A hand-coloured sketch of the emblem of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade, founded at the Capuchin Friary, Church Street, in March 1894. The legend or motto reads: ‘Valour and Innocence’. Two saintly figures (on the left St. Michael the Archangel, and on the right possibly St. Joseph, the patron saint of the organisation) stand between a Boys’ Brigade member. The Brigade member is identified by the standard uniform: a simple rosette and sash with a pillbox cap (a popular military cap of the day) worn over everyday clothing. Two drafts of the emblem are extant. The drafts vary slightly in composition. With a photographic print of the finished emblem. The photographic print (on card) was produced by W.F. O’Connor, 1 Wellington Quay, corner of Parliament Street, Dublin.
Annual reports of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade, Dublin. The reports mainly refer to the history and work of the organisation, the numbers of enrolments and to the on-going need for subscriptions from benefactors. The annual report for the year ending 1899 noted that ‘with regret we have had to refuse situations to well-deserving members, who through poverty or neglect, never enjoyed the advantage of being taught their letters. This terrible drawback … set us thinking as to how we might devise a plan, which would enable us to do something for these poor illiterate lads, and afford them an opportunity of at least a sound rudimentary education. It was with great therefore, that we saw our long-cherished wishes realised on the 10th October when we were able to open a much-needed "Night School" in connection with the Catholic Boys’ Brigade’.
Notices of meetings of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade Committee, Church Street. The file includes invitations requesting attendance at annual meetings which were held in the Brigade Hall, Church Street. The notices and resolutions are mainly signed by James J. Darragh, Honorary Secretary, and refer to routine administrative matters including the election of officers, expenditure and accounts, the arrangement of rooms and premises, the repair of the Hall, and various rules and constitutional matters. The file also includes the correspondence of Fr. Fiacre Brophy OSFC and James J. Darragh regarding a dispute within the committee regarding an amendment to rule 10 of the constitution which noted that the ‘Brigade shall be governed by the President assisted by a Capuchin Father as Vice President who shall be appointed by the President. … The President alone shall have authority in spiritual matters – the lay members being responsible for the financial affairs’.
Constitution of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade authorised under the patronage of the Most Rev. William J. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin. One copy is endorsed on the front cover ‘Founded by Fr. Benvenutus Guy OFM Cap.’. The file contains eight copies of the document.
A blank notice of affiliation certifying that a branch of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade, known as ‘St. Peter’s Battalion’, has been established in the Parish of St. Peter’s, Belfast. The certificate notes that the battalion has been affiliated to the central organisation at Church Street, Dublin.
Quest books of Fr. Henry Anglin OFM Cap., Fr. Gerard Joyce OFM Cap. and Br. Ignatius Murphy OFM Cap., questors, Capuchin Friary, Church Street. Entries in the books are made under the headings of street (mainly Dublin City), persons, family or business occupying the dwelling and the annual amount donated. Occasional reference is made to the dates of the quest and to the presence of a ‘non-Catholic’ family on a particular street. In one particular book, Fr. Henry drew a sketch map of the area which he was assigned (Dublin Southeastern Area) and included an index of streets, quays and businesses thereon. Another book has an insert of an appeal made by the Capuchin friars on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Dec. 1964.
Demand notice from J. Simpson, Assistant Secretary, Commissioners of Inland Revenue, 6 Ely Place, Dublin, to Fr. Peter Bowe OSFC seeking the return of the attached form relating to duties on 21/28 Bow Street, Dublin.
Correspondence, demand statements and certificates for payment of Income Tax and Municipal Rates in respect of properties at 151 Church Street and at 21/28 Bow Street held by the Capuchins. The correspondents include the Collector of Taxes, 22 Bachelor’s Walk, Horace Turpin, land agent for Lord Congleton’s Estate, Maryborough, Queen’s County, and Thomas J. Furlong, solicitor, 11 Eustace Street, Dublin.
Demands and receipts for ground rents due to the representatives of R.H. Cornwall Brady relating to 136-137 Church Street. The rent was paid to Hugh O’Donnell, solicitor and land agent, 29 Dublin Street, Carlow.
