The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-11-09

of two bishops, the Rt Rev John J. Milan and the late Rt Rev Michael Tierney. Years ago the Hartford diocese boasted of no more forcible speaker than Father McGurk, who championed the cause of temperance with the zeal and enthusiasm of a crusader. Hundreds of residents in all parts of Connecticut still recall the in- spring sermons of this beloved priest.
 Waterbury in the brief nine years of his pastorate had come to know the quality of his leadership, the soundness of his convictions and his uncompromising attitude on moral questions and church procedure. His parishioners also appreciated the depth of his learn ing and his almost matchless style of expression in his sermons that he gave most freely when in the enjoyment of good health. Father McGurk had few equals in the state in combining logic, eloquence and brevity in his sermons.
 Devoted to Calling.
 Father McGurk's reputation in Waterbury or in Connecticut will not find permanency merely in his record as a speaker, but more probably in the more substantial basis of sincerity and devotion to his calling. Those who had the privilege of guaging the character and temperament of the deceased found In him a most likeable per- sonality that was of unaffected simplicity. He had his own per sonal ideas as well as ideals and defended them unflinchingly. He was keen student of church his- tory and affairs. His training and experience as well as his insight into general conditions served him well as a diocesan consultor and executive.
 The deceased. born in Hartford in February, 1859, the son of the late MT and Mrs Bernard l.. Mo- Gurk. His family were among the best known of the early Irish fam flies of the Capital City.
 For many years members of the McGurk family were identified with one of the best known car- riage-making establishments in the state. The business was car ried on for sometime by Bernard McGurk, a brother of the deceased. In late years to meet modern de- mands the firm changed from car riages to automobiles.
 Days of Education
 After obtaining his preliminary. schooling in Hartford, Father Me- Gurk attended the Fordham uni- versity. He pursued his courses of philosophy at the Grand Sem mary in Montreal, Canada, and his theological studies at St Joseph's seminary in Troy, N. Y. He was ordained by the late Archbishop Corrigan on December 18th. 1885 at St Joseph's seminary.
 First Assignment
 His first permanent assignment was as curate of St Mary's church in New Britain. The pastor of this influential parish at the time was Rev Michael Tierney, who later became bishop of the dio- cese of Hartford. Bishop Tier ney had a keen insight as to the promising abilities of his young curate and encouraged him most generously. It was partly due to this warm friendship and mutual admiration that Father McGurk was soon transferred to St Jo- seph's cathedral in Hartford where he had ample opportunities to be- come acquainted with the affairs of the diocese.
 In April 1898 Father McGurk was assigned to the pastorate of St James church in South Man chester. where he became one of that city's leading citizens in church. civic, social and even in business affairs. He formed friendships with many of the lead ing residents of the state. His reputation as a speaker had be- come statewide and he was fre- quently invited to address many notable gatherings.
 Comes to Waterbury. Father McGurk remained in South Manchester until 1922. a period of 24 years. when he was chosen by Bishop Milan as per- manent rector of the church of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury. He came to this city on the death of the beloved Rev Luke Fitzsimons, who was called to his eternal reward on october 2i, 1922.
 | Wltnin teW weeks uIter ms aT- rival here Father McCurk made an exhaustive survey of the old Immaculate Conception building on East Main street. A fund had been started by his predecessor. Father Fitzslmons, for an elaborate reno I walton of the first real home of wor- ship that the Catholics of Water- bury knew. Father McGurk bee came convinced that 1t would be building with n new church, one in keeping with the magnificent de- velopment os the parish and the prestige of tlAe church. the Mother Church of Waterbury Catholics. Church Is Ills Memorial
 Ills appeal won the support of hie parlshionarA. With ehAraetars