BLESSED SACRAMENT, PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE- This Christmas will mark the forty-sixth anniversary of the celebration of Mass for the first time in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Academy Avenue.



The parish was then l5 months old and up to that time its parishioners had been using the nearby Odd Fellows’ Hall on Sundays and Holy Days. There was great rejoicing among them on that Feast of the Nativity, 1889, when they were able to continue on past this structure and, for the first time, assist at the Holy Sacrifice in the basement of their own church.

The acquiring of a site, excavating it and putting in a basement where church services could be held was accomplished in little more than a year under the leadership of Rev. William Simmons, appointed first pastor when the parish was formed September 28, 1888, by the late Bishop Harkins. The Mount Pleasant parish was one of the first established by the second Bishop of the diocese. He had been here only 17 months when he erected it from parts of St. Patrick’s, St. Teresa’s and St. John’s.
Father Simmons celebrated Mass for the new group for the first time on Sunday, October 7, 1888, in Odd Fellows’ Hall, Academy Avenue, thus beginning a pastorate that continued until his death nearly 33 years later. Father Simmons had just passed his fortieth birthday when he was placed in charge of the Blessed Sacrament parish. He was born in New York in September, 1848, and received his early education in that city.

Both his parents, William and Martha M. (Binns) Simmons were non-Catholics, and at an early age he decided to study for the ministry. For this purpose he entered the Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church but before graduation left that institution to study Catholic doctrine.

BUYS PADELFORD ESTATE AS SITE FOR CHURCH

After some months of study and preparation with the Paulist Fathers in New York, he was received into the Church in 1870. Immediately after his reception he began the study of philosophy and theology with the Paulists and finished his course six years later. He was ordained in 1876 and until 1885 continued with the Paulists, giving missions throughout the country. In 1885 he came to the Diocese of Providence and was assigned to St. Mary’s Newport, where he remained three years until named first pastor of the Blessed Sacrament parish.

Following his first Mass in Mount Pleasant he immediately started looking for property on which to erect a church and during his first month there purchased the Padelford Estate on Academy Avenue. Reins and Lafarge, New York Architects were engaged to draw plans for the edifice and the work of excavating started immediately. The cornerstone was laid by Bishop Harkins on June 23, 1889-the Sunday within the Octave of Corpus Christi, Patronal Feast of the parish.

Six months later, on the Feast of the Nativity, Mass was celebrated for the first time in the basement.

EXTERIOR COMPLETED I TOWER ERECTED IN 1897

For several years the church stood built up to the nave on three sides, with the fourth side only sheathed by beams and boards. In 1897 the exterior of the edifice was completed and the imposing tower, 136 feet high, was erected. By this addition the basement, which had been used for Mass for nearly ten years, was greatly enlarged.

Father Simmons proceeded with great care toward the completion of the church. In this project, as in all his work, he manifested the thoroughness and orderliness for which he was noted during all the nearly half century of his priesthood. The church was dedicated Sunday, June 5, 1904, a day that is still memorable to many members of the parish.

His Eminence the late James Cardinal Gibbons celebrated the solemn Pontifical Mass that followed the dedicatory exercises by Bishop Harkins.

Long before the hour set for the dedication people began to gather in the vicinity of the church. The sidewalks adjacent to the grounds were roped off and a large detail of police was stationed at intervals along the walks and at the entrance of the edifice to see that only those holding cards of admission were permitted to pass the lines. The large seating capacity of the church was completely occupied shortly after the doors were opened, and many extra chairs were put in available places for the accommodation of others. When Cardinal Gibbons started the celebration of Mass at 11 o’clock all available room in the church was taken.

PASTOR, PARISHIONERS COMPLIMENTED ON WORK

In addition to Bishop Harkins, those present included the late Bishop Stang of Fall River, several Monsignori and scores of priests of this and neighboring dioceses. Very Rev. Fidelis Stone, C.P., preached the sermon, complimenting Father Simmons and the parishioners on the work done. “Nowhere in the land,” he said, “can we find a temple more beautiful. Like the Catholic churches of old-yet new. We thank God that He has allowed you, dear pastor, to live to see the work of years ‘consummated. A work that is finished and yet but fairly begun.”

Bishop Harkins celebrated Pontifical Vespers in the church in the evening, when the sermon was preached by Rev. Walter Elliott of the Paulist Fathers, of Washington, D.C.

For 17 more years Father Simmons continued to direct the activities of the parish, a period that was noted chiefly for its growth in the number of parishioners. He died Friday, July 1, 1921, at the rectory, 239 Regent Avenue, in the seventy-third year of his age and the forty-sixth year of his priesthood. He had been pastor at the Blessed Sacrament for nearly 33 years. He was buried Monday, July 4, in a plot of ground in front of the beautiful church he had built. The late Bishop Hickey celebrated the Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass.

