continued
Father James J. Kearns—Pastor 1936
The chronicle of a century of progress in St. Michael’s Parish,
Greenville, Pennsylvania, would be indeed incomplete without mention of
its present well-beloved Pastor, Reverend James J.
Kearns, who has served the, parish for almost his entire priestly
life of forty-two years. At this time it is the pleasure of the Centennial
Committee to present a modest tribute to one who has served the spiritual
interests of St. Michael’s people loyally and well.
Father James Kearns was born June 3, 1876
in Elk City, Clarion County, the fifth son of Mary
Daugherty and Michael Kearns. He received his early education in
the public schools of that district, later moving to Reynoldsville. Upon
completing high school, Father James began an intensive study of
instrumental music. Endowed with unusual musical ability and a rich
baritone voice, he soon became the center of choral and choir groups, and
a member of the then well-known Keystone Band. As early as 1900 he was
touring Clearfield and Jefferson Counties, giving concerts, and acting in
amateur plays.
In September, 1902, James Kearns decided
to become a candidate for the priesthood. He entered St. Bonaventure’s
College, Allegany, New York, the alma mater of his elder brother “Father
John”. Following six years of theological study there he was ordained to
the priesthood in the seminary chapel on June 13, 1908, by Bishop
Charles Henry Colton of Buffalo. His first appointment, a temporary
one, was to St. Mark’s Church, Emporium, where he substituted for Rev.
Thomas Downey, on leave in Europe. Upon Father Downey’s return four
months later, Father James received his first permanent
assignment—assistant to his brother, Reverend John learns, then pastor
of St. Michael’s Parish, Greenville, Pennsylvania. Here continuously and
devotedly Father James has labored for forty-two years, exercising his
zeal, and spending his fine talents on all who have come within his
influence.
Those who knew Father James best during
his early years of service, recall particularly, his self-sacrificing
devotion to his priest-brother, and his great zeal in instructing and
directing the young people of St. Michael’s Parish. Long before the so
called Youth Movement took root in this country, certainly before the
Little Theatre Movement caught the public fancy, Father James pioneered in
Catholic theatre, guiding and directing the cultural and social life of
the younger members of St. Michael’s Parish. During the past four
decades, Father James personally directed 12 major musical shows, many of
which were recalled for a second and even third performance in Greenville,
New Castle, Sharon, |
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drew
his youthful “thespians” from the rank and file of St. Michael’s
Grade and High School. To the heavier, adult parts of the large musicals,
residents of all sections of Greenville, Catholics and non-Catholics
alike, contributed talent.
When no suitable play was to be found among current Broadway
productions, Father James wrote his own plays, adapting them to local
conditions and talent. The most popular among these were Kid Kapers and
Carmelita, written, staged, and directed by the Greenville priest, and
played seven different times before enchanted audiences. On one of these
seven occasions, on April 29, 1935, KID KAPERS was presented over the
National Broadcasting Company network to the delight of all who heard it.
In the hands of Father James, however, the drama was never an end in
itself, but rather the means to a far nobler end, namely, the organizing
of the youth of the Parish for the purpose of promoting their best
spiritual, as well as cultural, and social interests. As a result, many of
these young troubadours sang and danced their way into the religious life.
Today they are passing on this heritage as teaching Sisters in many
Diocesan schools. Others have gone out from the ranks of ST. MICHAEL'S
PLAYERS into business, professional, and happy family life, better
Christians, better citizens, for this special training.
Today it is the privilege of ST. MICHAEL’S PLAYERS everywhere, to pay
grateful tribute to their friend and “Director”, Father James. From
the vantage point of mature years, they appreciate the genius which caught
and held their youthful enthusiasm, directing it, carefully, for service
to God, to country, and to their community.
In 1936, at the death of Monsignor John Kearns, Father James, after his
long tenure as Assistant, was appointed Pastor of St. Michael’s, this at
a time when the community and the parish were recovering from the effects
of a depression. The new Pastor assumed the parish debt willingly. With
the cooperation of his self-sacrificing people, and that of his
hard-working Assist ant priests, he began to liquidate the debt, and at
the same time, to enlarge and to improve the Church property. Within the
past fourteen years, St. Michael’s Grade and High School has been
renovated, the Church redecorated twice, and St. Michael’s Cemetery
beautified.
Undoubtedly the greatest material contribution made to the Parish by
Father James was the enlarging, renovating, and refurnishing of the local
Convent. Today the Sisters’ home in Greenville is one of the most
comfort able and well-appointed convents in the Diocese.
Today, in a spirit of joyful reminiscence, the old and the young pledge
renewed loyalty to their devoted Pastor, Father James, and they wish for
him many more golden years of service. Gratitude is a noble and delicate
virtue; it dwells more surely in the heart than on the lips. In this
centennial year St. Michael’s people express their gratitude to God for
the blessings of their Holy Faith. They thank all who have served them in
His Name.
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BROADWAY
SHOWS PRESENTED
BY
FATHER JAMES J. KEARNS
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Nautical Knot
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Princess Bul-Bul
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King Dodo
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Mayor of Tokyo
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Girl of My Dreams
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Red Widow
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Little Nellie Kelly
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Prince of Pilsen
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Sed Pasha
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Seven Keys to Baldpate
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Chinese
Honeymoon |
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WRITTEN,
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED
BY
FATHER JAMES J. KEARNS
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| Kid
Kapers |
Carmelita |
| Bogus
Chaperone |
Toby
Gets the Breaks |
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continued
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|
