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SKETCHES
OF THE PIONEER PRIESTS FATHER BERRY FATHER GRACE FATHER GALLAGHER FATHER DONNELY
AND OTHER PRIESIS. INDIVIDUALS. AND INCIDENTS CONNECTED wITH THE HISTORY OF ARMAGH PARISH From Original Manuscript Written By JOSEPH F. McNAMEE
Supplemented
By Parish Records Furnished By REV. FATHER T. J. WALSH Published at Pacific, Missouri by THE PLOWMAN PRESS
FATHER EDWARD BERRY EDWARD BERRY was born in Clara Hill Townland, Queens County, Ireland,
March 9, 1827.
Resolving at an early age to consecrate his life to the services of God, be
entered St. Patrick’s College, Carlow, Ireland, to prepare himself for the
sacred ministry of the altar. After spending years in diligent study and in
thorough preparation. on May 11, 1856 he received the sacrament of Holy Orders. Soon after he was ordained to the Holy
Priesthood. Father Berry was sent by his superiors to America.
About this time, owing to the adverse conditions
which prevailed in Ireland, resulting from the failure of crops, and also from
the oppressive land-lord system, Catholics were emigrating from there to America
in great numbers. Father Berry was one of the many priests sent hither to look
after the spiritual needs of these emigrants from Erin. Coming direct to St. Louis, Mo. from Carlow, Ireland Father Berry presented himself before Most Rev. Peter Richard Kenrick, Archbishop of the diocese of St. Louis, who immediately assigned him to the parish in Jefferson City, Mo., as assistant to the pastor of that place. Rev. W. Walsh. He remained but a few years in Jefferson City, when he was transferred to St. Bridget s Church, St. Louis. Mo. as assistant to Rev. D. LilIis. At one time he had charge of the parish on Indian Creek. Monroe County. Missouri.
In 1864 Father Berry was appointed pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Parish of
Armagh, Franklin County, Missouri. In addition to this, he was given charge of
St. Bridgets Church Parish of Downpatrick, Franklin County, and of St.
Columbkille’s Church on Big River, Jefferson County, Missouri. The territory embraced in these three parishes was in the form of a circle about twenty miles in diameter. It extended as far north of Pacific as the State Road, to far beyond Maddox Mill (now known as Cedar Hill) on the south, and from Calvey (now Robertsville) in Franklin County, on the west, to House Springs and High Ridge in Jefferson County. on the east. It included also a considerable portion of St. Louis County. To give the reader some idea of the condition of the parishes just mentioned when Father Berry was appointed and of the vast amount of work that lay before him, we shall recount a few facts relative to the growth of these parishes up to that time The parish of Armagh was established by Most Rev. P. R. Kenrick, it is
thought, in 1844, Rev. P. Donnely being the first pastor. The exact date could
not be ascertained by writer as the records of St. Patrick’s Church were
destroyed by fire. At
this early date, we must remember, the country along the Meramec River where it
flows through Franklin. Jefferson, and St. Louis Counties was, for the most part
one vast wilderness. The cultivated fields, comfortable dwellings and numerous
villages which now adorn the banks of this beautiful stream were never dreamed
of. The only roads were those merely blazed through the forests, and in the
places where bridges now span the river, it had to be crossed by fording or in
canoes hollowed from the trunks of trees. and in the places where bridges now span the river, it had to be crossed
by fording or in canoes hollowed from the trunks of trees. Where the stillness
of night is now disturbed by the rumbling of cars and the shriek of a
locomotive, then could be heard only the hooting of owls and the harking of
wolves. Here and there at considerable distance apart, might be seen rudely
constructed log houses standing in little open fields. These were the humble
homes of the pioneers: the honest and patient men who braved the hardships and
perils of pioneer life, who slowly but surely made fields of the forests, and
who laid the foundation of civilization and prosperity in the foot-hills of the
Ozarks. Many of these early settlers were Catholics some of whom had come hither
from Ireland, others from New Orleans, and from the Eastern states. That the spiritual welfare of these isolated children of the Roman
Catholic Church might be provided for, the first missions in these parts were
established. About four miles south of where Pacific now stands, the first St. Patrick’s Church was erected on the right bank of the Meramec River in Franklin County, under the direction of Father Donnely. The site chosen for the first church is an elevated plot of level ground overlooking the Meramec, near the Priest’s Ford. The walls of the church were built of hewn logs, and it was covered with a clapboard roof. Although eighty years have passed since this church was built, its ruins may still be seen, but most of those who attended the first services within those walls now slumber beneath their silent shadows. A few weather-beaten marble headstones, bearing images of The Crucifixion, or ones of a similar nature, tell the passerby that the silent tenants of this sacred though secluded spot, were Catholics. Far, far away from their native land, the toils and struggles of life being ended, they lay their burden down, In the language of Holy Mother Church. we may say. “Eternal rest grant unto them, 0 Lord! and let perpetual light shine upon them.’
