When the definitive history of the Catholic Church in northern Illinois is written one man's contribution will be cited with awe and admiration. Father James J. McGovern not only contributed volumes of written material about people and events that shaped the development of the Chicago Church, but he also lived through some of the most historical events of the young diocese. One need only research documents held at the Chicago Historical Society or the Notre Dame Archives to discover Father McGovern's intimate notes or signature on items he had donated to those institutions. Without his submissions and contributions historical information on the Church in Chicago would be sorely lacking.

Father James J. McGovern's role in making that history is undeniable. He was born in St. Mary's parish, downtown Chicago, on the 25th of March 1839, and baptized by Father Timothy O'Meara (soon after embroiled in controversy with the Vincennes hierarchy). James was part of a remarkable pioneer Chicago family. His father, John, was a prominent businessman as early as 1839. John McGovern acted as a subcontractor along a section of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He would frequently take young James along to observe the work as the canal progressed towards completion.

James' mother, Elizabeth, entered Chicago by wagon on the 11th of November 1837, coming via Detroit. Both she and her husband were born in Ireland. Coming to America they settled in New York for a time. Elizabeth opened her home to Bishop Quarter when upon his arrival in Chicago no accommodations were ready for him. Her home became the setting for countless social gatherings for the bishops and priests of the diocese.

John McGovern was an advisor and confidant for many bishops from the very beginning of the diocese. Along with the early Irish elite, John McGovern assisted Bishop Quarter, first bishop of Chicago, in organizing the Hiberian Benevolent Society. The Society helped Irish immigrants assimilate by finding employment and by offering needed assistance. Advice was given to newcomers to: "Guard against imposition by sharpers who were ready to plunder him the moment he set foot upon our shores." [A.T. Andreas. History of Cook County. Chicago. 1884. 2 Vols. p.239]

In September of 1846 John McGovern had a contract with the City of Chicago to lay water pipes beneath the city streets. When threats were directed toward the newly arrived Sisters of Mercy John organized workers to ready a response, if needed, to the threat of violence. When the opposition became aware of the organized resistance the threat subsided.

John McGovern frequently accompanied the second bishop of Chicago, Right Reverend James Van de Velde, on numerous missions across the Midwest. On one particular trip to Milwaukee by steamer, the Bishop and John proceeded to the convent of the sisters of Notre Dame. As Bishop Henni of Milwaukee finished Mass, Bishop Van de Velde succeeded him at the following sacrifice, "...and at its conclusion the sisters in charge of the altar went to [John] McGovern, whose appearance was quite clerical, and notified him that he could celebrate, as all was ready."[New World. April 14, 1900, p.27]

Somewhat embarrassed by the mistaken identity John retreated and respectfully declined. Bishop Van de Velde joked with him about the awkward position, "Never mind, John" said Bishop Van de Velde, "you have a son in Rome, who will be a priest and say Mass, so it will be in the family." [New World. April 14, 1900, p.27]

John McGovern was on the roll of the Chicago Catholic Institute. The Institute was founded to promote intellectual endeavors and scholastic studies related to Catholicism. The Institute's mission was the foundation of a library and related reading rooms, providing them with the entire essential Catholic documents and books. A lecture bureau concentrating on topics related to the church's role in history, politics, and philosophy, made the Institute its headquarters. Along with its focus on letters the Institute acted as a dispenser of charity.

James McGovern was born into a very large Irish family of eight sisters and three brothers. One of James' sisters married into the oldest Irish family in Chicago. Patrick Walsh was "the first Irishman of Chicago" and an original signer of the petition to Bishop Rosati that brought the first priest, Father John Mary Iraneaus St. Cyr, to Chicago. His son, John L., became husband to Margaret McGovern.

James McGovern had a life long interest in the arts which brought him into close contact with many of the great Catholic artists centered in Chicago at the end of the 19th Century. An early influence took place in 1849 when a group of political refugees from Hungary leased the house adjacent to the McGovern abode. The occupants were a small colony of artists and craftsmen who concentrated on pieces with religious themes. John McGovern purchased crosses from the artists and circulated them through the Catholic community. The proximity to the artist colony influenced the artistic sensibility of the young McGovern.

