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Canon R.F. Wadman (1894 - 1914)
Our next resident priest was Fr Wadman who was in the parish for about 20 years. He was a very good preacher, and while in Bridgwater he was created a Canon of the Clifton Diocese. Eventually St Joseph's Catholic day school was closed, and the children attended the local schools. For some time, Miss Fox, who lived with her parents in the cottage next door to the church, was the organist. Canon Wadman officiated in one of the largest military funerals ever seen in the town. It was the funeral of Sergt. Denis Heron, one of the gallant 600 in the Charge of the Light Brigade of Balaclava fame. Some representatives of his old regiment were present. It was a terrific snow blizzard that day. While Canon Wadman was here, the consecration of St Joseph's Church took place. Canon Scoles wrote to say that he would be present. Mr Grimshaw, Harry Williams, and myself met him at the G.W.R. Station and accompanied him to the Bristol Hotel where he was staying. In conversation with us and with the proprietor, Canon Scoles complained of being tired. The proprietor jokingly remarked: "What have you to be tired about?" Canon Scoles replied:- "Since I have left Bridgwater, in various parts of the country, I have built 40 churches." Canon Wadman was a great judge of valuable old paintings and many fine specimens adorned the presbytery. During the latter part of his priestly career in Bridgwater, he was getting on in years, and he was very interested in political affairs for some time previous to his death, and our Country was on the verge of the First Great War. Strange to say, Canon Wadman had a few days' illness, and passed away the day when the First Great War was declared. A large number of priests attended the requiem Mass, and the funeral took place in the Bristol Road Cemetery. The Rev. George Browne, D.D. After the funeral of the late Canon Wadman, the Rev. Geo. Browne, D.D. was appointed priest-in-charge at St Joseph's, Bridgwater, and amid all the uncertainty and gloom at the outbreak of war, he commenced his parochial duties. It seemed his first job was to flood the church with fresh air, more lights, and open doors. The presbytery itself required much overhauling. For the first time in the history of the church, the congregation had two Masses each Sunday. Dr Browne said the first Mass at 8.15 a.m. and the Second at 11 a.m.. Holy Communion was given before and during the first Mass each Sunday. In a very short time, Bridgwater received a great number of Belgian refugees, and soon St Joseph's was a well-filled church. Dr Browne was very helpful with these distressed people, and his sermons on Sundays were preached both in English and French. The Belgian schoolmaster, and our priest were often seen cycling round the district visiting these various refugees in their temporary homes. Having been an inspector of schools in the Clifton Diocese, he was naturally very anxious to start instruction with the children. The day schoolrooms which had not been used for a long while, were renovated and in the early autumn of 1914, were used for 27 pupils and two teachers. With his dog, "Bob" at his heels, Dr Browne was continually going round the parish to get into personal touch with his congregation. Gradually he became aware of several Catholic families who had lapsed for some years, and his main ambition was the return of these families with their children back to their Church. With his tactful sympathy, and love of music, he got together quite a good choir including the Boyland family. Mr & Mrs Boyland with their daughter Maggie, and other members led the singing. Miss Winnie Boyland was the organist. Dr Browne arranged for his mother, a lady in America, to come to England, and share his home. The housekeeper managed the household work, and Mrs Browne, although of advanced years, was very helpful in many church duties, which today, are done by our Sisters of the Holy Rosary. Dr Browne brought more children and teachers into his Catholic Sunday School, but somehow, he realized that one generation of the congregation was missing. There was no Catholic day school, but the children also attended the weekday evening-classes, and were well-trained in their Catholic faith, their catechism and Scripture. The Very Rev. Canon O'Shaughnessy, a great friend of Dr Browne, was occasionally invited to give a special address to the children. During the war years, St Joseph's Sunday school enjoyed the annual seaside treats at Burnham, and Christmas parties in the schoolroom. Dr Browne's pleasing personality made him very popular in the town. He made many friends outside his own flock among the workers