RUINS OF THE FIRST ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH
But to return to our subject, Father Donnely remained but a few years in the
country after the building of St. Patricks. He was called into St. Louis by the
Most Rev Archbishop and made assistant at The Old Cathedral about 1848. His name
will always be affectionately’ remembered by the Catholics of the parish of
Armagh.
It seems that from 1848 to 1853, there was no resident priest in Armagh and the
parish was attended by various priests. The priest would come from Richwoods, or
often a good father would ride on horseback all
the way from Kirkwood or St. Louis to celebrate mass at St. Patricks.
Among those attending the early missions were the late Canon O’Hanlan, Father
O'Regan, Father Stehle, Father Ward, Father Fox. Father Hamill, and Father
Fleming. Canon O’Hanlan of Sandymount, Dublin, recounts his experience while attending the mission on the banks of the Meramec River in Franklin County, Missouri, in his book
PRESENT ENTRANCE TO FIRST ST. PATRICK”S CEMETERY entitled “Memoirs of the Early Missions.” In this connection he says: “In those early days there was no parochial residence. The priest, while attending the mission, was lodged in the home of one of the Catholic parishioners. It was nothing unusual, after a long day’s ride, to have one’s slumber disturbed in the middle of the night by the squealing of a chicken, the squealing of a young pig or the bleating of a lamb, which some ravenous wolf was carrying away in triumph to the wild LaBarque Hills.” For
some reason with which we are not acquainted, Father O’Hanlan went back to
Ireland. Besides faithfully fulfilling the duties of the Catholic priest, Father
John O’Hanlan became a writer of great celebrity. He spent the later years of
his life in Sandymount, Dublin, where he died in 1 904. Several years prior to
his death, he had been raised to the dignity of Canon by his ecclesiastical
superiors.
About the year 1850, St. Columbkille’s Church was built. The site chosen is a
beautiful knoll about one mile west of where the little village of Byrnesville
is now situated. Like St. Patrick’s Church, St. Columbkille’s was just a
plain log structure with a clapboard roof.
About the same time, probably earlier, St. Bridget’s Church was built. This
church was not erected where the present St. Bridget’s stands in the city of
Pacific, but about two miles north of Pacific, near what is now known as
Ridenauer’s Grove.
The building of the Missouri Pacific Railroad through Franklin County in the
early fifties brought many Catholics hither. They helped to build the road. Many
of these invested their earnings in land in the vicinity of the Meramec River
and the surrounding territory. They then built their homes on the land they had
bought. Many more continued to work for the railroad company and built homes in
the new town of Franklin, now the city of Pacific.
To provide for the needs of the rapidly increasing Catholic population, Father
Grace, who was appointed resident pastor, took the initiatory steps toward
erecting more commodious church buildings.
As the old St. Patrick’s Church was no longer in the center of the parish,
another site was chosen on which to build the new church. Twenty acres of land
including the proposed site, and upon which the present St. Patrick’s Church
~stands, was donated to the parish by Mr. P. McBrearty. This is about three
miles south of where the old church stood.