James was one of the first students to attend classes at Mortimer School, the newly organized public school in Chicago. He was part of the first parochial institution organized by Bishop Quarter. The Sisters of Mercy established a Sunday school at St. Mary's where James spent much formative time. His First Communion took place there. 'Old' St. Mary's basement was the site of heated debates about catechism presided over by Father Walter Quarter, the bishop's brother. The most outstanding exchanges took place between James McGovern and John McMullen. Bishop Quarter honored the winner with praises and prizes. Quite frequently James McGovern, although very young, would outshine all assembled.

Correspondingly, James McGovern commenced a friendship with John McMullen that would take both boys around the world to the depths of the catacombs and back to the heights of the Catholic Church in Chicago. Their lives would be in extricably bound for the next 35 years.

The McMullen family came to Chicago in June of 1843. Proceeding via packet boat to Lockport, James McMullen came searching for the fabled farmland of Will County. In the process of his search he rented a house in Lockport proper. Disease had been a common occurrence for sometime not only along the canal but also in many frontier settlements in the American West. The summer and autumn of 1843 were a 'sickly season' with epidemic fevers spread along the Illinois and Michigan Canal route. This was compounded by an uncompromising winter. The McMullen family had little time to settle in when the whole family fell prey to the fever.

Surviving the winter, James McMullen vowed to have no more of that and in March he moved his family into Chicago's city center near Randolph Street and the Chicago River. There he started a provision and produce store.

An interesting insight into the spiritual life of Lockport residents of this era comes from an account in John McMullen's biography, The Life of Bishop John McMullen. Young John would tramp by foot on a five-mile trek to Joliet regularly to attend Mass. The Haytown Mission was not in use at that time to any degree. He was confirmed by Bishop Quarter at Joliet before his move to Chicago.

At the tender age of eleven James McGovern was enrolled in the University of St. Mary of the Lake. His calling to Christ and the priesthood was becoming very clear. During 1853 Bishop Van de Velde crossed the Atlantic to Rome for an extensive business and vacation trip. At Rome Bishop Van de Velde had arranged for both McGovern and McMullen to study for the priesthood there. The remarkable state of grace that both young men exuded did not escape the bishop.

On the 18th of August 1853, the youths departed Chicago by rail to Detroit. After sailing by steamer across Lake Erie to Dunkirk, New York, they hit the rails again, riding into New York City. In New York City, they resided with Father Walter Quarter on 84th Street until their ship set sail.

The good ship 'Constellation' left port on the third of September 1853. Below, booked into steerage, were the two young men. For John McMullen the transatlantic trip was his second, having come from Ireland when he was but a babe.

Arriving in Liverpool on the 22nd of September 1853, they immediately left the following day by steamer for Dublin. Bishop Van de Velde had drafted a letter of introduction on the boys' behalf to Archbishop Cullen of Dublin and the administrators of Maynooth College. After offering the travelers a hearty welcome the archbishop tutored them on the correct decorum to adhere to when traveling from country to country.

The next phase of their journey was undertaken on John McMullen's behalf. Needing a baptismal certificate the boys moved to Ballynahich, McMullen's birthplace. While being too young to remember anyone when he left, many townsfolk flocked around John reminiscing about the times before his family uprooted.

The return to Dublin following their success at Ballynahich included a final briefing with Archbishop Cullen. More letters of introduction, one to Cardinal Fransoni, another to the rector of the Irish College, Doctor Kirby, were dispensed. The final blessing was given. James McGovern and John McMullen were on their way to the ancient city of Rome.

While traversing England, with nothing out of the ordinary occurring, the voyagers were about to experience a potentially disastrous event. Leaving towards Europe from Dover, the young acolytes arrived at Calais to find a dragnet in place by the port authorities. Their passports were viewed with the utmost scrutiny. As the authorities conferred it was decided to remove James and John to another room for further interrogation. John was extremely nervous by these developments. Prior to leaving Chicago his older brother had presented a loaded double-barreled pistol to him. It had been stowed within John's baggage during the transatlantic excursion, but before leaving Dublin John removed it from its resting-place and stuffed it in his jacket.

Inevitably, the French authorities discovered the pistol upon searching the young men. They were immediately placed into custody. Since no common language could be established between the English-speaking Americans and the French officers a call was sent out for a Latin-speaking French priest to mediate the predicament.

With the help of the priest the detainees were allowed to leave, minus the 'McMullen Special'. The reason for their detention rattled the young men as they set off for Paris. Apparently the French police had received word from their counterparts in London of a conspiracy to assassinate the French ruler, Napoleon III. The word was spread through the ports to be on the lookout for a young man and a boy traveling from England and believed to be involved in the intrigue.

