Monsignor Cassidy’s later years, 1914–1934

In 1914, a fund drive was started to build a new rectory but Father Cassidy deemed that financial conditions were not opportune for the venture and returned the money to the donors in March. The following January the new pipe organ, costing fifteen hundred and eighty five dollars, was installed in the church due to the contributions of the young men and young women of the parish. It was purchased from the Himers Organ Company of Pekin, Illinois.

Also several sets of beautiful vestments were donated to the church. The Holy Name Society was founded in the parish on April 25, 1915, and then once again the fund drive was established for the purpose of a new rectory, and this time it was successful.

Photo caption: Back row: Bill Hammond, John Robert Gallagher, Richard Sullivan, Ted Brown. Second row: Larry Phalin, Norbert Uhl, James Brown, Eugene Gallagher. Front row-L to R: Jack Grady, Bin Brerman, George Vitt

Photo caption: Included in this picture: First row: Agnes Fallon, Hannah Hagerty, Lottie McNichols Hickey, Miss Cook. [?] O'Donnell, Lucy O'Connor, Theresa Kelley, Mac Campbell, Miss Mullen, Kathleen [?] Murphy, [?] Ryan. 2nd row: Miss Cook. Miss Slattery, Ella McCaffrey.

Photo caption: Mary [?]. Julia McHugh. Lottie Grady, Ellen Murray, Marguerite Sullivan. Boys include: [the names cannot be read in the scan]

In order to make room for the new parish house, the old one was moved to the northeast corner of the property, and was used as the parish house until the new one was built.

The moving was done by G. W. Stalcop for six hundred dollars.

The old house was rented for several years but need of repair and the cost of these repairs finally caused it to be sold for the material that was in it and it was razed and the material was used by the buyer for structural purposes.

Excavation of the new house began in June, 1915. The architect was J. M. Nachtigal of Omaha and the contract was let to The Bankers Realty Investment Company of Omaha for thirteen-thousand-four-hundred-and-thirty dollars.

The building, including heating plant, plumbing, wiring but exclusive of the furnishings did cost sixteen-thousand eight-hundred-and-ninety-nine dollars. The ladies of the parish contributed thirteen-hundred dollars for the furnishings, and the rectory was ready for occupancy on September 1, 1916

Bishop Harty, who succeeded Bishop Scannell (died in January, 1916) as Bishop of Omaha, visited O'Neill on October 27, 1916, and confirmed eighty-eight children. The bishop received a gift of six-thousand dollars from the -parish for the purpose of helping build the new cathedral in

Omaha. Spanish Influenza (Black Flu) in 1918, coal strikes at the coal mines in 1919 and scarlet fever in 1920 caused much discomfort in O'Neill and its schools. In 1922, Bishop Harty, on May 9, confirmed a class of one-hundred-and fifty-eight members and had his picture taken with the class so that he could send it to the Holy Father as a surprise.

Financial conditions were bad in 1923 but the parish still managed. The Sisters of St. Mary's won many prizes with their flowers and garden vegetables at the State Fair in Lincoln. On May 23, five acres of land, north of the cemetery were bought from the Council Bluffs and Quincy Flailroad for five-hundred-and-two dollars, as the existing cemetery was gradually filling up and more land was thus needed.

Also a new Monstrance, a new Sacred Heart Statue and a new Saint Patrick statue plus two new pedestals for the new statues were purchased for the church at the cost of six hundred-and-eighty-four dollars, donated by the various church organizations in 1925.

1925 was the second year for boy-boarders at the school and it was the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of Saint Mary's Academy. Three-thousand dollars were contributed by the Alumnae and the members of the parish and the money was presented to the Sisters in commemoration of this event. The celebration lasted three days and it brought together many of the former Sisters and former Alumnae of the Academy.