Father Grace set to work at once to raise the necessary funds for building the
new church. He traveled all along the railroad from St. Louis to St. Joseph,
Mo., soliciting contributions for this purpose from Catholics.
These responded very generously to his appeals, and the amount collected in this
way, together with what was subscribed by the parish, enabled him to commence
work on the foundations. This was about the year 1857. The corner-~tone was
laid, and Rev. D. S. Phelan of St. Louis, who was then a young priest, preached
the sermon on the occasion.
As the new building was being constructed of cut stone, work progressed slowly.
Father Grace’s health began to fail and before the walls were built ten feet
above the ground, he was called to his reward in the year 1859, having attained
the age of only thirty-five years.
The loss of this good and saintly priest was deeply felt by his parishioners as
his life among them had been a life of self-sacrifice in promoting their
spiritual welfare. During his pastorate in Armagh, a rude log house served as
his residence. This is only one illustration of Father Grace’s simplicity and
self-denial. His holy dust reposes within the walls of St. Patrick’s Church,
which he had labored so faithfully to build. May the Lord give rest to his soul.
A sad accident which occured in the parish of Armagh on the fifth of February,
1856, was the death of Father McCaffery. While Father Grace was on a collecting
tour for his church, or possibly on a retreat, Father McCaffery, who was pastor
of Richwoods, Washington County, Mo., was called to visit some sick person
living north of the Meramec River, In attempting to cross the river at a point
known as “The Withington Ford,” his horse shied, he was thrown into the
water and drowned. Some few days later his body was found and conveyed to Old
Mines, Washington Co., Mo. and interred in the cemetery at that place. Some of
the priests of the diocese united and placed an humble headstone over the
remains of the priest who had died in the discharge of his duties.
As we have mentioned, Father Grace’s death occurred in 1859, and he was
succeeded by Father Gallagher, who in turn was succeeded by Father Flannery.
Father Edward Berry was successor to Father Flannery.
Five years had elapsed from the time of Father Grace’s death (1859) to Father
Berry’s appointment (1864) and no progress had been made on the building of
the St. Patrick’s Church during this time. This was due perhaps to the
distracted state of the country during the Civil War.
The building of the present St.
Bridget’s Church in Pacific, Mo. had likewise been retarded. The cornerstone
of this structure had been laid in 1857, a large delegation of Catholics from
St. Louis being present. After the ceremonies of the laying of the cornerstone,
Rev. C. S. Smarius, S. J. of St. Louis delivered a very eloquent sermon. The
occasion was one long to be remembered by the Catholics of “Franklin” and
the surrounding vicinity.
The brick and other material was purchased and hauled to the ground as early as
1861, but nothing more was done toward its construction till 1867. The humble log structure which had hitherto served as St. Columbkille’s was no longer large enough to accommodate the increasing number of parishioners, many of them having to kneel outside while divine service was going on within the church.
From what has been said, it may be seen that the work that lay before Father
Berry was the completion of St. Patrick’s Church (the unfinished walls of
which had as yet served only as a monument to the zeal of Father Grace) and the
building of new churches at Pacific and at Big River.
To a man of a less resolute turn of mind, this undertaking would have been
disheartening. But Father Berry set to work with an energy commensurate to the
task that confronted him. His sound business principles and conservative
management soon won for him the confidence of the parishioners. Difficulties
sprang up in his pathway by the score, but with his keen foresight and marked
ability in dealing with them, they soon vanished as do the morning vapors before
the rising sun.
Within a few years after 1864 the new St. Patrick’s Church was completed. At
the foot of the Big Sand Hill in Pacific the present substantial brick building,
St. Bridget’s, was erected. A beautiful brick structure similar to that of St.
Bridget’s replaced the old St. Columbkille’s Church in Big River Parish.
The work of building being
completed, Father Berry could now give more attention to the educational and
moral advancement of the people under his charge. By his advice and with his
consent the St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society was organized in 1865, for he
believed that much good of a benevolent character could be accomplished by the
men of the parish united socially as well as spiritually. This society was in
active existence from 1865 to 1901. Father Berry was president of the society
during this entire period, and rarely missed a meeting. The noble ambitions of the young men who along with their pastor were instrumental in affecting its organization, may well serve as an example for the young men of the present generation.
