Evening star., 1901-08-31

examination. 1t was said in the specula-
ton over his probable selection as sue
cessor to the late Father Gloyd that Car
dinal Gibbons would waive the eXamina-
ton in Dr. Stafford's case because he was
already doctor of divinity and had there
fore established his qualifications for the
high and responsible Office. Holders Of
this opinion, however. probably lost sight
of the fact that Cardinal Gibbons lnvarl-
ably observes all the formalities and re-
quirements of the church, and such con-
cursus as he will call is made necessary
by the action Of the Third Plenary Coun-
Gil.
No doubt is felt in any quarter that when
the concursus concludes its examination OF
DR.. Stafford and makes its report to Cardi-
nal Gibbons the latter will Immediately an
nounce his elevation to the paStorate OF st.
Patricks Church. This fact is already dis
counted in the diocese, and everywhere, and
especially in Washington it has been the
cause for general qualification not only
among Catholics, but among ProtestantS
and others who admire and esteem DR..
Stafford for his high qualities as man and
a citizen. The congregation of st. Pat
rick's Church, as is well known, requested
Cardinal Gibbons to make DR.. Stafford the
successor of Father Gloyd shortly after
that priests death removed him from his
sphere Of usefulness.
Endeared to the Parish.
To his parishioners DR.. Stafford's priestli-
ness had endeared him even more than his
accomplishments as preacher and an ora
tor. His self-sacrifcing work among the
poor and the elevating power Of his kind
and sympathetic influence where there was
suffering and need were appreciated by the
members of the parish. N another sense,
too, they appreciated him. and this was in
the important matter Of business affairs.
St. Patrick's Church is one Of the wealth.
est in Washington. Its real estate holdings
are very large, and no one Is better ac-
quainted with their value, present and
prospective, than DR.. Stafford. To their
management he will bring not only ripe
judgment and wise foresight, but the adj
vantage of a lifelong experience with
Washington and it's steady and wonderful
growth.
DR.. Stafford's devotion to the work of
the parish in the connections mentioned
has deferred him time and again from &C
cepting alluring offers that would have
taken him from it. To all of these his an
swer has been always decided negative.
A Native of Washington.
He is young man. Born in Washington
in 1860, his earliest sentiments were shaped
toward higher things by mother who was
noted for her intense and earnest religious
life His father was well-known con-
of work of improving Washington under
Governor Alexander Shepherd. Young
Stafford's early education was received in
the local schools, after which he attended
Niagara University. He was ordained at
Cleveland in 1885. Returning to his native
city he took special course at Georgetown
University and secured the degree of doctor
of divinity after a long and searching ex-
animation. He became assistant pastor of
st. Patrick's Church, and at once entered
zealously into the work of the parish.
Eloquent and Logical.
gained him renown far beyond the boun-
daries of parish or diocese. He proved him
self to be not only master Of words and
diction, but profound logician as well.
Unexcelled student of the Bible, DIR.
Stafford long ago became devout and
passionate admirer of Shakespeare, and
this led him in all probability to realize
that poetry is above all arts and the most
effective form of expression. His lectures
on Shakespeare have received marked at
tention, and he holds high place among
the leading Shakespearean critics of the
present day.