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Letter from Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. referring to an application for a third man to help with his missions in America. Father Edwin explains that they can do nothing from Ireland until the end of summer. He mentions that Fr. Raphael Quinn is also looking for a third man. He plans to write to a Fr. Joseph Fenelon to see if he can assist with the matter. He reports that Fr. Laurence Dowling has been unwell for the past couple of months but is now recovering and will go to the Isle of Man for a fortnight of rest. Father Edwin also describes an ‘immense amount of work’ in Ireland, noting they have 50 Missions and Retreats scheduled between March 1st and Easter.

Letter from Monsignor James P. Cantwell to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. He expresses his delight that Father Thomas is returning to California from a trip abroad (likely Ireland) and bringing Father Laurence with him. Monsignor Cantwell notes that times ‘continue to be bad’ with ‘no immediate hope’ for improvement. He expresses a lack of confidence in national leadership, stating, ‘There is no hope in Hoover’, and observing that there are more people out of work than ever before. He suggests that global recovery depends on Germany being ‘put on her feet’. He mentions ‘a lot of talk’ about Bishop Mitty (John J. Mitty) coming to San Francisco.

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap., Rochestown, County Cork. The letter discusses a recent meeting in Helena, Montana, with Bishop Brondel regarding the year-long proposal to establish a Catholic mission in Hinsdale. The bishop advised that because the Jesuit Order controls the territory, the matter must be referred to Rome; however, Wooldridge expressed a willingness to assist and suggested Father Laurence write to him directly. Additionally, the agent notes that local leading Catholics in Northern Montana are eager to co-operate, concluding that a thorough investigation would show widespread community support and that the bishop remains highly interested in developing the region.

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Bishop John B. Brondel of Helena, Montana, concerning the establishment of a Catholic mission, college, or industrial training school in Northern Montana. He shares that Mr. Henry O’Hanlon, a prominent merchant from Chinook, strongly supports the idea. Drawing a historical parallel to the humble beginnings of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, Wooldridge argues that current conditions in Montana are ideal for establishing a foundational institution that could grow into something highly creditable. He notes that within the next year, arrangements could likely be made to secure 160 acres of land near the town for this purpose, backed by the moral and financial support of the area's energetic Catholic business community.

Photograph of Capuchin friars at the Provincial Chapter in St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin.

Photograph of Capuchin friars at the Provincial Chapter in St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin.

Ledger and account book for the Capuchin community at St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street. The ledger provides a daily record of income received and expenses incurred by the community. Notes are made of income derived from mass stipends, street collections, sodalities, Third Order payments and temperance publications. Reference is also made to monies received from donations, alms, bequests, and cheques. Expenses include travel tickets, lay staff wages, groceries, building repairs and other sundries. An entry from November 1908 refers to the payment of £30 to John Keogh for the completion of work on the Calvary at St. Mary of the Angels. The entries are periodically signed by the Friary Guardian and by the Provincial Minister at visitations.
Manuscript annotation on first page reads:
‘Particulars supplied to the Archbishop at his Grace’s request.
Church of St Mary of the Angels – building was begun June 12th 1868. Total cost including altar pulpit, altar rails, organ but not furniture was £60,000
Architect, James McCarthy
Contractors, Michael Meade & son.
The Sacred Heart Chapel built as an aisle church was begun in March 1908. Cost: £4,000.
Architects, Ashlin & Coleman
Contractors, Thomas Connolly’.
A later annotation (in the hand of Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap.) reads:
‘House ledger from October 1907 (Fr. Laurence Dowling, Guardian) to December 1929 (Fr. Angelus Healy, Guardian)’.
A List of Friary Guardians is supplied:
1907-1910, Fr. Laurence [Dowling]
1910-1913, Fr. Angelus [Healy]
1913-1916, Fr. Augustine [Hayden]
1916-1919, Fr. Fiacre [Brophy]
1919-1925, Fr. Benedict [Phelan]
1925-1928, Fr. Edward [Walsh]
1928-1931, Fr. Angelus [Healy]
1931-1934, Fr. Edward [Walsh]

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap., Rochestown, County Cork. The letter outlines a proposal to establish a Catholic church and an industrial training school in the Milk River Valley in Montana. Wooldridge notes that while Bishop Brondel was initially hesitant due to a past incident with an unauthorized priest, the bishop has become supportive. The letter emphasizes the region’s rapid development, the strong presence of influential Catholic families, and the unique opportunity to build an educational institute that bridges the gap between common schools and universities. Wooldridge explicitly offers his cooperation, leveraging his position and connection with the Great Northern Immigration Department, and suggests that Father Laurence consult with a Mr. William Murphy to further discuss the valley’s potential.

Letter from Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. thanking him for his hospitality during a recent stay in Burlingame, California, in the United States. The letter is written on White Star Line stationery while ‘Somewhere in the Atlantic’ on board the M.V. ‘Britannic’.

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, mentioning that he recently returned from a two-week mission in Pasadena for the ‘newly established Third Order’. He reports that the order is flourishing and notes a successful profession ceremony that brought in ‘plenty of Dollars’ and many new members. Father Fenelon discourages the Provincial from sending out more friars (specifically mentioning Fr. Laurence) for now, as there is currently no mission work scheduled beyond a brief stint in San Francisco.