PASTORATE PARALLEL WITH BISHOP’S ADMINISTRATION

Thus, Father Simmons, whose pastorate at the Mount Pleasant church was almost parallel with Bishop Harkins’ administration as second Bishop of Providence, was the first priest at whose funeral Bishop Hickey officiated after succeeding to the see on his predecessor’s death. Bishop Harkins died on Wednesday, May 25, 1921, four weeks before Father Simmons, whom, as pointed out above, he had placed in charge of the new Blessed Sacrament parish 33 years before-within a year and a half of his becoming Bishop.

The second pastor was the late Rev. William A. Doran, D.D., appointed July 28, 1921, after a nine-year pastorate at St. Thomas Church, Manton.

He was not long in Mount Pleasant before he took steps for the erection of a school for the parish, and in 1925 he built the 18-room structure opposite the rectory on Regent Avenue and equipped it with every necessary educational facility. Nearby on Atkins Street he erected, in 1926, a commodious three-story brick convent for the Sisters of the Order of the Faithful Companions of Jesus.
Fr. Doran also acquired eight parcels of land, aggregating 34,000 square feet, to permit the expansion of the parish properties.

With school and convent finished, he turned his attention to the complete renovation of the church. In planning the improvements he desired that all the decorations should be in keeping with the Byzantine style of the interior, and that every detail should be subordinated to one great thought-the love and worship of Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.

The work, entrusted to F. Sturm Ecclesiastical Art Studios, Yonkers, N.Y., was begun and completed under his personal supervision. In August  1933, the project was started. A forest of scaffolding made possible the access to the lofty apse and ceiling. The work went skillfully and quickly forward so that all was finished before the 20th of December  1933.

FAMOUS PAINTING OF RAPHAEL REPRODUCED

Thirty-nine new stained glass windows also were installed and the interior of the tower was completed. A dominant feature of the decorative scheme is a large reproduction of Raphael’s “Disputata,” occupying the whole surface of the apse down to the marble wainscot, thus covering hundreds of square feet of wall space in the semi-dome and the frieze above the wainscot over and around the main altar. A new lighting system was installed to reveal the new beauties of the church. All the windows were made in Innsbruck, Germany.

Among improvements, Father Doran inaugurated in the school was a loud speaker system of the most advanced type to permit the transmission of radio broadcasts or programs originating in the principal’s office to any or all the classrooms.

He encouraged every form of parochial activity to strengthen soul, mind and body and to further social relations among the parishioners. Under his guidance the parish socialites developed, an annual Novenal of Grace was instituted, various recreational clubs were organized for the boys and young men, entertainment talent was given an opportunity in frequent parish shows and the school children were given every advantage by the establishment of a parochial junior high school.
One of the prized possessions of the parish is a magnificent reliquary of solid silver and gold which contains a first class relic of St. Francis Xavier.




Father Doran suggested the design.  The material was supplied by contributions of the parishioners who sacrificed family heirlooms and souvenirs in order that the relic might be suitably enshrined. No fewer than 350 wedding rings, numerous watches, bracelets, etc, were cast into the refining furnace for the making of the reliquary. It weighs 22 pounds and is 23 inches in height, with a diameter of nine inches at the base.   Click here to read a November 16, 2934 story about the reliquary as reported in the-then Providence Visitor.

THREE BISHOPS ATTEND DR. DORAN’S FUNERAL

After almost 14 years of faithful administration Fr. Doran was called to his eternal reward on March 23, of the present year. In his last illness, which was of 12 days duration, he edified all who came to visit him with his perfect resignation to the will of God. He was in his 64th year.

His funeral was held on March 27, with a Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass celebrated by Bishop Keough. Interment was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. Seated in the sanctuary during the Mass were Most Rev. James E. Cassidy, Bishop of Fall River, of whose diocese Father Doran was a native son, and Most Rev. Emmet M. Walsh, Bishop of Charleston, S.C. Hundreds of clergy of this and neighboring diocese were seated in a reserved section of the nave of the church, as were representatives of virtually every order of religious in the diocese. The throng of laity that attended filled every other available seat. Many were unable to gain admittance.

TWO PASTORS IN 47 YEARS UNUSUAL RECORD

Nearly 47 years passed from the naming of Father Simmons as first pastor to the appointment of Rev. Michael F. O’Brien, present rector, as the third. Father O’Brien was made successor to Father Doran last Sept. 19. The record of only two pastors in 47 years is an unusual one in parish histories. It was affected by Father Simmons’ long administration of 33 years and Father Doran’s of nearly 14.
Previous to his appointment to the Blessed Sacrament, Father O’Brien was pastor for 12 years at St. Teresa’s Church, Manton Avenue, being assigned to that parish July 23, 1923. During his pastorate the church was completely remodeled at a cost of $150,000.

