Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-07-14

James Bourke as trustees of the
church. Under his direction, a four
acre tract on Woodbridge road was
purchased for 81, 200, to be used as
a cemetery. A school was erected at
a cost of $500.
In 1860 Father Quin opened the
Woodbridge Mission. He obtained a
lot On Main street, and a church was
built. Through his efforts, the Wood
bridge Catholic Cemetery was pur-
chased and paid for, all except $500.
After Father Quin was relieved of the
charge, Rev. Father Cornell continued
services at Woodbridge, until Father
Gums second coming.
In the fall of 1868, St. Mary's
Parish was transferred to the
care of Rev. John Cornell. An organ
was purchased for the church and a
very successful fair held. While he
was here, the ut. Rev. Bishop Bayley
gave confirmation here. He then
had all the churches of New Jersey
dndcr his jurisdiction. During hi.
pastoratc, st. Mary's congregation
was incorporated under the laws Of
New Jersey. The act OF inCorrora.
ion was dated September 80, 1864
and the incolporators were James
Roosevelt BAycy, Bishop OF the New
,rk Diocese. Patrick Moran. V. G.,
John II. Corr ell, Pastor, John Nc
Closkcy, and Hugh 1'immins. Faith
er Cornell resigned in the spring Of
1865 and Father Quin, a former past
or, thea living in Railway, agair re
sumcd the charge of this district. The
local church again became a mission
If the Railway church and Father
Quin came here on Sundays.
In December, 1871, the RI. Rev
Bishop Bayley, Of Newark, appointed
Rev. Peter Connolly to st. Mary
.hurch, as well rs to the charge OF
the Woodbridge mission. At the
time Of Father Connolly's coming tc
the local parish, the church built by
Father Madrana stood in the small
cemetery, in which slumbercd so
many of the pioneers whose efforts
we're largely responsible for the pow.
srful congregation of ST. Mary's
church which exists today. On Jan
uary 2, 1872, it was announced that
the bones of the slumberers had tc
be removed to the new burying-ground
IN Woodbridge road. This was done
in order to allow for the eniarging Of
the church. The ediice was soor
changed completely, as far as the ex
terior appearance was concerned. y
short while later, wings were com
ncnced. They remained in a semi
completed condition, however, unit
he leaving of Father Connolly ano
The coming Of Rev. B. T. O'Conncl
he present pastor, in 1898. In 1888,
he present handsome schoolbuildin,
was erected.
During Father Connolly's pastorat'
the convent was secured, and the ole
ruite property at Centre and Ne
.hanic streets, purchased. On Decen
Der 80, 1874, the church property
passed from Bishop Baylcy to ST
Marys church. In 1890, St. Joseph.
Mission, at Carteret, was started b,
esther Connolly.
September 2, 1898, Father Connolly
was succeeded by Rev. b. +. O'Con
nell, who at once took steps 10 i'm.
prove the appearance of the Cd edi
fee. The halffinishcd wings were
torn down and the grounds about the
,hurch taken care of. After Father
D'Conncll had been here a short time.
the idea of a new church was con
ccived. The frame convent was
moved from the northwest corner Of
Centre and Mechanic streets to the
southwest corner, and upon its former
site, the erection of a new church was
commenced. 1t is to be of gray stone,
20 harmonic with the Icctory
erected in the rear Of the church LOT
several years ago. 1t IS now nearly
completed. 1t will cost about $4,000
Father O'Connell is now assist
ed by two curates, Rev. Fathers
Samuel A. Mitchell and Thomas +,
Blake. The parish is now on a
thoroughly sound basis and is stronger
from the financial point of view
and membership than ever before.