The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-11-10

ing event in the brilliant career of an illustrious son of Waterbury.
 The news was received here to- day with great surprise although members of his family and a few intimate friends had knowledge that his name was being consid- cred for the honor. The formal announcement. however, was also a signal for expression of gratifI. cation among the thousands of friends and admirers of the popu- lar prelate who recall his youthful days as an altar boy in St Pat rick's church, a Democrat new sie,' promising pupil of the Washington grammar school and Crosby high school and a brilliant student of Holy Cross college.
 The new archbishop of St Paul was born in Waterbury, February 28, 1877, the son of the late William and Mary Connor Murray, who were among the first mem- bers of St Patrick's parish. Bishop Murray after attending the Wash ington street school entered the Crosby high school and was a graduate of the class of 1894. He was graduated from Holy Cross college with outstanding honors in 1S97 being one of the few students to complete Q collegiate course at this well known institution in three years. The late Rt Rev Michael Tierney, bishop of Hartford at that time, selected him for the np- pointment to the American Col lege in Louvain, Belgium, where he completed his theological training and was ordained April II, 1900 by Monsignor J. F. Van der Stap- pen. auxiliary bishop of Mechlin.
 Upon his return to Connecticut Bishop Murray was appointed cu- rate of St Johns church in New Haven. Tn September 1900 he was appointed professor of Latin, Greek and German at St Thomas seminary in Hartford. He re- mained at this institution for three years when he was named chancel- Tor of the diocese on October 6, 1903.
 Following years of distinguished service in (Which he became popu- larly known and respected through out the diocese, he was named and consecrated auxiliary bishop of Hartford on April 28, 1920. Most Rev John Bonzano, Apostolic dele- gate to the United States, was the consecrating Drelate, assisted by Rt Rev John J. Milan, Rt Rev Thomas J. Shanan, former rector of the Catholic university. Washington, D. c. The late Rev William J. McGurk, whose funeral will be held here tomorrow morning, was the deacon at the mass of con secration. Father McGurk at that time was stationed in South Man chester.
 In the presence of members of his family, including his late mother. and hundreds of friends and acquaintances Bishop Murray returned to Waterbury to 0fiiciate at a solemn high mass at St Fran cis Xavier church. The occasion was one of great rejoicing on the part of the people of Waterbury, but particularly among the resi- dents of Washington Hill.
 In September, 1922. Bishop Mur- ray was given the pastorate of St Patrick's church, Hartford, to suc- ceed the late Rev William Rogers. He held this position until he was elevated to the rank of bishop and transferred to Portland, Me.
 Bishop Murray is considered one of the most brilliant scholars in the history of the Hartford diocese and incidentally one of the most likeable preiates ever to serve in Connecticut. His personality radi- ates friendliness. His Kindness and sympathetic understanding of human nature won almost instant ly the respect of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
 The Hartford diocese regretted his departure six years ago. To- day the diocese of Portland while rejoicing in his elevation and the recognition given him will also feel very keenly his departure to the middle west. Bishop Murray, q man of many gifts and. accomplish ments, seems always the possessor of the faculty of leaving most favorable impression wherever he visits.
 Bishop Murray's two sisters. the Misses Jane and Mary Murray are teach in the local public schools. His two brothers. James D., and Joseph Murray are prominent New York city attorneys and have fiE. ured in many trials lately or na- tional importance.