HORRIFYING POSSIBILITIES

In the previous post I mentioned  the Fishermen's Hall on Queen St and people were surprised when they saw the photo of the building as it is today.  So, I thought I might post a little bit about the amazing history of this historic building. It certainly has had an interesting life!

FORMER ST PETER'S CATHOLIC CHAPEL, 1873-1883

Erected in 1861, Fishermen's Hall at 16 Queen Street is the oldest theatre in St John's.  Surprisingly, it is also the second oldest Catholic Church in St John's.  The cornerstone was laid on 23 May 1861 and Fishermen's Hall opened a mere five months later, on 28 October 1861.

Fishermen's Hall was the venue for many and varied entertainments, including visiting trapeze artists, Flower Shows, musicians, shows, and plays by visiting dramatic troupes. 

On 28 February 1871, a meeting took place at Fisherman's Hall.  Captain William Jackman and several other prominent citizens met together and The Star of the Sea Society was founded and formally instituted.

In 1873 Bishop Power purchased the building.  Internal renovations converted the single story building to a two story one.  The upstairs was consecrated as St Peter's Chapel while the ground floor became a school.  Four Sisters of Mercy came every day from Mercy Convent, Military Road, to teach the boys and girls.

(Picture taken from the Centenary Souvenir Book, 1955)

When St Patrick's Church opened in 1881 there was less need for St Peter's Chapel so, in 1883, it ceased to be a church.  The former chapel was utilized by the good Sisters as part of the school.  The girls' school now occupied the upper floor and the boys' school the floor below.  The R C School Board reported in 1882 that the school had 4 teachers and 360 pupils!  Eventually, two ladies, Miss Maher and Miss Nugent, were employed to assist the Sisters at St Peter's School.

The Sisters of Mercy operated St Peter's School until 1903. In 1903 the building became the commercial premises of Frank McNamara.  In 1967 it was taken over by J B Hand & Sons who occupied the building for a number of years. After J B Hand, 16 Queen St was home to several more enterprises.  You will find the plaque pictured below informative, I have no doubt.

Sign on side of building at 16 Queen St

Now, I am thinking about the churches that are being sold to pay off a debt they didn't personally incur. In particular, I am thinking of St Patrick's. I can't help wondering what fate awaits this venerable and well loved church. What indignities will be visited upon it in the years ahead? The possibilities are too horrifying to contemplate.

St Patrick's Church in 1991 (The Deanery Avenue School is partly visible behind the Deanery)

*Some of the information about St Peter's Church and School was found in the two excellent books;

'The Oldest City', Paul O'Neil

'Weavers of the Tapestry', Sr Kathrine Bellamy R S M

WHAT THEY DID! WHAT CAN WE DO?

By now you are all aware that our beautiful, historic, St Patrick's Church is under threat and (too horrible to contemplate) might have to be sold! To save this beautiful Parish Church which has been the spiritual home of so many of us, much help and inspiration is needed. What can we do? 

ST PATRICK'S CHURCH

Have a look at some of the things our tenacious ancestors did to bring the dream of St Patrick's to fruition.

On 8 February 1864, it was reported in 'The Newfoundlander' "The people of the city had made a beginning to the vast amount of work necessary by hauling the stone needed for the foundations of the church." 

"During the last week the Catholic people of this place have been employed every day in large numbers bringing stone from various neighboring quarries for the new stone church about to be erected at St Patrick's, Riverhead.  Some of the blocks of stone were of colossal size, weighing many tons each, hundreds of men being engaged in drawing them to their destination. The people, as usual, were full of zeal and energy and a work so begun cannot fail of being successfully carried out in a short period." 

Bishop Mullock was impressed, finding the enthusiasm of the people "most extraordinary".

"A portion of the large amount of money required for the construction was raised in a Grand Bazaar in aid of St Patrick's held in the upper room of Fishermen's Hall on Queen Street."  Having paid their admission of 15 pence, patrons were treated to music provided by various bands of the day, a sale of work, and a Grand Lottery.  The Bazaar was quite a success and raised the sum of £1354, a staggering amount in those days.

FORMER FISHERMEN'S HALL

On 14 August 1864, Bishop Mullock "called on the people of St John's area to fish for St Patrick's Church tomorrow". The Bishop even put on a special Mass in the Cathedral at 4 a m "for the people going to fish".  

The following year, 1865, the good Bishop once again announced that the day's fishery for the church on 15 August, both in St John's and on the Labrador, would be applied to St Patrick's.  He also announced that he intended to introduce a penny a week collection as a means of support.  We certainly owe Bishop John Thomas Mullock our thanks.  He was indeed a determined champion of St Patrick's Church.