The flurry of activity proved taxing on John McMullen. He spent a good part of their three days in Paris bedridden from sickness.

From Paris it was on to Chalons, then to Rome. The vision of the 'Eternal City' of Rome heralded the beginning of their ecclesiastical mission. Arriving as young men they would leave quite different. Getting through the front door, though, would be their first hurdle.

The Urban College, also known as the Propaganda College, was their destination. Named after Pope Urban VIII, the Propaganda was noted for its role in spreading the faith in missionary countries. The Propaganda set the agenda for the missionary settlement of America.

When the two novices approached for admission they were informed that just one opening was available. Only James McGovern would be allowed into the college. McMullen would be shifted to another college. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, John McMullen firmly but respectfully challenged the cardinal prefect on this assignment. Stressing his personal vow to protect young McGovern and reiterating that the arrangement struck by Bishop Van de Velde included his entrance into the Propaganda, McMullen held his ground. Such a bold stance coming from such a pious young man impressed the cardinal to give in to his petition. Both boys would study together and the Church would be the better for it.

One anecdote of their experience in Rome stands out from all the others. An archaeological dig near St. Agnes Church, just outside the gates of Rome, had yielded a discovery. A catacomb from the period of Pope Alexander I (109-119 A.D.) was unearthed and it became the talk of the town. Clergy and nobility from across the south of Europe flocked to witness the unveiling of the site. Students at the colleges witnessed a once in a lifetime spectacular. Pope Pius IX marshaled the grand assembly to the site.

The assembled entourage moved to a nearby convent for lunch following the tour of the digs. As the pope settled in to give audience to the crowd, the floor underneath them caved in due to the decayed support beams. The mass of bodies and debris were sucked into the vacuous abyss of the cellar. For obvious reasons the pope's safety was guaranteed first. Concerned for the young McGovern's safety and taking the drudgery to task, John McMullen worked feverishly to remove timber and trash to get to James. Many others owed their removal from the pile to John McMullen, including a wealthy Roman of position who presented a sack loaded with gold to the young seminarian. John returned the money with the statement that he simply pulled him away to get to his friend. " I was looking for a young friend of mine, and as your Excellency with others was on top of him, I simply pulled you out to get at him." [James J. McGovern. The Life of Bishop John McMullen. Chicago. 1888, p. 114]. A picture commemorating the incident was placed at St. Agnes Church in Rome. The images of McGovern and McMullen are discernible in the picture.

James J. McGovern was ordained on the 14th of June 1862, saying Mass at St. John Lateran in Rome. He would be recorded in the history books as the first Chicagoan accepted into the Urban College and the first native Chicagoan to be ordained a priest. After his ordination he stayed on at Rome as acting secretary to Cardinal Barnabo of the Propaganda.

Father McGovern returned triumphantly in 1863 to Chicago and immediately assumed the position of vice-president of the University of St. Mary of the Lake. The University had recently been reorganized and placed under the direction of Reverend John McMullen as president.

At the University Father McGovern taught Hebrew and sacred scripture as rector of the ecclesiastical department. One of his premier students would later precede Father McGovern as pastor at St. Dennis - Maurice J. Dorney. During his university tenure Father McGovern's love for writing took form in the publication of "The Catholic Monthly" magazine. The magazine was co-edited by Reverends McGovern and McMullen.

For reasons hard to fathom the University of St. Mary of the Lake was closed in 1868. Father McGovern was retained as rector of the seminary with the closing of the university. Part of the reason for the demise of the university was the declining mental health of Bishop James Duggan. His increasingly erratic judgments and actions were crippling the development of the diocese. All this was occurring as society was coming apart due to the aftermath of the Civil War.

In short order Fathers McGovern and McMullen would find themselves immersed in the most complicated scandal to touch the Chicago Catholic Church since the Reverend Timothy O'Meara scandal. In a letter to Rome Fathers McMullen, McGovern, Roles, and Dunne requested that the cardinal prefect consider Bishop Duggan's resignation if it was tendered. They advised him of the bishop's mental deterioration. The communication was also viewed in Rome by allies of the Bishop of Chicago.

