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REV. JOHN
McCORMICK, Rector of the Church of
the Sacred Heart at Monticello, is a man of superior education and
attainments, highly respected and esteemed, not only by his own
congregation, but by all who enjoy the pleasure of his
acquaintance. Though not of American birth, he is loyal to the
institutions of our country, and is a progressive,
liberal-spirited citizen, favoring all measures tending toward the
advancement of the people. Since coming to Monticello he has
labored with devotion and unwearied fidelity in the interests of
the cause at this place, and his efforts have
been rewarded, for the congregation has increased numerically, and
its spiritual growth has also been quite gratifying.
The subject of this sketch is a young man, having been born in
1860. In Ireland, the land of his birth, he grew to manhood,
meantime carrying on his studies in the parochial schools, and
afterward entered Mt. Milleran
Seminary, where he remained a short time. His education was
completed at
Carlow
College. Thus well equipped for a successful career in whatever
profession he might enter, he decided to give his life to the holy
order of the priesthood. There was need of Workers in the growing
towns in the western and middle states of our country, so, in
1883, he crossed the ocean, and on arriving in America, made his
way directly to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was placed in charge of
St. Raphael's Church. For two years he labored in that capacity,
and afterward for a few years he held the pastorate of the church
at Britt, Hancock County, Iowa, at the same time having charge of
adjoining missions. His next location was in Harper's Ferry, Allamakee County,
where he preached to large congregations.
In December of 1886 Father McCormick was appointed
pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart at Monticello, where he
now has a congregation consisting of forty families. The church is
in a flourishing condition, and its harmonious working proves the
skillful oversight of the pastor. He also has charge of the church
at Sand Springs, Delaware County, in which are to be found
representatives of several different nationalities, but,
notwithstanding this fact, they all work harmoniously together.
Ever uppermost in his heart is the welfare and progress of the
work in which he is engaged. Since accepting this position he has
made many improvements in the church, which indicates a
praiseworthy spirit among the people and earnest effort on the
part of the Rector.
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