Photo caption: An early play at St. Mary's Msgr. Cassidy, Father Giblin, and visiting priest, Father Froebes, First Communion Class of 1916

The year 1926 was a dry year and the crops failed and that which could have survived was beaten by hailstones "the size of hen's eggs." The former parish missions of Turner (which was being attended by Spencer) and of Stafford (which was being attended by Ewing) were discontinued due to the decrease in the number of parishioners attending these missions and due to the highways and good roads leading into the bigger towns and O'Neill. Plans for another addition to the Academy were unveiled in 1927 for the cost of fifteen-thousand dollars, but there were excavation troubles because the previous school site had been filled in with .rock. It was the Golden Jubilee Year for the parish in O'Neill and on July 20, 1927, Father Cassidy was elevated to the rank of Domestic Prelate, with the title of Monsignor, by Pope Pius XI. Thus the Golden Jubilee of the parish and Father Cassidy's ceremonies of investiture were to be celebrated jointly in a three-day event, the first of which was marked by the ceremonies of investiture on Tuesday, October 11, 1927. Father Cassidy was honored on this day by the presence of three bishops: J. J. Keane of Dubuque, who preached the sermon; F. J. Beckman, the Bishop of Lincoln and Apostolic Administrator of Omaha, who invested Cassidy with the robes immediately preceding the Mass; and P. A. McGovern, who-was the celebrant of the Pontifical Mass on the second morning, honoring the golden jubilee of the parish. The investiture procession came from the rectory to the church with Father B. Westerman as cross-bearer accompanied by the altar boys and followed by the clergy. Father H. Loecker and Father D. W. Moriarty accompanied Monsignor Cassidy as chaplains; next came Bishop McGovern and Fathers C. Collins and A. Zemp as chaplains; next Archbishop Keane (who labored with Mon

Fathers P. A. Flanagan and W. P. Whelan, S.J., as chaplains; Father B. Galvin as assistant-priest; and finally Bishop Breckman with J. G. McNamara as deacon, James Aherne as assistant-priest, W. A. Giblin as subdeacon, J. O'Sullivan as book and mitre bearer, P. K. Vandalaan as thurifer, J. W. Stenson as master of ceremonies and M. J. Brady as assistant master of ceremonies. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus who acted as honor guard to the prelates were: J. A. Donohoe, P. J. McManus, J. F. O'Donnell, J. B. Ryan, Neil P. Brennan, A. F. Mullen, and Dr. T. J. Dwyer (both of Omaha), P. Stanton (of Tilden) and Richard Kilmurry (of Spokane, Washington). The music for the Mass was very beautifully rendered by a choir of priests under the direction of Father Alberts with Father Tevis as organist and Father Gleeson as choir leader. Other members of the choir included Fathers A. Kluthe, W. F. Borer, H. Buerger, and E. J. Flanagan. Other priests present included Fathers

J. Crowley, Thomas Walsh, Tim O'Sullivan, J. P. Vogel, P. J. Moran, F. Barry, J. F. Moore, M. F. Byrne, J. F. Hayes, James Burke, M. Feeney, John Rose, and D. O'Sullivan.

Monsignor Cassidy tendered a banquet at noon at the Golden Hotel to the visiting clergy. Father Moriarty of Norfolk was toastmaster and toasts were responded to by Bishop McGovern, Monsignor James Ahearne, Father Henry Loecker and Monsignor Cassidy. St. Patrick's Parish held a banquet that evening at the Golden Hotel for the visiting clergy and for the out of-town guests.

On Wednesday, October 12, 1927, Bishop McGovern celebrated a Pontifical High Mass honoring St. Patrick's Parish as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee. A public reception was held that evening at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Mayor Charles E. Stout opened the program with a cordial welcome to the guest of honor, Monsignor Cassidy, as well as to the visiting bishops, clergy, and former townspeople.

Mr. Arthur F. Mullen of Omaha, in behalf of the former residents of O'Neill, paid a beautiful tribute to Monsignor Cassidy. Mr. S. J. Weekes, representing the citizens of O'Neill, gave a forceful and inspiring address on the magnificent spirit of good-fellowship existing in the community.

He lauded and highly praised the work and zeal of Monsignor Cassidy both as a citizen and a churchman. Judge J. J. Harrington, representing the parish, commented on its growth under its ever faithful guide. His address was fittingly closed with the presentation of a substantial check from the parishioners as a token of their love and respect.