“Minutes
of St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society” “Origin
of Said Society”
“A number of the parishioners of Armagh Parish, Franklin County, Missouri, in
order to establish a more perfect union among each other and also to diffuse
knowledge among its members, to assist its worthy pastor in objects of a
benevolent character and for the general purposes of benevolence, did, by the
advice and consent of their worthy pastor, agree to meet at the residence of
Rev. Father Berry on December 31st., 1865. for the purpose of organizing a
society for the purposes aforementioned.” ‘Pursuant
to agreement a meeting of the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church was held in
the residence of the Rev, Father Berry on December 3Ist., 1865 for the purpose
of organizing a society to be called the St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society.”
“On motion the Rev, Father Berry
was chosen president pro tem.
“On motion Jas. F. McBrearty was chosen secretary pro tem. “On motion all those who were willing to become members were called on to sign their names, when the following declared their intentions to become members by signing their names:
.
“On motion of Jas. F. McBrearty the president pro tern was requested to
appoint a committee of three to draft a constitution and by-laws for adoption at
the next regular meeting of the society. Motion carried.” “In accordance with said request, the president appointed the following gentlemen said committee:
"On motion of Owen Dailey the meeting adjourned until Sunday, Jan. 7th, 1866 at two o’clock P. M.”
At
first debating contests were indulged in by the members, but later these were
discontinued. By
way of encouraging the reading of Catholic literature, a library was
established. The works of standard Catholic authors were obtained and placed
therein. As opportunity afforded, new installments of books were added, so that
at the time of Father Berry’s death the library consisted of about six hundred
volumes. Among them were the works of such celebrated Catholic writers as: writers,
the library contained standard works of history and philosophy and some of the
English classics. * Montalembert, Cardinal Newman, Cardinal Wiseman, Cardinal Gibbons, Gerald Griffin, Dr. Lingard, Archbishop Hughes, Rev. M. S. Brennan, Father Abram J. Ryan, Rev. Father Hill, S. J., Father De Smet, S. J., Rev. Balmes, S. J., Father Fidelis, Maurice F. Eagan, John G. Shea, Wrn. Carleton, Anna T. Sadlier and others.
In addition to the works of the above-mentioned writers, the library contained
standard works of history and philosophy and some of the English classics. *
Father Berry always encouraged the young people to form correct reading habits,
and repeatedly reminded them of the great store of useful knowledge and
information to be obtained from the excellent books in the library.
Thus was the moral education of the young people under his charge provided for.
Thus was the cause of education, based on religious instruction, fostered under
his watchful care and guidance.
But perhaps some reader may ask, ‘How did Father Berry attend to all the
duties connected with these three large parishes?”
In the first place he was blessed with a rugged constitution living for the most
part in the open air during the week, he was rarely sick. Then, too, he
possessed a wonderful capacity for working continuously in the fulfillment of
the duties of his station.
On Sundays he arose at five o’clock in the morning; heard confessions from six
to half-past seven; celebrated the first mass before eight; heard confessions
again from nine to ten; and began the celebration of the second mass at
half-past ten. * This library is still housed in the old St. Patrick's Library Hall and was recently viewed by the editors while they were taking pictures for this book. It is a fact to be regretted that this splendid set of books together with the other property of St. Patrick’s which cost the early settlers so much in time and effort to accumulate and construct should be so sadly neglected in these later years.
After
the first gospel, he preached the sermon. This he never omitted except when the
weather was unusually inclement. By the time he was through celebrating the last
mass, it was twelve o’clock. He usually ate his breakfast between twelve and
one.
From three to four in the afternoon, during the summer months, he gave
instructions in the catechism to the children. These services were held on
alternate Sundays in St. Patrick’s and at least on one Sunday of each month in
each of the other churches.