and the poor. He became the president of the Workers' Educational Association. He was very interested in the Oxford lectures, and he himself often lectured at the Y.M.C.A. His brilliant scholarliness, and wide sympathy swept aside many Protestant prejudices, hitherto prevalent in Bridgwater. A parochial committee was formed to arrange social gatherings, whist drives, concerts etc with the Belgians. It was very touching to witness the grief of these poor people when their Belgian anthem was played or sung. During 1918, the fourth year of the war, the effects of the various black-outs, the food shortage, the worries of the war, all told on the English people, and in the autumn of 1918, a terrible epidemic of influenza spread over the country. Bridgwater was severely hit, with the sad occurrence of several deaths. Towards the end of October, Dr Browne fell a victim, and Fr McEmail took over the work of the church. When the peace bells rang out on November 11th his mother, and his great friend, Mr Maurice Page, tried to interest him that the war was over, but our priest was too ill to take much notice. Pneumonia developed, and he passed away on November 15th, 1918 to the great sorrow of his congregation and fellow townspeople. Very Rev. Canon Lee, from Clifton, arrived at St Joseph's to take on full responsibility and arrangement for the funeral. During his short stay Canon Lee was exceedingly kind to all of us. On the Sunday evening, November 17th, Dr Browne's remains were brought into the crowded church. All day Monday, the grief-stricken parishioners flocked into the church to pray for the priest they so dearly loved. On his coffin, lay his biretta, stole and chalice. The Bishop of Clifton, Right Rev. Dr Burton, was unable to attend, through illness, and his letter was read by Canon O'Shaughnessy, who also preached the sermon. His text was: Malachi II 7. " The lips of the priest shall keep knowledge."In his remarkable discourse, he spoke of the deep sorrow of the bishop at the loss of this valiant priest. He paid tribute to the wonderful studies, so ably mastered by Dr Browne, and to his kindly influence and humility with all. He referred to his death on November 15th - the anniversary of the execution of the last Abbott of Glastonbury - 400 years ago. "Providence ended his life shepherding a handful of Catholics in Bridgwater." The solemn music of the requiem Mass was chanted by a choir of priests, and after the beautiful and significant ceremony at the catafalque, the priests with lighted candles left the church to lead the procession headed by the crucifix bearer and acolytes. The bearers were from his own parishioners. Messrs Boyland, Frampton, Grimshaw, Lott and F.Staple. Mrs Browne and intimate friends were the principal mourners, and behind their carriages walked the women, children and men of the congregation, and many non-Catholics. To the solemn tolling of St Joseph's bell, the long procession moved slowly through the streets of Bridgwater to the Bristol Road Cemetery. It constituted a striking tribute to a beloved priest, and an imposing demonstration of the faith in which he had lived and died. Rev. Fr R.A. Iles (1918 - 1927) This young priest from the Pro-Cathedral of Clifton was appointed priest-in-charge at St Joseph's, and we readily discovered that his chief ambition was to follow in the steps of his predecessor. Naturally he was very anxious to get into personal contact with his people, who still mourned the loss of Dr Browne. At a very early gathering of the congregation it was decided to make some memorial to our late priest. The friends of Dr Browne and his parishioners contributed about At a later gathering of the men in the parish, it was decided to erect a calvary in the church to his memory, place a tombstone on Dr Browne's grave, and found a perpetual Mass. With the end of hostilities, the parishioners were eagerly awaiting the return of their menfolk from overseas. Early in 1919, Fr Iles organized a dinner in the school for the men of the parish who had returned from the war. For those who had fallen, contributions were forthcoming for their names to be placed on a brass plate in the church. The Sunday school children were also anxious to do their bit for Dr Browne's memorial. They brought their pennies, and a large framed photograph of Dr Browne was placed in the schoolroom at Eastertide 1919. That inspiring picture held a prominent place in the school for 20 years. The background of the calvary was painted by the head-master of the Art School, and eventually the calvary was erected. Fr Iles, with an assistant priest, in the presence of a crowded church blessed and unveiled it. At one week day benediction Fr Iles had a