Monsignor Cassidy responded expressing his gratitude to the bishops - especially Bishop Beckman for his instrumentality in securing such an honor for St. Patrick's Parish to the people of O'Neill for their never-failing kindness and generosity to God who had spared him for such lengthy service. Bishop Beckman spoke impressively of the honor conferred upon Monsignor Cassidy by Pope Pius XI. Bishop McGovern commented on Monsignor Cassidy's early ministry in Wyoming and reviewed the hardships of the pioneer priests of that state. The West Sisters Orchestra of Omaha furnished music throughout the evening. Numbers by the choral club and St. Mary's Glee Club were accepted most pleasingly and displayed a considerable degree of talent. Numbers rendered by the children of St. Mary's school showed that time was no factor in their preparation.

The children were trained perfectly and added greatly to the entertainment. An addition to the program were two solos beautifully sung by Father Gleeson of Omaha who was formerly an assistant priest in O'Neill. At the conclusion of the program Monsignor Cassidy. received the personal felicitations of the audience. The whole city was decorated in colors, each of the business houses decorated their windows, some of the windows containing the picture of Father Cassidy, the streets were also decorated with streamers and colors, the flags were out and the whole city seemed to vie with each other to do honor to Father Cassidy, and the distinguished churchmen present to assist at the Investiture. It was a big day in O'Neill and O'Neill did its best to make all welcome and to let them know how Neighborhood Picnicjn 1910 near Dry Creek

Photo caption: Early Boarding Students

The Vitt children, the Tierney children and Agnes Shoemaker and the …

Photo caption: Ryan Buggy (1910)

Photo caption: Fr. Cassidy and the "Invincibles"

Photo caption: Father Cassidy and his niece, Mamie Cullen

There were events that touched the lives of the families of O'Neill. On Sunday, April 9, 1911, an unusual event happened - unusual in that it was a double funeral, that of William Froelich and Mrs. D. H. (Kathleen Lorge) Cronin, happened at St. Patrick's. Mr. Froelich was one of O'Neill's prominent business men, being associated with James Ryan in an extensive hay and livestock business. He was a member of the city council and ran as a candidate for Sheriff.

He was survived by his wife Nellie Morgan Froelich, and three children. Kathleen Lorge Cronin was the wife of D. H. Cronin, was survived by her husband and five children, Julius, Beatrice, Francis, Geraldine, and Erwin. A large crowd of people gathered for the double funeral. Father Cassidy celebrated the requiem Mass. He read the story of the Last Passover of Christ and the disciples, the struggle in Gethsemane, the betrayal and death as recorded by St. Matthew. Father Cassidy then addressed a few fitting remarks to the congregation, calling attention to the uncertainty of life and admonishing his hearers to be always ready for the final summons. After the services at the church the funeral cortege proceeded to the cemetery, where the interment was made. On the happier side, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Gregor celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on August 21, 1913. Father Cassidy celebrated the seven o'clock morning Mass when the family approached the table of the Lord. Afterwards they returned to their home, where a three course wedding dinner was served to a host of friends and relatives. They received congratulations from their many friends upon having passed a quarter of a century in loving companionship and were recipients of the following presents: Father Cassidy and niece, meat fork; mother, Mrs. Gregor, berry dish; E. E. Gregor, and wife, soup ladle; Mrs. Paul Dewald & family, meat fork; Burbach family, berry spoon; mother, Mrs. Oswald, two dollars; J. D. Kelly, half dozen spoons; Thomas Quinn, half a dozen teaspoons; James Loub, butter knife and sugar shell; the Davis family, half a dozen teaspoons; Mr. Galbraith, a souvenir spoon; the Streff family, a cream ladle; Ina and Mary Bain, half a dozen teaspoons; P. H. Sullivan family, chaffing dish; A. Dewald family, syrup pitcher; J. Hiber, meat fork; D. D. Harrington, table cloth; and a silver set, consisting of a tea pot, sugar bowl, creamer, syrup pitcher, spoon holder, butter dish, and a half dozen spoons, was presented

by the J. J. Kelly family, C. P. Kelly family, Jacob Hirsch family, D. D. Murphy family, John Genethin family, Tim Healey family, the Tim Harrington family, Miss Harrington, Con Shea, and the George Palmer family. The evening was most pleasantly spent by the young people in a social way, refreshments being served the guests at midnight, shortly after which they departed for their several homes after wishing their host and hostess many happy returns of the day and hoping that they would all be present to help them celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