Owing to the fact that so many spiritual children were under his care, and these
scattered over a wide territory, Father Berry spent a considerable part of his
time attending the sick. On these occasions he usually rode horseback. Dressed
in the conventional black and sitting erect on his spirited horse, he became a
conspicuous figure on the roads. As he had a kind word for everyone, he became
known by every person, and every Catholic and non-Catholic alike in each of the
three parishes became his friend.
When on these errands of Christian charity his countenance wore a grave
expression. To a Catholic it was evident that one absorbing thought had
possession of his mind, and that thought was, that he was the humble bearer of
our Blessed Lord to the bed-side of the sick person. The way was not too long, nor the weather too inclement, nor the night too dark, to prevent him from attending the sick. Many a time he was roused up at midnight to attend a sick call ten or twelve miles distant, to administer the last sacraments to a dying person.
When
called away to St. Louis on a retreat, his first care after complying with that
religious duty was to get back home as soon as possible, nor could he be
prevailed upon to stay. His brother priests in the city say that when they would
ask him to remain over with them for a few days’ rest, his answer was
invariably the same. No, I must be getting home; there might be a sick call out
there,” and home he would go, despite their entreaties for him to stay.
In his business relations with his parishioners he exhibited both tact and sound
judgment. There was rarely any friction between him and any member of his
parish. He had a natural aversion to speaking on money matters pertaining to his
own support. Satisfied with little, as a matter of course, his revenues were
comparatively small. During the month of February of each year, he made his
annual settlement with the parish.
When soliciting money For the orphans, the seminary. or
the Indian and Negro Missions, he would present the matter before his
parishioners in as strong a light as possible. he would appeal to their sense of
duty as well as to their generosity. Give it to
God, he would say. Under his administration of St. Patrick’s,
the amount collected annually for the orphans was almost treble the amount that
was afterward assessed to this parish. He always set a good example by
contributing liberally to this noble purpose himself, Incomplete as this sketch is, it would be far more so, were we to overlook the social side of Father Berry’s nature. Possessing a warm heart and being deeply sympathetic with those in distress, his companionship was sought by old and young alike. There was sunshine in his countenance and sunshine in his words that drove melancholy and care to the winds. Go
to his room at any hour on Sunday afternoon, except the hours for catechism, and
there you found some visitor. Many will long remember the generous welcome that
rang through the words, ‘Come in,’ his invariable response to a call at his
door. And it could be truly said of his dwelling that the latch string was
always hanging on the outside. All who knew the good-natured priest felt that in
him they had a bosom friend. There was that indescribable something in his
personality that set the visitor or caller at ease, for, being a good
conversationalist and possessing a peculiar readiness in seeing the humorous
side of the most commonplace events, he could without the least apparent effort
entertain his guests. Priests from all parts of the diocese were among his
visitors. Some of these who on account of illness, had obtained permission from
the Archbishop to take a vacation spent the time with Father Berry recuperating
their health and enjoying his generous hospitality. Should anyone call on him at
or near meal time, he would always say, “Come and have dinner with me.” On
these occasions, no attempt was made at serving delicacies or extras of any
sort, but the plain substantial fare he ate himself was shared generously with
his guests. Oftentimes non-Catholics called on him. These were treated in the same courteous manner as those of the household of the faith. On one occasion a few years before Father Berry’s death, a Baptist preacher visited him. Having engaged in a religious controversy with a champion of the Seventh Day Adventists, the minister wished to borrow some books that might be of service to him in refuting the arguments of his opponent. Father Berry gave him several books, one among them being “The Faith of Our Fathers.”