I have no proof of it, but I feel sure that while all this activity was going on, there was also much prayer being sent up to heaven for the success of the venture.  If we can do nothing else, maybe we too could do a spot of praying.  St Joseph is a wonderful Saint to turn to in any situation but, since he is the Patron of the Universal Church, he would be the ideal saint to come to our help now.

STATUE OF ST JOSEPH IN
ST PATRICK'S CHURCH

ST JOSEPH PRAY FOR US

Quotes are from the book, 

St Patrick's Church, One Hundred Years,

1881 - 1981

A VIDEO TOUR OF ST PATRICK'S CHURCH

 TOUR OF  ST PATRICK'S CHURCH.

I FOUND THIS ON YOUTUBE AND I THOUGHT YOU WOULD ENJOY THIS TOUR OF OUR BEAUTIFUL ST PATRICK'S CHURCH.  

OUR CHURCH- DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!

Once upon a time, a school stood here.  This was St Patrick's Convent School, erected in 1921 as a Memorial to the men and boys of the parish who lost their lives in WWI.  Now it is gone.

Site of St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue

This is our church, erected by the free labour, hard work and pennies of our ancestors. Through generations this church has been maintained by the free labour, hard work and pennies of their children and of their children's children.  We must not lose this beautiful, historic church.

Our beautiful St Patrick's Church

This plaque was at the back of our church.  It encourages us to look to the future with hope.  Let's do what we can to save our church, trust in God, and never lose hope.

Plaque at the back of St Patrick's Church

ST PATRICK, PRAY FOR US.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM JACKMAN

Renews, on the beautiful Southern Shore, was the birthplace of William Jackman.  William, born on 20 May 1837, was the eldest of the four children of Captain Thomas Jackman and Catherine Johnson.  At an early age, William, like his father before him, went to sea.

Birthplace of Captain William Jackman, Renews

About 1858, when William was 21, he married Trepassey native, Bridget Burbridge.  William and Bridget had six children, four sons and two daughters.  One son, William Henry, became a priest. Fr Jackman died on 16 July 1908 at the age of 44 years.  At the time of his death, Fr Jackman was serving in St Patrick's Parish.

October 1867 found the 30 year old William Jackman, by now Captain, at Spotted Islands on the coast of Labrador. That October night, a fierce gale was raging and Captain Jackman and some friends were on the Headland looking out to sea. Different accounts of this story give differing reasons for Captain Jackman's presence on the Headland at that time but it was certainly fortuitous, whatever the reason. 

Looking out to sea Jackman saw that a small schooner was being battered on the rocks by the raging gales.  Captain Jackman was a vigorous man and, luckily, a strong swimmer.  He immediately stripped off most off his clothes and dived into the maelstrom.  His companions raced back to the community for ropes to aid in the rescue.  Reaching the stricken boat, William took a man on his back and swam to shore  with him.  Again he plunged into the icy waters and swam back to the vessel.  By the time his fellow rescuers returned with ropes, Captain Jackman had already rescued eleven men in this manner.  They then tied a rope around his waist and, with the men on shore helping by pulling the ropes, the brave Captain battled his way through the treacherous waves to rescue fifteen more men.  He had saved the lives of twenty-six men but, upon being told that there was a dying woman still on board in the cabin, William Jackman struck out once again for the battered ship.  He brought the ailing woman safely to shore.  The woman, said to be one Myra Batten, did not live long and died a day or two later. The whole rescue operation took just over two hours and the schooner, named either the 'Sea Clipper' or 'Sea Slipper', broke up about an hour after that.

Captain William Jackman, 1837-1877

In 1868, Captain Jackman and his fellow rescuers were awarded medals by the Royal Humane Society. Jackman received a silver medal and a diploma and his companions received bronze medals.

William Jackman was a founder member of the Star of the Sea, a social organization for Roman Catholic seamen, which was founded in 1871. Heroic Captain William Jackman passed away in St John's on 25 February 1877. On 28 February, his funeral was conducted at  St Patrick's Church. The church was still unfinished but Captain Jackman's funeral was immense. He was laid to rest at Belvedere Cemetery, St John's.  Captain William Jackman was just 39 years old.

I return now to William's father, Captain Thomas Jackman and to a direct link to St Patrick's Convent.

Thomas Jackman's wife, Catherine Johnson, died and Thomas eventually took another wife, **Catherine White.  Catherine White was born in County Wexford, Ireland circa 1820/21. 

