The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-22


 held in high regard here in Water bury of perpetuating the McGivney name in the high office of the K. of c. Founded by a McGivney, the Rev. Michael J., two younger brothers gave many years to the order as Supreme Chaplain.
 The late Monsignor Patrick J. Mo- G.vney succeeded to this office in 1901 and held it until his death at Rome in 1928. The late Monsignor John J. McGivney tflereupon was elected to the office and had con- tinued active until his sudden death last week.
 Seventh Chaplain
 Father Finn is only the seventh Supreme Chaplain of the order in its more than 55 years of existence. The first chaplain named back in 1882, the year of the founding of the K. of c. by Father Michael Me- Givney and a small band of sturdy New Haven Catholic gentlemen, was the Rev. Patrick P. Lawlor.
 Three yearc later Father McGiv- ney succeeded to the office himself and remained as spiritual guide of the order until his unt:nely death on August IA, 1890. It is of interest to note that his successor in office was the late Rev. Hugh M. Treanor of beloved memory in the Sacred Heart parish of this city. Father Treanor remained Supreme Chaplain until 1899 when he was succeeded by the Rev. Garrett J. Barry.
 Father Barry only served until 1901 when the Rev. Patrick J. Mo- Givney was named. It was in that year, too, that the first of the eventful McGivney pilgrimages to Waterbury began. Knights from all over the country thronged to Water bury for impressive church services and a colorful parade to old St. Joseph's cemetery, where appropri- ate ceremonies were conducted at the grave of Father Michael Mo- Givney.
 Since then the office of Supreme Chaplain has remained in the fam fly of the founder and action of the Supreme Council this week contin- ues this fine custom of paying sing ular and befitting honor to htm.F Father Finn is son of the late Edward J. and Rose (McGivney) Finn, both members of pioneer Irish residents of the city. He was edu- cated in St. Mary's parochial school and Crosby High School, graduating from the latter in 1906. He contin- ued his studies at Holy Cross Col lege in Worcester, Mass, and com- pleted his course there four years later. Whil at college Father Finn was prominently identified with athletics, starring on the football field.
 Ordained in 1914
 Upon signifying his intention of studying for the priesthood he was assigned to the American College at Louvain, Belgium. He completed his theological studies and was or dained just on the eve of the great World War, being ordained July 12, 1914, by the Most Rev. Camillus Macs of Covington, Kentucky.
 His first assignment in the Hart- ford diocese was to the Church of the Holy Angels in Meriden. He remained there for two years and then went to St Peters church in Danbury, where he served for four teen years, during which time he also acted as chaplain of McGiv- ney Council, K. of c. He was named pastor of St. Mary Magdalen's church, Oakville, in 1880, and in November, 1884, was assigned to the pastorate of St. Mary's church, Bridgeport, where he is today.
 Oakville PastOrate
 During his pastorate in Oakville he served as chaplain of Sheridan Council, "A, K. of C., of this city.
 Father Finn has two others broth CTS priests - the Rev. Francis Finn of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy. Plainville; and the Rev. Vincent Finn of St. Rocks church, Greenwich. Other brothers and sis- ters are: Judge Edward Finn of the Waterbury Court of Common Pleas, Joseph R., John w., Dr. AL fred J., Miss Anna c. Finn, all of and Mrs. Gerald Bur1fs of East Orange, N. J.