Incensed by the action of his priests, which he viewed as insubordinate, upon his return from Europe Bishop Duggan shut down the seminary and exiled the four priests from the diocese. Father McMullen, known for his determination and honesty, traveled to Rome on the 27th of September 1868, representing him and the other three priests. At Rome Father McMullen pleaded for reason to prevail and found himself on the defensive against accusations of jealousy and power-grabbing on the part of the four priests: "The response of Irish Catholics was swift. Mass meetings were held in Holy Name, St. Patrick's, and St. Paul's to endorse the actions of the clergy and to raise funds for the suspended priests. Unlike the 1855 conflict in Holy Name, which had received little public attention, the Duggan controversy was chronicled in the pages of Chicago's leading daily papers, the Tribune and the Times." [Skerrett, Kantowicz and Avella. Catholicism, Chicago Style. Chicago. 1993, p. 38]

A six day investigation conducted by Archbishop Kenrick, on the demand of Cardinal Barnabo of the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda Fide, was initiated in the late spring of 1868 (At this time the archbishop's cousin, Father Andrew Eustace, was pastor at St. Dennis). Numerous priests and faithful of the diocese were interviewed. Attempts to interview the four priests were made although Fathers Roles and McGovern allegedly left the city upon hearing of the archbishop's mission. The four priests submitted letters in their defenseto the cardinal.

There were eleven accusations in all put forth by the priests. The accusations presented concerned the bishop's negligence in caring for the growing diocese. His frequent, costly trips away from the diocese were negatively impacting the diocese. At one time the bishop was away from Chicago for more than a half year. The bishop's disinterest in providing for the success of the seminary was an obvious concern addressed by Father McGovern. The most damning accusation revolved around the mishandling of funds. In so many words the priests inferred that the increasing mental dilapidation of the bishop was the primary fault for all the troubles.

Archbishop Peter Kenrick of St. Louis reported back to Cardinal Barnabo siding with Bishop Duggan. He accused the four priests of presenting accusations that were "destitute of foundation".

By September of 1868 Cardinal Alexander Barnabo, the same cardinal that Father McGovern had served as secretary after his ordination, declared the priest's accusations to be found false and sided with Bishop Duggan.

Due to the familiarity of the cardinal prefect with Fathers McGovern and McMullen, and the untarnished repute of Fathers Roles and Dunne, the priests were spared banishment from the Diocese of Chicago. To a degree some credence was given to their complaint by the Propaganda. They were not exiled but they were scattered to the farthest ends of the diocese - Father McMullen to St. Rose of Lima in Wilmington, Father McGovern to Immaculate Conception Church (June of 1869 until September of 1870) at Fulton.

Events would shortly prove that the four priests were right. Bishop Duggan continued his downward spiral and was forced to resign the bishopric. He was institutionalized for the rest of his life.

It took time to heal the rift caused by the incident. The Chicago Diocese had already been in constant turmoil since its inception due to rapid growth and expansion. The taking of sides that occurred during this crisis pitted priest against priest. The Church was visibly suffering.

With the removal of Bishop Duggan and the installation of Bishop Foley the direction was changed and the process of rectification commenced. Bishop Foley's first words to his priests upon assuming the bishopric were, "Peace be with you." His tone and demeanor let it be known that he wished to move on from the problems that had just been experienced. His fellow priests had always held Father McMullen in the highest esteem. The bishop removed the stigma upon him by appointing him rector of the Holy Name Cathedral. By 1880 Reverend John McMullen became the first bishop of Davenport, Iowa.

For Father James McGovern a new road of missionary service appeared before him. From St. Patrick's Church at Fulton Bishop Foley moved him to the parish at Bloomington, considered at the time the "...most important parish in the diocese outside of Chicago" according to historical accounts by Monsignor Daniel Riordan. [Illinois Catholic Historical Review]

From Bloomington Father McGovern went to Rock Island on the Mississippi River. It was apparent that the boundaries of the diocese would soon be redrawn. With the establishment of the Diocese of Peoria and with Rockford being considered as a possible See, it was in the interest of the Diocese of Chicago to bring Father McGovern closer to home or lose him to another diocese.

Father McGovern was transferred in 1875 to Lake Forest on Illinois' north shore of Lake Michigan. Known as Meehan's Settlement and then, later, as Irish Settlement - the 'Corduroy Church', St. Patrick's at Everett was Father McGovern's appointed destination. Father McGovern eventually moved to Lake Forest when St. Mary's Church was proposed by him and constructed at that location. By 1878, a rectory was built at St. Mary's but he was not able to settle into the new abode.

