1919 Yearbook
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Title
1919 Yearbook
Description
The Very Rev. James W. Gillespie, V. P., P. R„ holds the distinction of being the
first and only Alumnus of St. Ambrose to become a Dean of the Diocese of Davenport.
A graduate of the Collegiate Department in 1896, he was ordained to the sacred
priesthood May 27, 1899, and appointed to the Deanery of Keokuk, October 27, 1909.
Before receiving this appointment he was pastor of St. Mary's Church, McChanicsville,
Iowa.
With his official position of Dean, he took charge of St. Peter's Church of Keokuk.
Here he has made a name for himself in both city and church circles. His untiring
work in behalf of his parish has placed it on a financial footing, the best in years. His
local city values him as a man of ability to be honored and respected. He is an officer
of the Red Cross Association, and a few days before we go to print, the news reaches
us that he has been chosen as one of a committee of five to represent Keokuk at the
reception to be given the Rainbow Division at their landing in New York. During the
United War Work Drive of 1918, Father Gillespie was the Knights of Columbus representative for Southern Iowa and in this position he well fulfilled his purpose.
His interest in St. Peter's Parochial School and his young people has been often
manifested. The High School is one of the best Catholic institutions of its kind, in
the Diocese, and has a large attendance. A business course is connected with it so
that those having a desire for such schooling may find it under the sheltering arm of
the Church. Several of the young men of St. Peter's Parish are students in colleges
and seminaries, fitting themselves to follow in their Master's footsteps.
Father Gillespie may well be proud of the position he holds in his Church, in his
City in his Diocese, and in his State. Few are the Alumni of St. Ambrose who will
leave a more honorable record than he. Others may attain to higher honors; future
bishops, statesmen and generals may be in the making under his Alma Mater's
maternal roof, but she and her children can never forget her first Dean of the Diocese
of Davenport, Rev. James W. Gillespie, V. P., P. R.
first and only Alumnus of St. Ambrose to become a Dean of the Diocese of Davenport.
A graduate of the Collegiate Department in 1896, he was ordained to the sacred
priesthood May 27, 1899, and appointed to the Deanery of Keokuk, October 27, 1909.
Before receiving this appointment he was pastor of St. Mary's Church, McChanicsville,
Iowa.
With his official position of Dean, he took charge of St. Peter's Church of Keokuk.
Here he has made a name for himself in both city and church circles. His untiring
work in behalf of his parish has placed it on a financial footing, the best in years. His
local city values him as a man of ability to be honored and respected. He is an officer
of the Red Cross Association, and a few days before we go to print, the news reaches
us that he has been chosen as one of a committee of five to represent Keokuk at the
reception to be given the Rainbow Division at their landing in New York. During the
United War Work Drive of 1918, Father Gillespie was the Knights of Columbus representative for Southern Iowa and in this position he well fulfilled his purpose.
His interest in St. Peter's Parochial School and his young people has been often
manifested. The High School is one of the best Catholic institutions of its kind, in
the Diocese, and has a large attendance. A business course is connected with it so
that those having a desire for such schooling may find it under the sheltering arm of
the Church. Several of the young men of St. Peter's Parish are students in colleges
and seminaries, fitting themselves to follow in their Master's footsteps.
Father Gillespie may well be proud of the position he holds in his Church, in his
City in his Diocese, and in his State. Few are the Alumni of St. Ambrose who will
leave a more honorable record than he. Others may attain to higher honors; future
bishops, statesmen and generals may be in the making under his Alma Mater's
maternal roof, but she and her children can never forget her first Dean of the Diocese
of Davenport, Rev. James W. Gillespie, V. P., P. R.
Date
1919
Rights
St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52803
Identifier
http://cdm16810.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16810coll2/id/4682