Father O’Brien was ordained in 1901 and his first assignment was to Bristol, where he served for six months, subsequently being assigned to the diocesan Mission Band. In 1908 he was appointed editor and manager of the Providence Visitor. On October 14, 1914, he was named pastor at Conimicut, where he acquired the present parish properties, constructed the church and cleared the debt before being assigned to the pastorate of St. John’s, Providence, in January, 1919. He served there until transferred to St. Teresa’s.

Father O’Brien has been treasurer of the Visitor since 1914, He is a synodal judge, a synodal examiner and diocesan director of the Priests Eucharistic League.

PRESENT POPULATION TOTALS 6100 SOULS

The present population of the Blessed Sacrament parish is about 6,100 souls, belonging to approximately 1,500 families. Parish societies include the Holy Name, Rosary and Altar, Immaculate Conception, Children of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul and the Mercy Guild. The last named is a women’s sodality of the parish whose activities are distinct and separate from that of the St. Vincent de Paul organization, yet its work complements that of the venetians. The Guild supplies milk, clothing and, insofar as possible, furniture to needy families of the parish.

No fewer than 105 members of the Blessed Sacrament parish have responded to vocations to the priesthood or religious life 53 priests and 52 religious. Their names are recorded on tablets in the vestibule of the church.

Its enrollment of 838 pupils made Blessed Sacrament school one of the largest in the diocese. They are taught by the Sisters of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, of whom there are 31 in the community.
Father O’Brien was assisted by Rev. Peter P. Hussey, Rev. Raymond J. Crawford and Rev. Jerome E. Daly.

The Reverend Michael F. O’Brien became pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in the fall of 1935, on the death of the Reverend William A. Doran D.D. So much had been accomplished in the pastorates of Fathers Simmons and Doran that it became the duty of Father O’Brien – to maintain the good appearance of Church, School, Rectory and Convent erected by his predecessors. This role he accomplished to the satisfaction of his parishioners from October 1935 until his death August 3, 1946-despite failing health. Properties on Andem and Atkins streets and at the corner of Regent Avenue and Academy Avenue were purchased. These purchases expanded the area around the Convent and School adding to the general good appearance of the whole. After eleven years of great, gentle administrations in the many details of upkeep and maintenance, Father O’Brien was called to his reward on August 3, 1946.

The Right Reverend Monsignor Peter A. Hanley succeeded Father O’Brien in September 1946 and served as pastor until his death October 24, 1952.  During his administration land previously purchased at 217 Academy Avenue, presumably for erection of a High School, was sold. A short time later, the house at 155 Academy Avenue, owned by the Norman family where Reverend Henry Norman resided during the years of his blindness, was purchased. For some years, Dr. Edward A. McLaughlin, trustee used this residence as an office-until it was torn down in 1965. It was during his pastorate that His Excellency, Msgr. Reverend Russell J. McVinney, DD., Bishop of Providence conferred upon Father Hanley the title of Domestic Prelate. Monsignor Hanley, like his predecessor Father O’Brien, was in poor health during the short 51 years of his pastorate. However, like Father O’Brien he was ever alert in maintaining the properties of the church.

The Reverend John P. McGuire was appointed pastor to succeed Monsignor Hanley and took over his duties in December 1952.

It was evident to Father McGuire that the old rectory had outlived its usefulness. Within a year after his appointment he began the onerous work of erecting a new rectory. He chose the land in the rear of the church, at the corner of Regent Avenue and Atkins Street for the site of the new building. It was a happy choice as the rectory when finished blended well in structure and architecture with convent building to its left on Atkins Street. In fact, these two buildings look like twins in appearance. During the latter years of his administration, Father Maguire made major improvements on the school-installing new modern windows new up-to-date bathrooms, repainted the interior and refinished the exterior. He erected a Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes at the site of the old rectory. Plans to redecorate and refurbish the interior of the church were undertaken but unforeseen circumstances delayed the execution of this project. Before he could accomplish this undertaking, death came to him on December 16, 1962. His ten years of pastorate had been energetic, constructive and fruitful. In recognition of his work, Bishop McVinney had raised him to the dignity of Domestic Prelate in 1957.
The Rt. Rev. Msgr. William D. McKitchen was chosen by Bishop McVinney, to succeed Monsignor McGuire as pastor. Monsignor McKitchen took up his duties in February 1963.

