New Britain herald., 1922-06-05
REV. DR.. MOORE IS !.
40 Years A PRIEST
Former Local Clergyman Observes
Anniversary in Bridgeport

An especially DeaOtltul service was
celebrated Saturday morning at 8
o'clock at the Sacred Heart church
in Bridgeport, when the pastor. Rev
Richard F. Moore, LID, celebrated
the 10th anniversary Of his ordina.
ton. Rev. DR.. Moore's anniversary
service was made more impressive by
the fact that class OF several hun
dred children OF the parish received
their nrst Holy Communion at this
time.
Rev. DR.. Moore was formerly pas
tor OF st. Joseph's church In this
city and is one OF the best known
Catholic clergymen in the state.
Native of Hartford.
DR.. Moore was born in Hartford.
on July rs, 1858, the son Of John
and Abbie Moore. The family later
moved to New Haven, and as a boy
DR.. Moore attended the grammar and
High schools. He was an exception
ally fine student and at the age Of Is
years entered Holy Cross college. Six
years later, in 1879, he was gradual
ed from Niagara university where he
received his A. B. The same year DR..
Moore entered the Grand Seminary
at Montreal and was ordained a
priest, June 3, 1882, by Bishop Ryan
Of Buffalo In 1881 he received his
degree of Am. from Niagara. The
first appointment was to the Catholic
church at North Adams, Mass.
In his High school and collegiate
courses DR.. Moore made a special
study of literature and although he
took prominent part in college dra-
mates greater yet was his fame as
an orator During his early years as
a priest the present pastor spent a
great deal Of his time in preaching
at various churches and missions in
the Hartford diocese and In 1890 was
invited by the president of Niagara
university to deliver the baccaaureate
sermon to the graduating class. In
1892 he was the principal speaker at
the elaborate quadcentennial anniver-
sary of founding of America by Co.
lumbus, which was held in St. Jo-
seph's cathedral in Hartford
In New Britain Parish.
When DR.. Moore was 80 years Of
age he was appointed to the pastorate
Of the Church OF the Holy Angels in
where he remained for eight
years during which time he built a
handsome church and rectory He
was later assigned to the pastorate of |
st. Joseph's church in New Britain
Because of the great amount Of work
which was attached to this charge,
Dr.. Moore retired from outside
preaching and gave more of his time
and attention to the erection Of par
sh buildings and the identifying of
he parochial property. During the
II years which he remained in, New
Britain he accomplished the splendid
work of erecting church, school,
and rectory.
Given Degree In 1905.
In 1906 the. degree of Doctor Of
Avs was conferred upon him by
Niagara University. He was the only
nan from New England to receive
he doctorate at that time
Upon the death of Rev. Timothy
sweeney, pastor of Sacred Heart
hurch, in this city, he was called to
Bridgeport and assumed his new
uties on August 9th. OF his work
ere, much may be said and the mar
elous remodeling of Sacred Heart
hurch during 1919-1920 is proof
I his untiring efforts and skill. The !,
hurch, at the present time is one of !,
he finest in the state in design and
OF the priests in the Hartford do
ese DR. Moore is the twelfth oldest
i service and Of those in this city.
as served the longest. From his
youthful appearance
oday DR. Moore would appear to be
celebrating his twentieth anniversary
f ordination. He is truly the nestor
Bridgeport clergy.
Record Of Diocese.
OF the development Of Catholicity
i the Hartford diocese in 40 years
r. Moore speaks enthusiastically:
When I was ordained there were
50 priests in this diocese. but today
e have $50 priests, 1853 students In
le seminary, II in Europe, four in
and 1923 in the United States,
taking in all 313 young men who
Ill become members of the clergy
lring the next few years.
Under Bishop Nilan's charge
Iere are at present 1885 souls,
hich is magnificent record and,
though this diocese is not only of
e largest we have 254 churches, 10
atoms and 113 chapels. May the
.xt 40 years bring even more won
.rful results"