Evening star., 1901-09-21
DR.. STAFFORD'S PROMOTION
BECOMES PERMANENT PASTOR OF
ST. PATRICK's CHURCH.
Complfmented Upon the Result of His
ExamfnatiOn-Assum Charge
at Once.

Rev. D. j. Stafford has received his for
| NAL appointment as pastor of st. Patrick
Church in this city Father Stafford re
turned from Baltimore last evening witt
his credentials. after having passed tn
prescribed examination before a board O
eminent prelates in the monumental city
In receiving his commission DR.. Staffort
becomes the leading spirit of leading
Catholic congregation of Washington L
is the successful elimination of studiou
and indefatigable effort in the priesthood
and has been accomplished by him only af
ter the severest sort Of work. 1t marks an
other step in Father Stafford's brillian
career. and it is safe to say that irre
spective Of sect, Washington will rejoic,
in his elevation.
Father Stafford is forty-one years Of age
Being native Washingtonian. his promo
tion Is therefore source Of great gratif
cation to the city generally. He was ex
amined for appointment at st. Mary's Sem
mary. Baltimore. It was in accordance
with the course prescribed ct the last coun
ell held in Baltimore In 1&li, comprisins
oogmat1c theology. moral theology, ethics
metaphysics, church history, canon law
liturgy, general knowledge Of modern sci
ence and modern questions The board OF
examination consisted of Rev. DR.. Fletcher
rector of the Cathedral In Baltimore, he be-
". . S..
the Seminary of Baltimore; Rev. DR. Tarro
rector Of Ellicott City and professor of st
Mary's Seminary; Rev. Father Donohue
pastor Of st. Patrick's Church. Baltimore
and Rev. Father William A. Starr, pastor
Of Jenkins Memorial Church in Baltimore
with Highest Ronor.
DR.. Stafford first underwent an oral ex-
animation Of two hours duration, and then
written one. which lasted about three
boards recommendation to the cardinal
was summum cum laude. signifying that
the distinguished priest had passed the ex-
animation with the highest honor. DIR.
Fletcher Immediately called upon the car
dinal and apprised him Of the result his
visit being followed by one from DR.. Staf-
ford, who. in turn. was formally notified
diately returned to Washington to assume
the duties of his pastorate.
1t Is probable that the public reception
which was planned for st. Patrick's new
pastor will be postponed. owing to the
death Of President Mckinley.
DR.. Stafford was born In Washington
forty-one years ago. was educated at the
Niagara University and was ordained priest
Washington. he took q special course In the
Georgetown University and secured the de-
gree Of doctor Of divinity after q long and
scar Mnkm;aH BY the late Presi
high esteem. In a recent sketch of DR..
Stafford a writer said:
AN eminent Protestant minister who
has frequently heard DR.. Stafford preach
describes him as a most wonderful master
Of words.' A master Of words, indeed. he
Is, and a great deal more. His eloouence
for years past has been the object of CRATE
ful admiration. while it always seems to
battle complete analysis. True, II is dra-
matte but dramatic without being affect
ed. 1t would be q very false criticism to
speak of DR.. Stafford as STACEY II Is
with divine awe that he brings his breath
less audience into the shining presence of
some vision Of the eternal"