Sketches of the establishment of the church in New England

Front matter

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Preface

The object contemplated in this small volume of Sketches, was, to give as succinct an account as possible of the introduction of our Holy Religion, and the foundation of its early churches, to assist, at least partially, the future historian, who will write of the several Dioceses, of which there are already five, where a few years ago there was but one, embracing the six New England States.

To the honor and glory of God, and to the spiritual advantage of thousands, as already seen, has been the erection of these Dioceses, in which so many churches, academies, convents, schools, confraternities, and other religious, literary, and benevolent Institutions have been introduced.

The Editor acknowledges his indebtedness to

PREFACE.

the " Journal " of Right Rev. Bishop Fenwick, to Dr. J. G. Shea's " History of Catholic Missions," fo the "Catholic Observer," and "Boston Pilot," wherein several interesting events here mentioned have appeared, or been alluded to, as well as to those gentlemen who assigned dates to facts herein published.

The parents of the Editor were of the congregation of one hundred, who assembled for divine worship, at the close of the last century, in the small rented building originally occupied by the Huguenots on School Street. Baptized by the venerated Reverend Dr. Matignon, confirmed by Right Rev. Dr. De Cheverus, and admitted to Holy Orders by the illustrious Right Rev. Bishop Fenwick, are events mentioned, as far as they may have weight, in authenticity of what has been here compiled, as his name or pretensions, otherwise, he allows to be of no consideration.

Contents

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The Discovery and Exploration of America. . . 7

Brief View of the Missionary Labors of the