when Father McCaffeTy, authorized by
Archbishop Carroll, purchased lots o, 6,
and z, in square 376, on street, between
Ninth and Tenth. Its birth aud growth
have been identical with the founding and
development of the National Capital.
The mother structure was small frame
builing, which gave place to more spacious
brick one, which received additions from
time to time, until ii reached the dimensions
Of old st. Patricks, which was completed
under the pastorate of Father Matthews,
who succeeded Father McCaffery in 1904.
Rev William Matthews as personal gift
added to the church property lots 6, 8,
! 10, IL, IL, 13, IA, and 10, in square 376.
Father Matthews died in 1854, and was
succeeded by Father O'Toole, who was
pastor until 1860.
FATHER WALTER s CHARGE.
From April 8, 1860, to April 8, 1894,
| the church was under the charge of Rev.
| Jacob Ambrose Walter, a man so full Of
the love of God that never heart-sob met
his ears unheeded, whether amongst his
! own flock or outside the pale OF his church.
| Father Walter was the confeSsor of Mrs
! Surratt
! New st. Patrick's was the growth of
! Father Walters energy and care for a
quarter OF a century. The church was
/ in SSd dedicated nv Ca r1iual
/ Gibbons. Bishop Keane preached on the
| OCCASION
The new church is one OF the handsomest
| in Washington. Its architecture is Gothic
and it is built OF blue gneiss, with dark
trimmings. The front is OF dressed stone
and the remaining walls are Of arranged
| work.
In the interior the roof is supported by six
! polished granite pillars. On the right of
the Sacred Heart Altar is the beautiful
memorial tablet. The design is in the six
teenth century Gothic style. In the center
is a slab OF white Carrara marble, with the
following inscription.
A BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL.
Erected to the memory of Rev. Jacob
Ambrose Walter. pastor of st. Patrick
Church from April 9th, 1860, to April 9TH,
1894"
I'm Testimony of His Dauntless Courage,
| His Burning Zeal, and Boundless Charity.
"A tribute from the hearts of his people. p"
Born Dec. the 18th, 1897. Ordained Sep
temher 23rd, 1864"
Died April the 9th, 1894"
Blessed is he that understandeth con-
cerning the needy Hnd the poor; the Lord
| viii deliver him in the evil day Psalm
XII, - .te7e
Over the Inscription is a pointed arch,
| beautifully relieved by tracery work pecu-
liar to its style Of architecture. IN the
center is an alto-relier medallion of Father
Walter. Onyx columns support the center
canopy.
On one side is a figure of ST. Ambrose,
on the other one OF st. Vincent de Paul, Gov
cred by richly carved canopics in full relief.
Two recording angels support the loflets and
greatly add to the beautiful effect.
The work is an exquisite piece of art;
the sculptor was Mr.. James f. Early, of
this city.
The church is at present in the care of
Rev John Gloyd, who is carrying on
earnestly the work of his predecessors.