At the outset of his pastorate his first desire was to do the work envisioned by his predecessor-namely, to redecorate and refurbish the interior of the church. Since 1935, when Father Doran had completely redecorated and renewed the church interior, nothing of a major nature had been done in this matter and the decorations of 1935 had gradually declined and were badly in need of rehabilitation. Before setting his mind to this task Monsignor McKitchen decided that the exterior of the church, including some major repairs on the roof and gloss coverings of the stained glass windows, should be first done so that the work on the interior could be safely undertaken.

In July 1963, the exterior of the church was sand-blasted to erase the weather stains of the years and restore the brickwork to its natural color. To bring the church into harmony with the rest of the parish buildings, the red mortar was scraped out and a new white latex mortar compound was inserted enhancing and bringing out the appearance of the brickwork. New transparent protection gloss to cover the beautiful stained-glass windows was installed; major leaks on the roof were repaired. New slates were placed on the two lower roofs-the cross on the tower gilded. The installation of glass doors at all church entrances begun by Monsignor McGuire was completed. New conductors, with access to underground drains were constructed to take care of surface rains and melted snows. The stairs and esplanade to the main entrance were reset and new brass guard rails installed. A new cement wall was constructed around the entire property of the church, rectory and convent, new cement walks and steps with protective guard rails were part of the exterior improvements. Old trees and bushes were removed and the entire lawns landscaped with new shrubbery planted at the corners of all walks. The shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes was transferred to a new setting on the side of the church.

Monsignor requested the city to accept Atkins Street as a city street. It had previously been a cobblestone lane, this was done –  the street curbed and modernized. The old garage on Atkins Street opposite the convent was torn down and a new modern four car garage erected.
With the exterior work on the properties completed Monsignor turned his attention to the interior of the church. The aim was to restore the decorations of 1935-while lightening in color some of the sombre painting. This was accomplished to the satisfaction of all concerned priests and people. Old statues and Stations of the Cross were removed to the lower church and refurbished. New marble statues and stations, imported from Italy, were installed. Marble floor work in the aisles started by Monsignor MaGuire were completed. A new terrazzo floor beneath the pews replaced the former wooden floor.
The pews were refinished and the new confessionals erected at the end of each side aisle. The sanctuary was extended six feet and a new marble altar rail replaced the former smaller iron ones giving greater access and ease at the communion rails. The sacristy was entirely renovated with new vestment cases; new Formica topped work counters with built-in sink and sacrarium. New floor tile and carpets were laid; the approach to the sacristy was completely changed by the erection of a new ell, containing an interior staircase extended to the rear of the church replacing an outside staircase and door at the side of the church.

In the lower church, the basement confessionals were lined through- out with acoustical tile and the woodwork refinished. The plaster ceiling was removed and new dropped ceiling of acoustical tile was installed-with a new system of indirect lighting, the entire basement was repainted.
The convent came in for its share of renovation. The chapel and lower floor were carpeted and the walls changed from one color throughout to various pastel shades. New Birchwood doors replaced old-fashioned ones and all wood work heretofore dark-stained were given a coat of lighter paint. The corridors on the two upper floors were carpeted and all rooms painted with pastel shades. New Flexi-gloss windows replaced outmoded ones in the sun porches on all three floors. The entire convent grounds were enclosed with a Walpole fence, later painted green to harmonize with the exterior paint on all doors and wooden parts of the various church buildings. In 1967, the parishioners supplied the Sisters with a car. To house this, a brick two-car garage was erected.

In April 1965, the former Norman property at 155 Academy Avenue was torn down to make greater parking facilities. In May 1966, the adjoining Groves property at 149 Academy Avenue was purchased and eventually torn down and the land properly graded.
Some minor improvements have been made in the school. At one time, the installation of a fully equipped library room was under consideration. A complete renovation of the school interior and the erection of a necessary gymnasium, auditorium and science room are among future plans.
In the church, a change in the Sanctuary appearances to meet requirements of the new liturgy were undertaken.  A new organ was also under consideration. Monsignor McKitchen trusted that the good Lord would provide him the necessary health and time to accomplish these improvements.
Blessed Sacrament Parish has given two Bishops to the church, Most Reverend Russell J. McVinney DD, former Bishop of Providence and his auxiliary, Most Reverend Bernard M. Kelly DD., J.C.D.
Beyond this great honor countless priests religious and secular and numerous sisters and brothers claim Blessed Sacrament as their home parish.

Blessed Sacrament parish takes a just pride in these spiritual blessings and is equally grateful to God for the fine spirit of its loyal parishioners which has made possible the excellent physical plant of church, school, convent and rectory. The dream envisioned in the year of its foundation in 1888-had, indeed became a reality-a real monument to the honor and glory of God.