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might dispense from the Clementine decree which permitted only one such
confraternity in a town or city. Later, other parishes organized Societi .
es in
honor of the Sacred Name.
Permission for the founding of the society was obtained by the
Reverend Thomas Barry. Its spiritual direction was first entrusted to
the R8V6l'6f1d Thomas F. Ryan, who, returning from the Spanish-American
War in which he had served as a chaplain, had become especially interested
in the welfare of the men of the parish. The primary purpose of the so-
cietyeto beget love and reverence for the Name of God and Jesus Christ
eattracted hundreds into its ranks. The secondary objecteto suppress
blasphemy, perjury, oaths of any kind that are forbidden, profanity, and
improper language, and, as far as possible, to prevent these vices in others-e
had its inHuence for good on men who desired to be considered Catholic
men in the true sense of the word.
The growing strength of the organization manifested itself in the
ever-increasing numbers that approached the altar rail on the second Sun-
day of each month. By 1910 it boasted more than a thousand members.
Under the leadership of Father William M. Sullivan the Holy Name
Society was reorganized in June, 1928. The following men were elected
to ofiice: Hugh McVey, president; Jesse Buck, vice-president; Michael
Conroy and Hugh McGinley, secretaries. Notices were to be sent out
every month reminding the members of the approaching Communion Sun-
day. Captains were appointed to keep in touch with the men in their
respective districts. Prominent guest speakers addressed the meetings each
month and a program of entertainment followed.
After this, enthusiasm again ran high and soon the society was once
more one of the foremost in the city as its demonstrations in the various
Holy Name rallies and diocesan celebrations testify.
The society continued to wax strong down to the beginning of World
War II when the young men were called away to serve their country. With
the war over and these boys returned home, the society looks with eager-
ness to the day when all its members will be united once more at the
altar rail.
Spiritual Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reverend George L. MurphYs .l-C-D-
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -RiCh3l‘d Farmnt
Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-legit); Carr
Secretary I I , V , , , , , , . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edwa1: O,cBu' in
Delegates to the Holy Name Union . .William McDonald, Fran T16“
14]
. "ii.“s: “ T ‘ -’