On 19 July, 1870, Captain Thomas Jackman passed away at his home on Brine Street. Two years later, on 1 August 1872, his widow, Catherine White Jackman, entered the Presentation Congregation at St Patrick's Convent.  She was received on 1 August 1873 when she was 52 years old and received the name of Sr Mary Monica.

Sr Monica Jackman spent the whole of her religious life at St Patrick's Convent.  On 4 September 1897, two Wexford newspapers carried short articles about Sr Monica. Both the 'Enniscorthy Guardian' and the 'New Ross Standard' reported that "a day of great rejoicing had taken place at the Presentation Convent of St Patrick's, Newfoundland", as Sr M Monica Jackman celebrated her Silver Jubilee.  Catherine White/Sr Monica Jackman had not been forgotten in her native County Wexford.

Captain William Jackman's stepmother, Sr Monica, passed away at St Patrick's on 27 December 1899.  She was laid to rest in the Nuns Cemetery behind the Convent.

Captain William Jackman's stepmother, Sr Monica Jackman

**I owe this interesting little snippet about Catherine White Jackman/Sr M Monica, to the lovely little book, "KEEPING THE BOND ALIVE, SHARING THE MEMORIES", Renews-Cappahayden Come Home Year 2008.

FEAST OF ST JOSEPH

St Joseph is the Patron Saint of many things including the Patron Saint of the Universal Church and the Patron Saint of Canada.  He is a saint to whom we should often have recourse but especially today, his Feast Day.  

St Joseph, Patron Saint of Canada

ST JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US.

ST PATRICK'S SISTERS 1995/96

I came across this photo in an old book from 1996. The Sisters were all resident at St Patrick's Convent at that time.  I recognize just one of the Sisters.  The Sister standing at the front, far right, is Sr Agnes Sesk, formerly known as Sr M Olivette.  

Sisters at St Patrick's Convent, 1995/96 (click the photo to enlarge)

Sr Agnes was a renowned music teacher, guiding many Kiwanis Music Festival winners. In May 2002, the Kiwanis Hall of Honour came into being.  There were three categories of membership.  Sr Agnes Sesk was one of the first inductees into the Kiwanis Hall of Honour.  That year, Sr Agnes Sesk PBVM, Andreas Barban, and Sr Katherine Bellamy RSM, were celebrated in the music category.

Sr Agnes passed away on 18 March 2008 at the age of 89 years.  She was laid to rest in the Presentation Cemetery at the Motherhouse.  

I have just heard from Heather that the Sister at the far left of the picture is Sr Charles.  Not sure of her surname but it is possibly Sr Charles Murphy, who passed away on 18 August 2006.  Thank you, Heather.  Every bit of information is helpful.

I would be very grateful if anyone can enlighten us as to the identity of any of the other Sisters here. You can contact me at mcallistersmith@gmail.com.

RAY'S AMAZING PICTURES

A year or so ago Ray Simms sent me a couple of photos which I thought were just amazing.  Well, me being me (not a computer expert!), I managed to lose the photos somewhere in cyberspace.  It took me until now, and with the encouragement of my dear friend, Betty, who happens to be Ray's niece,  to pluck up courage to admit my loss to Ray and ask him to resend the photos.  The ever understanding and obliging Ray responded immediately.  So I am delighted to post Ray's photos today but first I must fill you in with a little of the background. 

Sr M Imelda taught Commercial at St Patrick's for many, many years.  Then when Holy Heart of Mary opened, Sr Imelda was transferred to that new High School.  She served there until her retirement to Presentation Mother House, Cathedral Square. Such was Sr Imelda's reputation among St John's firms, that she received requests from them for her graduates to fill their vacancies. 

Although in its early days, St Patrick's had taught boys and girls, in later years it became an all girls' school. However, many young men wished to avail of Sr Imelda's expert tutelage so, until sometime in the 1950s, Sister's classes were open to young men wishing to learn office skills. One of those young men was Ray Simms.

Ray has given us the names of the boys in this great photo. 

Sr Imelda's Commercial Class (click on the photo to enlarge)

L-R: Harry Farrell, Bob Kieley, Tom Finn, Francis Evans, Aiden McCarthy, Ray Simms

Ray has also promised to try to identify the young ladies in this photo, so, watch this space! 

Sr Imelda's Commercial Class (minus the boys)

Thank you Ray for these wonderful photos and for your patience with this not so great techie! If you would like to tell us about your days at St Patrick's with Sr Imelda, I would be more than happy to hear your story. Again, thanks for everything, stay safe, and God bless you and yours.

