Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-03-27
| AUGUSTA LOCALS
ST. MARY'S LOSS
Rev. Father Michigan
Transferred to Bangor
Well Msrited Promotion Comes to
Augusta Catholic Pastor-Aususta
Parish Built Up TO Flourishins
Condition BY His Untirins Efforts
Willis Here

Wnlt9 mere
Rev. Thomas ]. Michigan, pastor of
st. Marys church in this city, an
nounced at the Lenten services held
had been transferred to St. Johns
church in Bangor The announcement
came as a complete surprise to the
congregation, which has learned to
love and respect Father Michigan dur
ing his stay in the city and while this
is a promotion for him his parishion-
ers will feel the loss keenly. Bangor
is the largest and most important of
the parishes in the diocese with the
exception of the Cathedral parish in
Portland. st. Johns is a permanent
rectorship and only few Of the
prominent priests are eligible. Father
Michigan was born in the parish and
was an altar boy in the church and
his coming back will be hailed with
pleasure by all of the parishioners
and the people of Bangor in general.
He holds many important positions
in the church of the diocese of Port
lard, having been for three years a
member of the Board of Consulters
to ting Right Reverend Bishop a po-
sition after the office Of Vicar Gem
elal the most responsible and honor
airy Of the duties of the priesthood.
He is also a member of the Board of
Examiners Of clergy for the diocese.
He has also held State position
as a valued member of the Board
~ hor nd rnrrorfinDS.
work on this board has been marked
10y perccptiveness and strength. Rev.
Father Michigan was SO modest of hi:
standing among the councils of the
church that even his own people did
not know until the ann ,uncemen; Ut
Lis transfer.
Although a busy man he has had time
to give to the city his services as a
member of the park commission and 8
now serving a second term of three
years.
Father Michigan is a graduate OF Holy
Cross college in tho class of 1891 and
was. ordained in Paris in 1894 by Car
dinal Richard He was for four years
assistant AZ st. Johns, Bangor. and for
10 years pastor of the church at White
field. He passed one year in Portland.
where he opened the Catholic Institute.
an advanced school for boys, coming
to Augusta in july, 1910.
Father Nclligans transfer to St.
Johns parish in Bangor is no doubt I
Just recognition Of the services he has
rendered the diocese in general and the
particularly fine record he has made
while pastor of St Mary's in this city.
Coming 10 the parish nine years ago.
he has ste 7dilv built it UP to its pres
ent fine condition. Aside from his
priestl,- duties. which were never for
a moment negiected. Father Michigan
by his forcefui personality and marked
business ability has go successfully con-
ducted tre affars OF the parish as to
call forth unstnted praise not only
from parishioners but from the bishop
himSelf. During his la torate he start
ed and built up a parochial school that
Is a source Of pride and satisfaction 20
the rarish. BY his tireless efforts he
has spurred on his peoHle in the laud-
able PURPOSE Of building new church.
For a long time there had been agi
tation for new edifice and five years
ago last November he purchased the
magnificent estate on Western avenue
known as the Kinsman property. one
of the best locations in the city. II
was planned to begin the church this
year but because of the war condi-
. tions building operations were post
poned until a more favorable time.
1t is hoped that within year Of two
the foundation will be laid for mag
nificent stone structure. The property
which was bought for $4,000 has
been paid for together with the school
and convent and there is balance in
the treasury of $4,000. This is due
in a great measure to Father Nelli-
CAMS business ability.
Father Nelligan is supposed to be in
Bangor on April LIST but will probab-
Is not go there until the end of the
week. No one has yet been appoint
ed to fill the vacancy in this city.