Several weeks after, the preacher returned the books, saying that he had read
them carefully and that he was very much impressed with their contents. He was
very thankful to Father Berry for his kindness. Many
other instances might be related illustrating his kind treatment of
non-Catholics, and the high esteem in which he was held by them. Suffice it to
say, that all who had the pleasure of meeting him in his own home were Impressed
with his courteous manner as well as his generous nature. “Charity toward
all” was his motto, and his life was an exemplification 0f this rule. But
it was as the humble priest and faithful follower of the cross that his exalted
character was most truly manifested. Neither summers heat, nor winter’s storm,
nor the feebleness accompanying old age could prevent his following most
strictly and religiously the path of duty. During the thirty-seven years of his
pastorate in Armagh, he took, we believe, but one brief vacation. With this
exception, he was at the post of duty every Sunday. Nor
must we forget to mention the special instructions given to the children
preparing for First Holy Communion. For some days previous to that all-important
day of their lives, he would have the children assemble at the church. He spared
neither time nor labor in preparing their minds for the worthy reception of the
Holy Eucharist. From nine in the morning till four in the evening he remained
with his youthful flock, teaching them prayers, praying with them, and patiently
laboring to impress their minds with a thorough knowledge of the saving truths
of our holy religion. Thus, from week to week and from year to year, he pursued the even tenor of his way, instructing the ignorant, admonishing the erring, comforting the afflicted and doing good to all. We
have now to relate one of his severe trials. During the night following Good
Friday, 1885, a fire broke out in the parochial residence adjoining St.
Patrick’s Church. How it originated no one knows. Before it was discovered it
had made considerable headway. An alarm was sounded by ringing the large bell in
the belfry. Nearby farmers hurried to the scene of the conflagration, but all to
no avail. The flames had already spread to the church, igniting the dry shingle
roof. Soon both church and residence were enveloped in flames. The priest’s
vestments, the altar linens, the pictures representing “The Stations of the
Cross,” the crucifix that surmounted the tabernacle, and the large oil
painting of St. Patrick were saved from the flames. All else, including a fine
pipe organ that had been purchased a few years previously, was burned. When
the morning of Easter Saturday dawned, the sun shone not on the beautiful
stained-glass windows that had adorned the east end of the church, but through
yawning cavities on a shapeless mass of smoking ruins. Coming
in his declining years, this unexpected calamity was a hard blow to Father
Berry. At this juncture, Mr. W. L Dickinson, a kind neighbor, invited him to
come and make his home with him until arrangements could be made for rebuilding
the parochial residence. Father Berry accepted the invitation and received the
kindest treatment from the Dickinson family during his stay. But
where was he to celebrate Holy Mass? Luckily, the large Library Hall erected a
few years previously by the St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society was uninjured by
the fire.
This was temporarily used for a church, and well did it
answer the purpose in this emergency. With
characteristic energy, Father Berry set to work to rebuild the residence and the
church. “The church must be rebuilt,” he said, and the people knew that with
such a determined spirit back of the undertaking, it would be rebuilt. On
the Sundays following Easter, subscriptions were taken up in St. Patrick’s
Library Hall and the sum realized was very encouraging. Then the parishioners of
St. Columbkille’s generously came forward and expressed their appreciation of
the services of their former pastor, and their sympathy for him, in a material
way, by presenting him with a large and well-filled purse. The money thus
obtained was applied to the building of the parochial residence, Later
the people of St. Bridget’s Parish, St. Louis, gratefully remembered Father
Berry. They too presented him with a liberal sum. In
less than a year’s time both church and residence were completed. On Easter
Sunday, 1886, holy mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church once more, In
the fall of the same year the church was dedicated. Very Rev, P. Brady, then
Vicar General, assisted by Rev. J. Hennes of Pacific, Mo., and several priests
from St. Louis, conducted the ceremonies; and now Father Berry had the supreme
satisfaction of celebrating holy mass within the consecrated walls of St.
Patrick’s again. The
remaining fifteen years of his life were spent in the same simple and
self-sacrificing manner as usual. Nothing occurred to mar the peace or happiness
of St. Patrick’s parish, and the good priest seemed to enjoy to an eminent
degree the sunset of a well-spent life.