This next photo isn't one of Ray's.  As I don't have a picture of Sr Imelda, I am posting one of her resting place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Sr Imelda's grave in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

MISS SEARS CLASS 1967 (MORE NAMES)

Thanks to you kind people, I have some names to add to this picture of Miss J Sears Class of 1967.  I also have some corrections so, I will post the photo again with the name changes.  I sure hope these are right! Remember, if you click on the photo, it should enlarge for you.

Second Row, third left, blue headband PAULETTE WHITE  (maybe Ceanne Evans??)

Second Row, third right  is definitely JEANETTE POWER.

SECOND ROW, first right, without uniform, BEVERLY CRANE

FRONT ROW, second left CYNTHIA (CINDY) McGRATH

THIRD ROW, first left JANET POWER

THIRD ROW, first right GERALDINE MURPHY

A big thank you to all of you who took the time to help with this.  It is just a tad difficult to remember everyone's name after more than 50 years so, hopefully, we now have things right.🤞

GRADE 2, 1967

This lovely photo will bring back fond memories for some of you.  It was sent to me by my niece, Susan McAllister Riddell. It is a grade 2 Class picture from 1967.  The teacher was the well loved Miss Jackie Sears.  It is too bad Miss Sears isn't in the photo.  

Susan has given me most of the names and perhaps you might be able to help with the ones she has missed.  If you can help, then please send the names to mcallistersmith@gmail.com. I will add this post to the faebook page but please DON'T MESSAGE ME THERE because, for some unknown reason, I am unable to access my messages.

Grade 2, 1967, Miss J Sears (Click on photo, should enlarge it)

First Row: Susan Power, Jacinta Mackey, Josephine Dalton, Karen Baird, Marie O'Brien, Joan ?, Terri Dicks, Janet Pink, Judy McCarthy, Louise Kavanaugh, Cathy MacKay, Margo Walsh

Second Row: Lynn Martin, ??, Paulette ?, Joan Tracey, Susan Emberley, Rachel Reid, Sandra Doyle, Kathy Stone, Darlene Horwood, Janet Power, Tina O'Brien, Judy ?

Back Row: Jeanette Power, ?, Maureen O'Brien, Anita Hall, Mary Lou Redmond, Anette Power, Gertrude Bruce, Trudy Collins, Sylvia Broderick, Susan McAllister, Colleen ?

Don't forget, if you are able to help with any missing names, please email me at mcallistersmith@gmail.com. Don't message me on facebook because, unfortunately, I am unable to access my facebook messages. Thanks!

Thank you Susan for this great photo.

TROUTERS SPECIAL 2022

Hello to all you St Patrick's Parishioners and supporters.  I hope you are all in fine fettle and avoiding the dreaded Covid.  I haven't posted for quite awhile but this is important so here goes.

I have received an email from Brenda Sheir with news of the Annual Fund raiser and asking for your support.  I will post Brenda's email below and I sincerely hope you will dig deep for our St Patrick's Parish.

 GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!

LOUIE'S RETIREMENT

 July was a very exciting month for our resident poet, Mary Lou (Mallard) Tucker.  She has spent most of her working life caring for and loving children but on 16 July Louie retired.  She has sent us a poem to mark the occasion and I am happy to post it here.

LOUIE'S RETIREMENT

Up to 65 years it has been an awesome journey 
As part of my work life comes to a close,
From working in an office for the first seven years
To loving and kissing my little babies toes.

Thirty six years of children attending my day home
My love grows so deep with these tiny little ones,
To teaching these darlings to love, care and share
Hopefully they will continue on once my work is done.

I feel blessed that faith, hope and love has gotten me through life
With my family and friends this gift will never cease,
My thought is that money certainly doesn’t buy happiness
Also forgiveness and giving brings the greatest peace.

I’ve been so thankful for my wonderful husband Robert
As we will celebrate 46 years of marriage in June,
My awesome son Bobby, his darling Tash and our grandkids
When we get to see them safely it will never be too soon.

This place in time I am truly blessed with my beautiful mom Helen
Who will soon celebrate the big 93,
Her living children and her very close family and friends
I thank God in Heaven for the blessings we all see.

Not all my family and friends have made it to this age
I thank God for my 65 years,
Some are granted a very short visit to earth
We are not told how long we’ll be here.

From Stephen Street, to Mckay St., to Brine Street
St. Patrick’s, to Holy Heart of Mary and Business Ed,
From United Nail and Foundry, to dedicating my life to Child Care and St. Bon’s
I agree it’s hard and busy but a most rewarding job as people have said.