In 1880 the pastorate for St. Dennis of Lockport was vacated. Father McGovern was familiar with the parish having performed services there twice in the 1870's. His former student from the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Father Maurice Dorney, had just completed the construction of a beautiful stone church. Here was a quiet country church with a predominantly Irish congregation. Added to this was nostalgic reminiscence of trips along the Illinois and Michigan Canal with his father. The appeal was irresistible.

On Easter Sunday, April of 1880, Pastor James Joseph McGovern celebrated his first Mass at St. Dennis Church in Lockport. Thus began a 34-year string of service to the parishioners at St. Dennis. Father McGovern saw the positive aspects of living close enough to the city yet far enough away to devote the large amount of time required to write without major distraction. The common and honest people of the parish appealed to the moral sensibility of Father McGovern. They reinforced his system of values developed from the experience of growing up in frontier Chicago.

At the same time he continued strong contacts established in Chicago. The strongest, his family, was still there. His relationship with Eliza Allen Starr, noted convert to Catholicism and accomplished artist, which had started at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, continued throughout their lives until he celebrated her funeral Mass. He would write of her in his book, The Life and Letters of Eliza Allen Starr. By 1880 many of his students, like Father Dorney, were moving into influential parishes and positions within the Diocese of Chicago.

By the mid-1880's Father McGovern was the owner, publisher, and editor-in-chief of "Chicago Catholic Home", the most successful Catholic newspaper in Chicago since "The Western Tablet" of the 1850's. Chicago had been declared an Archdiocese in 1880 with Archbishop Patrick Feehan successfully continuing the construction of the Church at Chicago. Archbishop Feehan knew that Father McGovern's literary talent could be best utilized by establishing the newspaper with McGovern as its head. "Feeling the need of a stronger organ than "The Home", which was the only Catholic paper for the English-speaking people of the archdiocese, Archbishop Feehan in July, 1892, called a meeting of all the pastors and proposed the establishment of a more vigorous weekly paper. It was decided to incorporate the "Catholic Press Company" with a capital of $20,000."[Rev. Cornelius J. Kirkfleet. The Life of Patrick Augustine Feehan. Chicago. 1922. P.222] The paper eventually became "The New World" in 1890 with which Father McGovern enjoyed a long relationship. After a long discussion the name "The New World" was decided on for the weekly. The "Home" was purchased from Dr. McGovern, owner and publisher, for $5,000 and with the first issue of "The New World", ceased its publication."[The Life of Patrick Augustine Feehan. P.223]

Father McGovern's literary output was extraordinary by all measurements. His first book commemorated his lifelong friendship with John McMullen, The Life of Bishop McMullen. His account of the bishop's life has great value for its insight into life in early Chicago and for the details of the Great Chicago Fire and its effects on those who witnessed it.

In his second endeavor, Father McGovern reflected on his educational background and expertise. With the publication of Studies of the Scripture, also known as The Royal Scroll, Father McGovern expounded upon the scriptural course he had taught at the seminary.

The History of the Catholic Church in Chicago: the Souvenir Volume of Archbishop Feehan's Silver Jubilee was Father McGovern's first book length attempt at recording the events that made up the development of the Church in Chicago.

Having lived through many of the events helped establish the work as highly credible. Father McGovern published a more definitive historical work in "The New World". The April 14, 1900, special edition expanded the historical study to encompass the whole state of Illinois. This masterpiece was loaded with photographs and in-depth accounts of great historical value. It is the ultimate reference for anyone studying the development of the Catholic Church in the region or researching parish histories.

In 1905, Father McGovern published The Life and Letters of Eliza Allen Starr. Miss Starr was a lay person who faithfully lived the life of a religious. She moved to Chicago from New England where she was from a prominent Unitarian family. She converted to Catholicism and influenced education, art and letters around the Midwest. She received the distinguished Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame for her lifelong dedication to promoting the faith. Many of Miss Starr's letters allude to her trips to her friend's country church. This was in reference to Father McGovern at Lockport.

Father McGovern aided in the publication of works on the lives of two outstanding religious sisters. The Life of Mother Theodore of the Sisters of Providence . Father McGovern requested the Sisters of Providence to establish an academy at Lockport. From their headquarters at St. Mary of the Woods, Indiana came the sisters who served the parish from 1881 until 1997.