On October 8, 1928, Monsignor Cassidy celebrated his golden jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. Preceding the solemn High Mass at ten o'clock, Monsignor Cassidy was escorted from the parish rectory to the church by the altar boys, fifty little girls clad in white and carrying yellow chrysanthemums, by the visiting clergy, and Omaha's new bishop, Joseph Rummel. The Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Cassidy, assisted by Fathers D. W. Moriarty as Deacon, W. A. Giblin as subdeacon, J. W. Stenson as Master of Ceremonies. The Mass for the occasion was sung by a special choir under the direction of Miss Mary Cullen, the niece of Monsignor Cassidy. The offertory was sung by Father E. M. Gleeson of Omaha. His wonderful rendition of an Ave Maria added greatly to the solemnity of the services. Bishop Rummel assisted at Mass from his throne and was attended by Fathers J. W. Jungels, P. J. Vanderlaan, J. W. McNamara and N. H. Wagner. Before beginning his masterly sermon, Bishop Rummel read the following radio cablegram from Rome: Lord Bishop Rummel of Omaha, Nebraska. The Holy Father sends special blessings to Monsignor Michael Cassidy on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee of priesthood. Signed: Pope Pius

At 12:30, Monsignor Cassidy was host to the Bishop and visiting clergy at the rectory. Other visiting clergy (besides those mentioned who had part in the Mass) included Fathers J. A. Aherne, W. J. O'Sullivan, A. Alberts, M. F. Byrne, G. F. Jonaitis, E. G. Graham, A. Zemp, J. Pieper and

J. Leahy. At two o'clock the children of St. Mary's Academy entertained the Bishop, the Jubilarian and the visiting clergy at a most delightful program in the auditorium of the Academy. At the conclusion of the program, Mr. J. A. Donohoe, on behalf of the people of the parish, welcomed

Bishop Rummel (this was the Bishop's first visit to the parish), thanked him for honoring their pastor with his presence, since in honoring one so close to their hearts, he had honored them, and assuring the bishop of the love and affection, support and obedience of the Catholics of O'Neill. The students of the school presented Monsignor with a stole of brocade and embroidered in gold by Sister Eleanor.

Photo caption: Holy Name Rally October 6, 1929

The year 1929 once again witnessed scarlet fever and small pox outbreaks among the people. The St. Mary's Basketball Team won the good sportsmanship trophy at the tournament in Sioux City and received a silver cup from Bishop Heelan. Easter was "white" due to a late snowstorm, and on June 17, the old rectory which had not been rented for some time being badly in need of repair, was sold to Thomas Griffin for five-hundred dollars. On Sunday afternoon, October 6, a Rally of the Holy Name Society was held at St. Patrick's Church. Delegates from thirty parishes in the deaneries of Albion, Bloomfield, Columbus and O'Neill attended. A parade headed by the O'Neill Concert Band, and in which six-hundred-and-fifty men participated, marched from the Knights of Columbus Hall to the campus south of the church where a beautiful altar had been erected for the occasion, and where a hearty welcome was extended to all by Monsignor Cassidy. The speakers of the day were: Honorable James Donahue of Albion, who related the history of the Holy Name Society; J. J. Harrington of O'Neill, who explained the meaning of the society for the average man, and the work of the members in promoting its aims; Father John McNamara of Bloomfield, who told of the part taken by Christianity in the settlement and development of the west; and Bishop Rummel (this was his second visit to O'Neill that year, the first being the presentation of diplomas [the first time by a Bishop at St. Mary's Academy) who pointed out the high ideals of the Society and the good influence it was able to bring to everyday life of the men. The Rally ended with Benediction which was given by Monsignor Cassidy from the altar which was erected on the speakers platform. The demon stration was in observance of the 655th anniversary of the founding of the Holy Name Society, and it drew one of the largest crowds that had ever been seen in O'Neill. It was estimated that nearly two thousand were present on the grounds. In November, preparations were held for the organization of the Bishop's Confraternity of the Laity. Monsignor Stenson of Omaha was present and directed the meeting which was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Also in July, during a severe storm, the bell tower of the church was struck by lightning and was damaged to the extent of three-hundred dollars.