I will now be entering semi-retirement 
As my last precious children leave my door,
I’ll certainly be praying for all of you through the next chapter 
My love will be an extension to my babies forever more!! 

For all my babies from three months to over thirty,

Your Louie, always!!! 

I know that the parents will miss Louie's kindness and expertise and I am equally certain that Louie will miss her beloved and cherished charges. 

We wish Louie years and years of healthy and happy retirement with plenty of time to enjoy Robert and all her wonderful family.  God bless you, Louie, and your big kind heart.  Thanks for all your support and contributions to this blog.  Please keep in touch and we look forward to more of your poems (when you get time🍷🍷!) 

TRIBUTE TO RONNIE

Ronnie Doyle, R I P

We are all saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Ronnie Doyle, such a well loved presence in St Patrick's Parish. Ronnie's friend, neighbour, and fellow parishioner has put pen to paper to offer a tribute to Ronnie.  Mary Lou (Mallard) Tucker has shared her lovely poem with us.

                          RONNIE

How many tears can one cry to Heaven

For someone so special we have loved and lost,

The shock and stress of his death that happened

The feeling of numbness and helplessness is the greatest cost.

The friendliest family man who loved chatting to everyone

He was that pleasant person we will never soon forget,

Everyone was greeted with his contagious smile and a wave

He was someone many are thankful to have met.

He was so much like his angelic parents, Mary and Kevin,

The family home is still next door to Robert and me

His dad and Ronnie wore a path from St. Patrick’s to Brine Street

Doing good for others that many did not see.

Ronnie was the very energetic sort

Who felt there was never enough time to get things done,

The best maintenance and grounds worker that St. Patrick’s would ever see

But he certainly made time for his family and loved ones.

Ronnie and Ros were blessed with two children, Kevin and Courtney, 

They will always be their special pride and joy,

When two grandchildren were to come from Kevin and Sarah

They were blessed with a beautiful girl and darling boy.

All the siblings from both sides loved him dearly

He was always just a phone call away,

He will be so missed by the priests and co-workers

And by all of us every hour of every day.

Ros, his beautiful soul is now in Heaven

With his loving family who have passed on before,

Jesus smiled and said, “COME MY SON”

You have earned your walk through Heavens door.

Hugs to Heaven Ronnie 

Thank you, Mary Lou, for this touching tribute to  Ronnie Doyle.  He was a well loved man who will be missed by so very many people.  To Ronnie's dear wife and devoted family, we extend our sincerest  sympathy. May God's love support you all in this ordeal and may  Ronnie's gentle soul rest in Christ's peace.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SR BRENDAN LYNCH

I have received some happy news from Wayne Lynch regarding his Aunt, Sr Brendan Lynch.  Wayne tells me that Sr Brendan celebrates her 90th Birthday today, 25 February, 2021.    Sr Brendan, we all wish you a wonderful Birthday and, were it not for this Covid situation we find ourselves in, I am sure there would be a steady stream of St Patrick's girls making their way to Presentation Convent to greet you on this special day. 

Sister Mary Brendan came to St Patrick's in 1967 and began to work her musical magic. She found an abundance of talent at St Patrick's and she certainly honed and polished it into a thing of beauty.  Awards and accolades came thick and fast for Sister and her choirs(here).  (To see other news of Sr Brendan and her choirs, just enter her name in the search box in the top left corner of the blog.)

Gertrude Lynch was born to Agnes and Patrick Lynch on 25 February 1931 in Grand Falls-Windsor. Sadly, Agnes passed away when Gertrude was just a child. Gertrude, Gen Murphy and Kay McDermott all started school together and became fast friends. The girls went through school together and eventually graduated together.  The beautiful thing is that the three are still friends and this year they all celebrate their 90th Birthdays. Happily for us, Gertrude joined the Presentation Sisters and was given the name Sr Mary Brendan. Sr Brendan taught in various schools across the Island sharing her talents and instilling the love of music and song in her charges.

Wayne has kindly shared some photographs of Sr Brendan with us.  I will post them here because I think many of Sr Brendan's pupils will be wishing her well today. 

Wayne, thank you so much for making  it possible for us to let Sr Brendan know that she and her music always will be special to her St Patrick's girls.

Happy Birthday, dear Sr Brendan, and may God bless you today and always.

A MUSICAL TREAT FOR CHRISTMAS??

My friend Carole sent this video to me several days ago and I am still laughing.  I have forwarded it to many relatives and friends - I hope they are still my friends!  Because I believe we can all do with a good laugh during this Covid Christmas, I am posting it here for all to enjoy.🎅🎄

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE.