A Brief History of The Catholic Church in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-September 6, 1890

PART II

In 1865 the Roxbury parish was divided and Rev. John B. Brennan was appointed pastor of Dedham and 80. Dedham. In May 1S71 Bishop Williams visited So. Dedham and confirmed a large number of children and several adults. In Oct. 1872 a mission was given by the Rc-demptorist Fathers from the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Roxbury, and was shortly after renewed.

In 1873 Rev. Father Tierney, present pastor of the Catholic church at Rockland, Mass, was sent to help Father Brennan in the discharge of his many duties. He carefully superintended his preparations of the confirmation class of the next year, and will be long and affectionately remembered by those who had the happiness of recoiling that sacrament at the hands of their beloved bishop in the little church at Norwood on Sunday afternoon, September 24, 1874. After remaining here for three years he was removed to Roxbury to the great sorrow of all. He was succeeded by Rev. D. J. O’Donavan.

The congregation was rapidly increasing in numbers and the need of a larger church edifice began to be felt. Father Brennan while still enjoying the assistance of Father Tierney, set about the work of enlarging it. A generous collection was taken up, more land bought, the sheds removed to an adjoining lot at the north side of the church, and, leaving the entrance, choir, and organ untouched, an addition, the size of the original church was built directly back, a new altar was erected, and a vestry built at the south side of the church. More pews were added, the walls were plainly frescoed, and the church was rededicated. All had realized the necessity of more room and were glad their want had been gratified but the addition had cost more than anyone had anticipated, more than it was worth, and murmurs of dissatisfaction were heard. Early in I877 Father Brennan resigned his trust and after spending several years as pastor of the Catholics of Medfield and Foxboro, died at the home of his parents in Taunton in 1889.

Father O’Donavan was left for a time alone and did all in his power to discharge the arduous duties of his calling, especially endearing himself to the children of the Sunday School, but his health succumbed to the great strain and he closed his labors in Norwood in July, 187S. He has since been assistant at St. Patrick’s Church, Natick, The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, and several other places.