New-York tribune., 1906-11-18
A MoNsIGN0R's FRIENDSHIP.
McCready Stuck to Dr., McGlynn and Lost
Mitre

The celebration to-day OF the forteth anniversary
OF the ordination of the Right Rev. Monslgnor Nc
Cready, rector OF Holy Cross Church, in West 42d
street. recalls the strong friendship that existed
between Monsignor McCready and the late Dr. Nc
Glynn who IN 1886 was removed from the rector
ship of ST. Stephens Church. in East 2Sth street
after protracted controversy with the late Arch
bishop Corrigan This friendship was so strong
that It prompted Monsgnor McCready practical
~ to refuse to obey Archbishop Corrigan when
that prelate asked him to take Dr. McGlynn's place
and thereby he forfeited the bishopric of Buffalo.
The interest IN the matter is accentuated at this
time by q letter OF Archbishop Corrigan TO Monsi-
gnor McCready which has Just come TO light. This
letter reveals the fine diplomacy the prelate and
at the time brings trait In his character
that his enemies never dreamed of, 1t is believed
It critical period In the archdiocese An
ordinary priest would have probably lost his breath
IN effort to obey the slightest wish of Arch
bishop Corrigan, and it would have been high
treason for any priest to disobey expressed wish
or order. DR.. McGlynn had just been deposed, and
to restore order level headed priest was needed.
Undoubtedly Archbishop Corrigan must have known
at least suspected that Father McCready's SYM
pathies with the brilliant rector of ST Ste
phen's. At the time DR.. McGynn was deposed
Father McCready had Just accomplished seemingly
impossible things on the West Side. He went to
Holy Cross Church. and found it burdened with a
debt OF s92 COO few years later the debt was not
only cleared. but new and larger church had been
built. Within month OF the time the rectorship
OF st. Stephens offered to him Holy Cross
Church solemnly consecrated, and no Catholic
church be consecrated until it is free Of debt.
Archbishop Corrigan felt. that Father McCready
was the to restore order the east side of
Broadway. and at once sent him kindly. master
full letter. inviting him to assume the permanent
rectorship Of st. Stephens.
After some hesitation. Father McCready asked
TO be allowed to refuse. The Archbshops letter to
Father McCready relieving him from all obllga-
tions in the matter shows the prelate in a purer
light. It follows:
Ny Dear Father McCready: AS far as can re-
member have never yet appointed rector TO
any parish against his WILL and should extremely
regret to inaugurate different policy with you
TO whom owe so much. Go on, then, with good
heart and complete your work at the Holy Cross
and may the time come soon when this consecra ed
church may be, II deserves, rectory, with the
privilege Of immovabty Regretting that you
have been so troubled, and thankful for your can
dor in stating IT. am, yours etc
Young Father Cotton, who succeeded Father Nc
Glynn, accomplished things that would have broken
down an ordinary man. Rome heard OF 1t and re-
membered. When the Bishop Of Buffalo was made
Archbishop Of Chicago the mitre hung over st.
Stephens. Father Cotton got the mitre and staff
and was ordered to Buffalo. few years ago
Father McCready at the instance of his good friend
Archbishop Farley made a domestic preate,
with the title Of mOnsignor His friends are hopeful
that he may yet wear mitre.