Another work about the head of an order was The Life of Reverend Mother Francis Munholland of the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy came to Chicago in 1846 and established all the initial Catholic schools in Chicago, major medical facilities and related institutions throughout the region. While the work itself was composed by an anonymous member of the Sisters of Mercy, Father McGovern was instrumental in getting the work to press. But Father McGovern's relationship with Mother Monholland was more intimate than just as a connection to the publishing world. "The [funeral] sermon [for Mother Francis] was preached by Reverend Dr. McGovern, of Lockport, Illinois, and was an eloquent tribute to the memory of one of the holiest religious women of our time. Dr. McGovern had been a pupil of Mother Francis in his boyhood. When he decided on entering the ecclesiastical state, before going to Rome, he knelt to receive her blessing. When he returned, an anointed priest of God, she knelt to receive his."

With the publication of The Life and Lifeworks of Pope Leo XIII, in 1902, Father McGovern hit a personal literary high point with the sale of 50,000 copies in the first six weeks of publication. The beautifully embossed cover, a visual standout, helped push sales of the book. The Archbishop of New York, Michael Corrigan originally sent Father McGovern a letter beseeching him to take on the task of writing the story. A request like this coming from Archbishop Corrigan, then considered one of the most influential members of the American hierarchy and at the center of the conservative movement, was something that could not be taken lightly.

His next work, Catholic Dictionary and Cyclopedia, was a standard reference of Catholic tenets aimed at priest and parishioner alike.

His final and most ambitious work was The Manual of the Holy Catholic Church published in two volumes - "The Beautiful Teachings of the Holy Catholic Church" and "The Light from the Altar: or the True Catholic in the Church of Christ". The manual received strong testimonial support from almost every major bishop and archbishop in the United States. The Catholic Art Studio of Chicago beautifully illustrated it with color portraits.

A bird's eye view of the activities in the country parish at Lockport during the 1880's has been passed down in the chronicles abridged from the Will County Commercial Advertiser, the Lockport paper of the time:

* 10/1880: A fair with held with a string band, suppertable, and large crowds
           in attendance.

* 12/1880: The church held a "watch meeting" (New Year's Eve party)
           with "bounteous supper".

* 02/1881: Father McGovern took up a collection for the suffering orphans 
           in city. $60 dollars was collected.

* 02/1881: Father McGovern adds 14 chrome oil paintings 5'x3' representing 
           different scenes of the Crucifixion.	
	  
* 05/1881: Sisters of Providence will have the old church ready for 
           a school in September. 
           The L. Gregory property was purchased for the rectory.

* 06/1881: Work on the altar in St. Dennis Church has begun.

* 08/1881: Sisters have arrived and will also teach music.

* 09/1881: A temperance meeting held at St. Dennis. School began. 
           The fine new desks with inkwells arrive late

* 09/1881: Reverend Doctor McGovern moved into his new quarters 
           on 12th and Hamilton.  The jolly, sociable D.D.
           [doctor of divinity] seems 
           delighted with his new residence, 
           and is now prepared to receive his callers in his new quarters 
           hereafter.  
           This necessitated the removal of the Himrod family to their house 
           lately purchased the house of John Heck on the corner of 10th and
           Hamilton.

* 12/1881: The school has 145 pupils besides music students. 
           Father Baluff is appointed as assistant.

* 12/1881: The city will place lampposts on State Street from 
           Tenth Street to the depot.  
           Dr. McGovern is showing excellent foresight by purchasing 
           one to be placed
           in front of St. Dennis Church.

* 03/1882: There is a new Gothic altar, 6' in breadth and 18' high 
           on the west side of the church. 

* 05/1882: May Day picnic at Daley's Grove.

* 06/1882: Miss Fanny McGovern of Chicago on organ at St. Dennis 
           Confirmation; 
           Archbishop Feehan confirms 157.

* 07/1882: Catholic Society picnic at Dellwood Park.

* 08/1882: St. Dennis Fair.

In 1881, the Sisters of Providence arrived to meet the need for a parish educational facility. The old Haytown church was partitioned and converted to accommodate a school environment. The school was launched as an academy (grammar and high school). Father McGovern gave his rectory over to the sisters as a convent.