surprise visit from Canon Scoles, who was very pleased to see so many people in the church. At the end of the following year we heard of the death of Canon Scoles at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John's Wood, on 29th December, 1920, at the age of 77 years. R.I.P. During Fr Iles' stay with us he celebrated the tenth anniversary of his ordination, and the congregation presented him with a green cope. His father gave him a cheque with which he purchased a sideboard for his dining-room. He also had the dining-room redecorated, and augmented the furniture of the room. When Fr Iles left Bridgwater, the green cope, the sideboard and the furniture were retained at St Joseph's. As there was no Catholic day school, Fr Iles worked well with the children, and always took charge of the senior scholars, as Dr Browne had done. Annual examinations were held, and prizes were given for regular attendance and examination results. The diocesan inspector paid his annual visit on a week-day evening for oral examinations. The children enjoyed their summer and Christmas treats, and also their little processions round the church for May, & Corpus Christi etc. Fr Iles was hopeful of a day school sometime in the future, and when the opportunity arose, he purchased the garage, and the cattle yard belonging to Mr White the butcher. This yard is now part of the playground of our school. Apart from the ordinary church collections, the rents of the two cottages and the garage and the bench rents in the church provided further financial income for the resident priest. Several Catholic mothers with young children attended the Guild of St Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoons, and the president for some years was Mrs Grimshaw. To prevent the continual hiring of a piano, many Catholics gave their time and energy to the various whist drives, socials, concerts etc, and eventually raised the sum of r a new piano which now stands in the parish hall. Fr Iles also purchased a fine American organ for use with the children in the church when the choir organ was not played. At the end of each year, instead of the usual sermon, Fr Iles summarized the work of the year, and often advised improvements for the future. His yearly financial accounts were indeed, most interesting. He was most attentive to sick calls, and gave the people to understand that in a case of emergency while he was away from home, they were to wire to Taunton, and he would repay. In the summer of 1926 St Joseph's welcomed the return of the first newly ordained priest of the parish, the Rev. Francis Grimshaw, D.D., the eldest son of Mr & Mrs Grimshaw and an altar server at St Joseph's. His early education was at an elementary school where he won a scholarship which took him to Dr Morgan's Grammar school. He mentioned his wish to become a priest to the Christian Brothers, Bristol, from where he went to study for the priesthood at the English College in Rome. He was ordained in February, 1926. In 1927, Fr Iles lost his old friend Canon O'Shaughnessy by death, and his Lordship the Bishop appointed Fr Iles as successor to St George's Church, Taunton. While his congregation were delighted at his promotion, they were very sorry to lose the priest who had so faithfully served St Joseph's, Bridgwater. I think that during his stay, Fr Iles had two missions for the parishioners and non-Catholics, and occasionally a fresh priest preached the sermon. At Taunton he became a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Clifton. Rev. Fr M.J. Cashman (1928 - 1932) Fr Cashman from Bristol was our next parish priest at St Joseph's and he was with us between for about five years. Apart from his priestly duties, his recreation in his spare moments was of a mechanical nature, and he did several odd jobs in the presbytery. At that time, our church was lit by gas, and heated by gas radiators. Fr Cashman himself fixed the wiring for electric light in the church, and really made a good job of it. Later on he turned his attention to the schoolroom, and fixed it there also, to get improved lighting. The congregation worked hard with concerts, whist drives, and socials etc to augment the proposed new school fund. I shall never forget the events of one Sunday evening during a terrible gale. It was such a wild night that only ten people were in the church. While Fr Cashman was preaching we heard a terrific crash. The iron cross on the bell turret outside was blown down on the roof, and it slid to the ground. Fortunately, no one was passing the church at that moment. This cross has never been replaced. During part of Fr Cashman's stay, Miss Boyland, the organist was worried with failing sight and Mrs Grimshaw