On February 10, 1930, by the failure of the Nebraska State Bank of O'Neill, St. Patrick's sustained a loss of eigh thundred- and-thirty-five dollars and eighty-two cents. On Tuesday, February 18, the Bishop's Confraternity of the Laity was organized at O'Neill, and it was accomplished by having six dinners. After the active campaign was begun, pledges were subscribed to the amount of fourteen-thousand-and-one-hundred-and-fifty dollars, which were very difficult to collect. The finance committee of the parish included J. A. Donohoe, P. B. Harty, F. M. Cronin. It was hard times and the money was difficult to collect. On April 14, 1930, two square blocks, directly south of the cemetery, were deeded to the parish by Mrs. Emily Mullen of Omaha. In May, the boilers at St. Mary's Academy which were used to heat the institution were deemed unfit and unsafe for further usage by the State Boiler Inspectors.

The new boilers would cost ten thousand dollars and the Sisters of St. Mary's Academy were financially unable to undertake such an expense. The proposition faced the parish of either closing the school or supplying the funds for the new boilers. Monsignor Cassidy made a most valiant plea to the people of the parish for the continuance of this magnificent school and as a result a financial drive was made to secure funds to replace the old boilers - and new boilers were installed in August. It was a hot summer reaching to one-hundred-and-nine degrees and then severe ice and snow storms hit in November. And Monsignor Cassidy had been most anxious to have the interior of the Church redecorated, as the walls had become very soiled.

The financial conditions with the Bishop's Confraternity, the new boilers, and the electric rewiring of the church (for reasons of safety) were about all the people could handle.

But the estate of John Carton (which became the substantial nucleus of twenty-three-hundred dollars) was given to the parish and Monsignor Cassidy decided to undertake the project and gave the contract to Langenfeld Studios of Carroll, Iowa, for a price of $3,783.69. When Monsignor announced his plans, and asked for financial help, Mrs. Margaret Hughes donated one-thousand dollars to the church in memory of her husband, Patrick S. Hughes. The parishioners contributed $1,016.50 and friends of the, parish contributed $206.11, so the church's fund had to only draw $97.08 to complete the incidental expenses. The church roof was also repaired, the electric wiring was changed throughout the church and new electric light fixtures were installed. The whole project was finished in seven weeks.

Owing to the heat and dryness of the Earth, the seasons of 1930 and 1931 were marked by a total failure of the crops, leaving discouragement and adding to the depression already existing in the industrial centers of the country. A systematic effort was made to gather funds, food, clothing, and other necessities, including gain, for the rural people and the parish was fortunate in being able to take care of the needs of the people of O'Neill. The summer of 1932 brought many blessings in way of rain in due season, crops and vegetables were plentiful, and the people were imbued with new hope and courage to face the future. The new addition to the cemetery was surveyed and was piped for new water systems and a new fence was put in to surround the grounds.

On October 6, 1932, Monsignor Cassidy celebrated his fifty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The school children of St. Mary's gave an entertainment in his honor, and that evening a reception was held at the parish rectory by the members of the parish and a substantial purse was given hint as a token of the appreciation of the members of his parish for his long and faithful service to the people of St. Patrick's Parish and Holt County and with the hope that he will be spared for many more years to labor in the field that he loved.

But two weeks later, in the latter part of October, Monsignor Cassidy was admitted to Saint Catherine's Hospital in Omaha. It was a long month of November. Reports were coming from Omaha that he was improving rapidly and would be able to come home in a few days.