The old school was heated by coal-fired pot bellied stoves, but on the coldest days students had to keep their coats and boots on to keep warm. The kind sisters would urge the children close to the stove to beat the chill. The reward for perseverance and hard work was a good report card handed out by Father McGovern. President Garfield's assassination in 1881 was a strong blow to a nation still recovering from division. The whole town of Lockport gathered at the old 9th street school (presently Central Square). Father McGovern led the St. Dennis Temperance Society Drum Corp into the gathering to the sound of muffled drums. On the podium the featured speaker was Doctor McGovern.

On May 4th, 1885, Father McGovern was called to mediate a strike at the quarries along the canal. Along with Father Moczygemba of Sts. Cyrill and Methodius Church, Lemont, Father McGovern pleaded for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and was credited by the Chicago Tribune with having averted a much larger disaster. The action had reached the level of armed resistance at Lemont where workers clashed with four companies of militia. As a result two strikers were killed with numerous injuries on both sides.

At the funeral Mass in the Lemont church, Father McGovern did not refer to the incident but directly attacked the strike organizers referring to their actions as a "disgrace upon the privileges of a free and peaceful community". The next day Albert R. Parsons, later prosecuted as one of the 'Haymarket Conspirators', spoke to the strikers prodding them to remain steadfast for higher wages.

Albert Parsons had been acquiring a reputation as an advocate for labor and socialist causes in and around Chicago since his arrival there in 1873. He became an important leader in the Socialist Labor Party of North America and was nominated as their candidate for the United States presidency in 1879. However, he could not accept the nomination because of his youth. His use of highly inflammatory rhetoric and publication of instructions on making pipe bombs eventually contributed to his demise.

The quarry companies imported striker breakers from Chicago. The militia was moved back but put in a readied position. Over the next days the strike broke at other spots along the canal. By the 12th of May the strike was over.

Father McGovern's commitment to the Lockport community was unwavering. In the July 5, 1890, issue of the "Catholic Home" he wrote that, "Everything is booming here. They are enlarging the wiremills and a large manufactory for brass, iron, and tinware is going to start next week; All the quarries are busy, and the great drainage waterway will soon give employment to hundreds of laborers." Lockport experienced a major conflagration in 1895 where a good part of the downtown business district was immersed in flames. In the middle of the fire Father McGovern climbed upon the roof of the Boyer residence and attempted to douse the flames that had traveled from the adjacent barn. "Chiefly through his efforts and those of others who helped him, the house was saved and the area north of 8th Street did not burn." [Georgene McCanna Bankroff. 150 Years of Faith. Lockport. 1997, p.34]

Father McGovern left his mark on the church structure itself by building a steeple complete with chime clock onto the existing structure. From the ground to the top it measured 170 feet. The extension established St. Dennis as a very visible landmark for miles along the Des Plaines Valley. The architecture was stylistically similar to a tower in Italy admired by Father McGovern.

In collaboration with Italian stonemason Girolomo (Jerome) Baldo, Father McGovern applied talent and long hours in a church basement workroom conceiving blueprints for the project. The old tower was slightly reduced in size to allow for continuity in the new structure. Local limestone from Joliet was utilized, banded with steel and, in the process, leaded for weight. 126 feet above ground level a clock tower initially located in Lockport's original Baptist church was put in place. The Northern Italian Society, Inc. of Lockport raised $458.18 to purchase from either Italy or Austria a clock for the tower (This society of early Italian immigrants to Lockport also banded together for mutual assistance in times of need. It ceased in 1949). This touch made the project a community endeavor. An open balcony with heavy columns enclosed the clockworks. Inside the balcony was housed an eight foot statue of Jesus made of Bedford stone. The statue was the work of a prisoner at Joliet State Penitentiary. By June of 1898 the all-stone addition was finished. Spotlights highlighted it every evening.

One day in the middle of saying Mass Reverend James Joseph McGovern lost consciousness. For the next year his health was in decline with the onset of stomach cancer. A trip to Florida provided a change of scene but did not alter his condition. The Lord reclaimed him on March 30, 1914.

The Reverend Joseph Bollman, pastor of St. James at Sag, eulogized the Doctor:

"The man who was privileged to know many of the world's prominent men, who occupied one of the most respected positions in Chicago and who watched that city grow from a little town to the second largest city in the United States chose to live here in the country with you. And when not employed in ministering unto you he was engaged in writing the history of others."