But years of steadfast devotion to duty were beginning
to tell on him. His once erect frame was now bending with age. His step was no
longer elastic, and it was with difficulty that he ascended the altar steps. To
these infirmities he yielded not, but on the contrary, chose to perform with
more rigorous exactness every duty connected with his sacred calling. During
the months of May and June, 1901, he conducted the Jubilee of the year. The
weather being unusually dry, the farmers had much difficulty getting in their
crops, and he extended the time for making the Jubilee for several weeks, in
order that all the members of the parish might be given an opportunity to make
it. Scarcely had he brought the Jubilee to a close when the unusual hot wave of that year set in, the temperature continually rising from day to day. On the Sunday preceding July 25, 1901, the thermometer registered upwards of ]00. The heat was so intense, and the air so stifling it was dangerous for a weak or aged person to be exposed to the sun,
The following Tuesday he took a walk out to a field nearby where some men were
making hay. The temperature had by this time gone it to 106°. By this intense
heat he was overcome and was scarcely able to get bark to the house.
He apparently recovered from this
and retired to his room, but early the next morning while the stars were yet to
be seen in the sky, he arose, raised the window, went out on the porch through
this opening and was heard to say. “It is time to ring that bell.” Nothing
more was noticed until that evening at the supper-table. “when he became
dangerously ill and could no longer speak. That voice which had been the medium
through which generations of the people of St. Patrick’s had received a
knowledge of the Catholic Religion, that had so often brought spiritual
consolation to the bedside of those awaiting tile final summons, ---- that voice
was to be heard no more!
Before a priest could be called, before medical assistance could be procured,
the noble soul of Father Edward Berry had bade adieu to thi5 world and had gone
to receive the reward of a well spent life. May’ we not confidently hope that
he was welcomed into the eternal mansions with these words: “Well done, good
and faithful servant! Since thou hast been faithful in few things. I will place
thee over many.”
The funeral services were held in St. Patrick’s Church, on July 27th.. A large
gathering of parishoners, also many non-Catholics came to pay the last sad
tribute of respect to him who had been their life-long friend.
The Mass of Requiem was sung by Rev. N. Larche of Josephville, Mo., assisted by
Rev. John Glingler of Pacific, Mo. and Rev. Eugene Coyle. then rector of Old
Cathedral Parish. St. Louis.
After the mass was finished,
Father Coyle, a life-long friend of Father Berry, delivered the funeral oration.
Every word that the speaker uttered was absorbed with eagerness by all present.
He referred to the thirty-seven years of uninterrupted service, given so
zealously by Father Berry to St. Patrick’s, and to the sacrifices made in
living in an isolated place, away from the conveniences of the city, and for the
most part away from association with brother priests, the deceased having made
this sacrifice so cheerfully because he sought not his own will but the will of
God. Father Coyle then referred to Father Berry’s college record. In this
regard he said, ‘His conduct was above reproach and edified both his
class-mates and superiors. He graduated with the highest honors. He might have
had a successful career as a business man, or have honorably filled some
position of trust as a statesman, but he chose the better part and consecrated
his life to the service of Almighty God. For nearly half a century he labored in
the vineyard of the Lord, bore the burden and the heat, and died in the
harness” “While all the virtues were exemplified in the life of Father Berry,” continued the speaker, “If I might mention one that stood out in bold relief from all the rest, I would say, the crowning glory of his life was his simplicity.”
Father Coyle concluded his discourse by
admonishing all present to follow Father Berry’s example and to “be always
prepared.” The services in the church being over, the remains were tenderly carried out to
the cemetery and reverently laid to rest in the priests lot under the shadow of
St. Patrick’s Church. “It is most fitting,” said Rev. D. S. Phelan, who delivered the sermon at
the Month’s Mind for Father Berry, that the dust of this noble priest should
mingle in death with the dust of those whom he had loved and labored for during
life.” Thus we have endeavored to narrate briefly the life and death of Father Edward
Berry, a man whose whole life was full of good deeds, and whose noble example of
daily self sacrifice in promoting the spiritual welfare of others, like a beacon
light will shine down the ages, illuming the steep and thorny path which leads
to heaven. Let us breathe the prayer for him that he so often said for the souls
of the faithful departed. “May
Almighty God have mercy on his soul and grant
him the light and glory of heaven."