sometimes took her place at the organ. Later on, the choir sustained a severe loss in the illness and death of Mrs Boyland, who sang at the opening of the church and for many years after. Mrs Boyland was always very devoted to St Anthony. The choir and her many friends in the congregation subscribed for the erection of the statue of St Anthony to her memory in the church. Fr Cashman conducted a very striking ceremony at the blessing of the statue. He was very interested in the work of the Sunday school, which was carried on in the same way as under the supervision of Fr Iles. Fr Cashman took no interest in public affairs, but he was extremely good in visiting the sick of the parish. He detested the late-comers at Mass, and woe betide those who walked in during his sermon! On Easter Sunday 1932, he gave us a surprise announcement that his Lordship the Bishop had recalled him to Bristol to take up the duties at Holy Cross Church, and in a very short time he left St Joseph's, Bridgwater. (He had a very fond affection for his snuff box!) The Very Rev. C. Canon Davey (1932 - 1939) The appointment of the Very Rev. Canon Davey of Holy Cross, Bristol, to take up the duties of parish priest at St Joseph's was most pleasing to our little congregation. He was with us for seven years and in his own words - "A happy seven years." Being a convert clergyman, he had every sympathy with inquiring Non-Catholics, and several converts were received into the Church. He was a talented musician, and his one aim was a good choir. He superintended the choir practice one night each week. During his stay with us, he taught the choir three or four different plain chant Masses. His congregation deeply appreciated his many nice little ways of administration, e.g. at weddings. It was his custom to await the bride (however humble) with his altar boy in the porch, and form the procession to the altar. For his sanctuary boys, he kept a roster, which they had to read so as to know who must be present at the various services. Canon Davey invited Mr McCudden of Bristol to form a S.V.P. Society in St Joseph's. Twelve brothers were enrolled with Mr Cuzner as president. For many years, much good work was done by these men. Today, owing to the increase of pensions, and supplementary assistance, the S.V.P has fallen off. Bishop Lee wished to see the establishment of the Catholic Women's League in every parish of the diocese. Canon Davey called a meeting of the womenfolk, and suggested various activities of C.W.L. work. He also appointed the first officers:- Mrs Park of Cossington Manor as president, Mrs Storey as treasurer, and Miss Smart as secretary. In Canon Davey's time, the Knights of St Columba were formed, but not by Canon Davey. Several gentlemen from Bristol came and formed a branch here. Canon Davey was very keen in his work with the children,and pursued the usual course of his predecessors. He taught a senior class every Sunday afternoon, and was always most anxious that the children should be so seated that they could see all that was taking place at the altar during Mass. On the first Sunday of each month, instead of the usual sermon, he gave a short instruction to the children. The congregation, which then was not very large, enjoyed this change, and was sometimes very amused at some youngsters' answers. At one occasion Canon Davey asked for the name of a very well-known person in the Church. One small boy put up his hand, most eager to give the answer. When dropped on by the Canon, he called out "Mussolini!", Needless to say there was general laughter all round. However, during the catechising of the children, many little points were driven home to the older members of the congregation. At Christmas time, we enjoyed the children's special carols sung during the evening service. Canon Davey had trained the choir and the children and he himself played the American organ in the church during the singing. There was a growing prospect of more Catholics coming to settle in Bridgwater with the opening of the Cellophane Works. Social activities were encouraged to augment the church extension fund. Canon Davey had plans drawn up for the enlargement of the church, but no material work was commenced. With the passing years the canon was gradually feeling the strain of his parish work. Being single-handed, especially on Sundays, he had two Masses and sermons - Sunday school work and perhaps baptism in the afternoon - and evening service and sermon. In the early summer months of 1939, the Bishop eased his task, and appointed him as chaplain to the Franciscan sisters at Taunton. The congregation thus lost their beloved priest, and true friend after his stay of seven years at Bridgwater. |