But it was hope to have him come back. On Wednesday, November 29, his condition was critical and on Thursday, it was stated he was sinking, and on Friday, December 1, 1933, at 5:40 in the evening, the bell of St. Patrick's Church began to toll, and the people of O'Neill were informed of his death. There was universal sorrow in the city. Miss Mary Cullen and Father Bart Leahy came by car to O'Neill early Saturday evening and the remains of Monsignor Cassidy, accompanied by F. J. Biglin, arrived on the 11:30 train Saturday night. They were met by a great concourse of people, showing the great esteem held for Monsignor Cassidy in O'Neill. The body was then taken to the rectory, where it remained until Monday afternoon, when at four o'clock, escorted by the school children, Sisters and clergy, it was removed to the church where it lay in state until ten o'clock Tuesday morning. The various parish societies alternated every hour keeping vigil. A Holy Hour was held Sunday evening for the Monsignor, filling the church to its capacity. Monday afternoon, Monsignor Cassidy's relatives -a brother, Patrick Cassidy, Miss Margaret Cullen, a niece, and E. M. Fitzpatrick, a nephew -arrived from New Jersey. A special service was held for the children Tuesday Morning. The Missa Cantata was rendered by the children in unison. The celebrant of the Mass was Father Bartholomew Leahy, the assistant pastor of O'Neill. Father W. J. Leahy, S. J., of Omaha, delivered a touching sermon to the children, dwelling upon the dignity, the wisdom, and the virtue of love of Monsignor Cassidy. The clergy began the burial services at ten o'clock with the reciting of the office of the dead. This was followed by the Pontifical Requiem with the celebrant being Bishop Joseph Rummel of Omaha. The Arch Priest was Monsignor James Aherne of Omaha. The Chaplains for Office were Fathers M. F. Byrne of Emmet and F.` Gebauer of Spencer. The Deacons of Honor were Fathers J. McNamara of Bloomfield and Joseph Boschek of West Point. The deacon of the Mass was Father W. A. Giblin of Newcastle. The Subdeacon was

Father P. Vanderlaan of Ewing. The Masters of Ceremonies were Fathers P. Burke of Omaha and E. Applebaum of Clearwater. Singing the Mass were the Priests' Choir of the Diocese of Omaha and Monsignor J. W. Stenson of Omaha delivered the funeral oration, stressing particularly how Monsignor Cassidy's priestly life had been spent for almost a half a century for the people of O'Neill. The pallbearers were Fathers J. Pieper of Atkinson, A. Zemp of St. John's, J. Hilt of Stuart, J. O'Flynn of Lynch, F. Werthman of Butte and B. Westerman of O'Neill. The Guards of Honor were Judge J. A. Donohoe of Omaha, Doctor W. J. Douglas of Atkinson, J. B. Ryan of O'Neill, and P. J. McManus of O'Neill. Evidences of love and respect assembled to give a last tribute to him who was their father and friend. The passing of Monsignor Cassidy brought sorrow to many hearts. He had been the spiritual leader of O'Neill for forty-seven years. During his years of service in this city he had devoted his life to the uplifting of his fellow men. He had worked unselfishly and untiringly, and his numerous acts of charity were performed quietly. His devotion to duty and to the wants of his fellow men, brought him the highest approval from the heads of the Catholic Church, but the honors received were worthily bestowed. He lived to be of service to God and his fellow men, and that he succeeded can be attested to by the citizens of Holt County in all ranks of life. He was respected by his fellow priests and for thirty-five years was Dean of the O'Neill district and they looked to him as an example in the priesthood and an inspiration to pastoral zeal. He was honored and respected by men in all walks of life and of all creeds. He was revered as one who stood for honesty, sincerity, and charity for his fellow man. The love of the people in this section of Nebraska for their beloved pastor was evidenced by the crowds of people that came to O'Neill to pay their last respects to this man of God. There were 500 automobiles in line to the cemetery and the church was crowded and several hundred stood outside, who were unable to get inside the church doors. He was interred at the foot of the large cross in Calvary cemetery. A beautiful message, from his housekeeper who also was his niece, Mary Cullen left the city of O'Neill with a message of appreciation: "For a number of years, residence at the rectory of St. Patrick's Church, has brought me into close association with the people of O'Neill, both within and outside the parish, I have always admired their loyal friendship. The death of my beloved uncle, Monsignor Cassidy, has made me realize more than ever, the spirit of love and thoughtfulness so often evident. I take this opportunity to express sentiments of gratitude and appreciation, which the years in your midst have multiplied in the depths of my heart. I wish to acknowledge your tokens of love and sympathy in our recent great loss of one so dear, and I ask God to bless each and every one of you."