The Washington herald., 1908-01-04

/ DIR. Dennis Joseph Stafford was born
in this city in 1850 His father was John
J. Stafford, who was extensively en-
gagged on the work Of the District as a
contractor, and who was widely and fav-
orably known.
/ The dead pastors parents were ex-
emplary Christians and representatives
| of the highest type of Christian character.
| The success OF DR.. Stafford has often
been ascribed by him to his mother. who
exerted the greatest influence over her
son.
After receiving his primary education
at st. Matthews Institute. IN his native
| city. DIR. Stafford entered st. Charles Col
| lege and later Niagara University 70
study for the priesthood, such being his
/ intention from earliest childhood. Here
| he made his philosophical and theological
studies. and was ordained December 70.
1855. Later he took a special course at
! the Georgetown University, and after a
most searching examination. the degree
/ Of doctor of divinity was conferred upon
! him.
In Cleveland, ohio.
| Immediately after his ordination he was
/ for five years stationed at st. Johns
/ Cathedral Cleveland. Ohio There he
won brilliant reputation as a preacher
and attracted congregations whose num-
bers the large church would not accom-
modate. lie was transferred TO Massllon,
4 Ohio, where he remained for eleven
months. His love for his old arch
| diocese Of Baltimore induced him to ac-
/ cept an invitation 70 come back and
labor in the field sanctiied by the lives
| Of a Carroll, a KenriCk. a Spaidng. and
| a Gibbons. In 1891 he returned 10 this
archdiocese. and for nearly three years
was stationed at st. Peters Church,
| Baltimore. where his eloquence as a
preacher was soon recognized, and the
large church was not sufficiently COM
modious to accommodate the thousands
who iiocked 20 hear him
| The earnest desire OF his many friends
| in Washington was gratifed by his emf
hence Cardinal Gibbons, who sent the
brilliant young priest as second assistant
10 Father GlOyd az st. Patrick's Church.
| His appointment gave great satisfaction
20 the people generally who were IA
milIar with his reputation as an orator
and as a charming gentleman At the
.ime Of his advent here the Catholics of
4 Washington were throwing off the
/ lethargy from which they had been
| awakened By the founding. by the
hierarchy with the sanction of the holy
| father, Of the Catholic University OF
| America.
Appointed to Passionate.
On the death OF Rev. Father Gloyd.
March e. 1901, Dr. Stafford was appointed
administrator, and later he was elevated
by Cardinal Gibbons to the fun pastorate
of ST. Pauick's Church. Sunday. septem-
Der - 1901. This promotion was regarded
/ by even non-Catholcs with pleasure, and
! It was stated az the time that the Presl-
dent himself expressed a keen satisfac-
/ ton on the appointment
II had always been his aim 10 make st.
Patrick's the most beautiful church edl-
| fee in this city. and since his tncumbency
/ the magnificent granite buildings adioin-
/ ing the church. the rectory, ST Patrick S
/ Academy and Carroll Hall were erected.
Devoted 10 education. Dir. Stafford s
/ first act after his appointment as ad-
mnistrator Of 81. Patrick,s- was 10 reopen
\ the girls school. St VlnCents Academy.
which had been closed by Father Gloyd,
/ after the sale Of the girls asylum. Tn
able 10 induce the Sisters Of Charity 10
return. be gave The school In charge OF
/ the Sisters Of the Holy Cross. He es-
/ tablished the Perpetual Alteration Society,