FINIS FATHER
BERRY’S OWN WORDS (Below
is reproduced a part of the Marriage Record in which Father Berry recounts some
of the earlier history of the parish. Wording and spelling are preserved just as
originally written.) ST.
PATRICK’S CHURCH, ARMAGH PARISH NEAR
CATAWISSA, MO.
This record is to contain all the marriages that may
occur from time to time in this Parish beginning this the 1st of May, 1885. The old records of
this church were all destroyed by fire on the 1st of April, 1885. They were very
valuable, giving a full account of all the marriages that
took place since the 1st priest came to the Merrimac Settlement--recording the
names and dates of all the priests that came here since 1834. This place was
visited for several years by priests from St. Louis previous to the time of a
settled pastor. They were Father Burke, Father Timon, afterwards Bishop Timon of
Buffalo, and others who were Lazarist Fathers -- also Father Patrick O’Brien
visited here and was the first appointed pastor to this place. Father Peter
Donelly became the next pastor. He resided here for some time, organized the
Merrimac Settlement -- by which name it was known up to his time -- into a
parish called Armagh Parish, The church, a log one built over near the Merrimac
River on ground belonging to the Archbishop (Peter R. Kenrick) which was
afterwards sold to Mr. John Whelan, was called St. Patrick’s Church. Several
priests lived there in a house built by the parish; to wit: Fathers O’Hanlan, Stellie, Ward, Hamil, Fleming, and
some others. Father Grace came here in 1852, took charge of the parish and
commenced to build a rock church on property donated by Mrs. Patrick McBrierty.
He also built a pastoral residence but did not complete it.
Father Grace died in 1859. Then came Father O’Regan, Father Miller who
resided at Kirkwood, and Father Gallaher. Then came Father Berry in 1864 and
built up the church which was left unfinished by Father Grace. He had completed
it, leaving nothing undone to make it as substantial and handsome as any country
church in the state. But to his great sorrow the residence was burned down on
the 1st of April, 1885, as also the roof of the church, organ, gallery, pews, in
fact all the wood work, leaving nothing but the rock walls standing and somewhat
damaged by the fire. This misfortune left the parish in a sad condition, but fortunately there was a hall, built by the young men of the parish for a Library Hall, where the people gathered to hear mass and be present at the Holy Sacrifice on Sundays and holy days. It was a sad sight to behold on the following Easter Sunday -- house gone -- church gone -- the gathering of 20 years gone in flames and smoke -- sorrow pictured on every face! Oh, what shall we do? Failure of the wheat crop left the farmers almost hopeless. Still where there is a will there is a way. In the name of God we started again and in three months a better house replaced the old one all paid for. Then we commenced the church so as to have it covered in before winter and save the walls which were more or less injured by the fire. Our success exceeded our expectation and on the following Easter Sunday we had mass again in the church, and what was best of all ---all the work paid for.
TO THE PIONEERS OF ARMAGH
So sleep you in peace, 0 you faithful departed; Gone
are your struggles, your toil and your fears.
We who are left to uphold your example Will never forget you, 0 brave pioneers! The church you have built by your toil and endeavor Shall
a monument be to your faith and your love;
And its massive stone walls will remind us forever To
follow the footsteps of those gone above.
May the church of St. Patrick ever be to the faithful A
shrine of devotion for all coming years. May it guide us from earth to the beauties of Heaven, Where dwell in their glory her brave pioneers.
EDITORS’ NOTE This
book was written some twenty years ago at the request of Father Edward Berry
Council. Knights of Columbus, to commemorate the ideals of Father Berry
Publication, however, was delayed for one cause or another up to the present
time. That
this book may be the means of preserving the memory of the early
settlers of this community and encouraging the present and future generations to
follow their example of courageous self-sacrifice is the object of this edition. We hope you may accept this book as a step in the right direction and pardon any inaccuracies which may have unavoidably crept into it in spite of our efforts to prevent them.
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