1935

Fire which started in some unknown manner in outbuildings about 80 feet away spread to the presbytery of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, four miles out of the village of Osgoode yesterday, and although neighbors fought the flames valiantly, both presbytery and outbuildings were completely destroyed. The neighbors saved most of the contents. The loss will be about $5,000, covered by insurance.

Rev Father Tierney, parish priest and staff of the presbytery have found temporary home with friends near to the church.

The fire was first noticed in an outbuilding at five a.m., and a neighbor rushed to the presbytery, to warn the priest and others in the residence. By that time sparks had fallen on to the roof of the presbytery which soon began to burn rapidly. Efforts were concentrated on getting the contents out of the building.

OSGOODE, Ont., May 25. -- A serious fire occurred near Osgoode on Friday morning. when the entire home and contents of Rev. W. F. Tierney, Parish priest of St. John's Catholic church, was destroyed.

The fire was first noticed in the garage about 5.30 a.m. and rapidly spread to the brick dwelling.

The Osgoode fire brigade was summoned but found it impossible to extinguish the flames on account of the great scarcity of water. Volunteer helpers hurried from Metcalfe and surrounding district but the fire had gained such headway, all efforts were in vain.

Due to damage to the line all telephone communications were cut off.

The los was estimated as around $5,000, including an automobile, which was badly damaged.

It is believed that the loss was partially covered by insurance.

Ottawa, May 26. -- Fire which broke out around 9 o'clock Saturday morning destroyed the presbytery of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, five miles from Osgoode Village and 22 miles from Ottawa and rendered Father Frank Tierney, parish priest, homeless. Although residents of Osgoode Village and neighbors fought the flames for hours, the fire destroyed the presbytory and outbuildings and the total loss was $5,000, covered by insurance.

Many parishioners and Ottawa friends were present Sunday afternoon for the solemn blessing of St. John's parish rectory, Osgoode, The new building was erected under Rev. Father Frank Tierney, parish priest, and it replaced the rectory which was destroyed by fiew last May.

Monsignor Joseph Charbonneau, Vicar General, officiated, assisted by Rev. Father Tierney, Rev. Father George D. Prudhomme, and Rev. Father Francis Corkery. Other members of the clergy present included Rev. Father J. R. Smith, and Rev. Father A. Daley, Among the many Ottawa residents present was Mayor Nolan.

Following the blessing by Mgr. Charbonneau, a tea and money shower was held at the rectory. Conveners were the Miss Essie Shields, Mary Brennan, and Nita McDonald. Guests were received by Father Tierney, Mrs. J. Dewan, and Mrs. T. Kelly.

Those who poured tea were: Mrs. T. W. Asselin, Mrs. C. Dolan, Mrs. P. Devine, Mrs. P. J. Nolan, Mrs. L Davies, Miss Ishbel Hutton, Miss R. Rooney. Mrs. William Bambrick, Mrs. J. D. Larose, Mrs. Robert Devine, Mrs. J. A. MacCabe, Miss M. Mundy.

Assisting at the tea tables were the Misses Mildred Ralph, Phyllis McEvoy, Gertrude Cleland, Loretta Cleland, Mary Blanchfield, Ethel Grant, Eleanor Grody, Emma Dewan, Hilda Kenedy, Isabel Morel, Lillian Casey, Doris Casey. The Misses Gertrude Grant and Margaret Dewan received money contributions.

Among those who provided the delightful entertainment were Allan Martin, Herbert Hill, Miss Gladys Jones, Miss Mary Johnston, Miss Lillian Casey and Charles O'Reilly.