Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-25
OFFICERS McGILL CATHOLIC UNION.
Nlce-president nj. n. Ryan

Vice-President W. r. Ryan.
Financial Secretary J. l.. Phillips, Jr.
who was then Bishop OF Richmond Ire
old McGiu Lyceum. which Is so well re-
melnbered b. our Catholic citizens, had
been disbanded. ana there was no cen
trail Catholic organization IN the cry
Knowing the need of such a society
Bishop Keane called meeting OF lne
Catholic citizens. explained his object 10
Them. and at that meeting the McGil
Catholic Union became living organi-
cation. The object of the union, as eH-
dressed in its constitution is: ITO pro
vide for Catholics. and especially for the
Catholic gentlemen Of the city or hlch-
nond. attractive meeting rooms, ahu
other suitable means and facihues ZOE
social in tercourse and innocent IecIed-
ton: to foster and encourage intellectual
Improvement; TO promote intelligent CO.
operation in all matters pertaining 10
faith. zeal. and charity The McGlil
Union has lived closely up to its objects.
The life OF the union has been Narlot
since its creation. Started with enthusi-
assn. for some time It appeared as If 1t
would in time embrace within its mem
bership every eligible Catholic in Stich-
,nond The enthusiasm OF It's birth soon
died away. however. and the orsaniza-
ton languished and became weak ALA
unattractivc.
NEW MOVE STARTED.
In this emergency a new move was
etarted for the purpose OF creating ana
continuing new life in the union. Al
the head OF this new move Rev. h. NJ.
Tcarney. then ass!stapt-p3stor OF the Ca
thedral. and now pastor at Fails Cnurch,
was placed. Around him gathered NUN
her OF the younger members OF the
union. The constitution vas revised
many saiutary changes were made, ana
Tho union started on its second lease OF
rfe with the Efforts of earnest members
behind il. The principal change made IN
tho routine work o. the society by the
new order was the holding OF weekly In
stead Of monthly meetings. The hrst
Monday in each month is devoted TO the
business Of the Inion. and every other
Monday IS assigned TO literary meetings
Since the new movement was started
tho McGill Catholic Union has been on "a
firm foundation with a large membership
every one Of whom believes In the or
RanizatlOn, has firm faith in its over
coming any difficulties that may present
Themselves. and I'm its becoming one or
tho model societies of our beloved coun-
try The union owes 4 great deal 10 TINS
new move. 1t Is also much indebted 70
Bishop Van dc Vyver for its present sue
n Il
was elevated to the episcopate, thereby
becoming ex-omcis honorary president
OF the union. he displayed an earnest
zeal in It's welfare which has never
tagged but rather has grown with the
intervening years. Time after time he
has addressed its members on their
duties. not merely as Catholics. but as
citizens OF the greatest OF earth's nations.
aud has held Up 20 them high ideals. He
has been At all times generous 70 the
union. contributing TO its library as We'll
as 10 its social functions without wait
ing u be asked for contributions. The
union owes him great deal, and is al
most daily becoming his debtor for the
many evidences OF his interest and APP
prevail.
MGILL UNIONS ROOMS.
. The rooms OF the union are situated in
! the building known as the Cathedral
Hall AT the corner OF Ninth and Marshall
streets. IL has a readifg-room and H.
holding its meetings. and two rooms in
which are Billiard and pOol-tablcs. for the
use Of its members. Its library IL not
large. but lis works are standard, and It
II added 10 somewhat every year.
little more than three years ago IL
was deemed advisable to look FOR lew
quarters. the present rooms having be-
come too small for the needs Of the mem
bers. The movement took practical shape
al reception rendered by the union Of
Hfurphy's Hotel TO Bishop Van de yyyer
8 On his return from Rome. At this eater