REV. MICHAEL A. McMANUS.
BY JAMES L. O’NEILL OF ELIZABETH, N. J.
Rev. Michael A. McManus, D. D., rector of St. Aloysius Church, Newark, N. J., died November 16, 1909. Deceased was the son of Lawrence A. McManus of Paterson, N. J. It was in that city that he was born September 29, 1849. When a boy he evinced his religious tendency and determined to become a priest. After obtaining permission from his parents, he went to Newark to consult with the late Archbishop Bayley, then Bishop of Newark. Bishop Bayley noticing the slight figure before him, at first did not appear inclined to give his consent but the determined manner and speech of the young man soon won the Bishop over.
When he was quite young his father sent him to St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Md., to begin his ecclesiastical training. He had previously received a classical education at a private school in Paterson. After four years at St Charles he entered Seton Hall College, where he was graduated, and then entered the seminary of the Immaculate Conception. He was ordained April 26, 1874, by the late Archbishop Michael Austin Corrigan, who was then Bishop of the diocese of Newark, which then comprised all of New Jersey. He was first sent to St. Michael’s Church, Jersey City. While attached to that Parish he became seriously ill and had to be sent to St. Francis Hospital. After recovering he went to the Southern States and did missionary work for a couple of years. On returning north he was sent as an assistant to the Church of the Assumption, Morristown, N. J. Within a couple of years he was made pastor of St. Patrick’s Church of Woodbury. He remained there until 1881, when the single dioceses comprised in the entire state, was divided by the establishment of the Trenton diocese.
In 1881 he was sent to St. Joseph’s, Newton, N. J., remaining there until 1890, when Bishop Wiggar transferred him to Newark, and assigned to him the task of establishing the parish of the Sacred Heart. Finally he was transferred to St. Aloysius’ Church of the same city in June, 1906. Seton Hall College conferred on Father McManus the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His unostentatious charity was something the extent of which was ever widening and often surprised those closest to him. In public affairs he was always interested. He served on the grand jury several years ago, being the first priest in the county who ever officiated as a member of that body.
St. Aloysius School is his monument. He had been secretary of the Board of Trustees of St. Michael’s Hospital for many years and was one of the prime movers in the movement for a public park in the twelfth ward, Newark, a movement which culminated in the establishment of Riverbank Park, now in process of completion. He was known for his sturdy loyalty to the cause of Ireland, and he never lost an opportunity to lend it his aid. He was strong also in his liking for the German people, whose language he spoke fluently.
The keynote of Father McManus’ character was a rugged honesty buttressed by a courage that brooked no opposition. His convictions were clear cut and what he thought, that he said, and that he fought for, even though his words occasionally gave some offense and his intensity provoked his opponents.
But it happened with him as it always happens with an honest man—it became apparent that he meant not to offend but to convince. With Father McManus the smile always beamed after a remark, before the frown had scarcely time to gather. He was never bitter though always earnest and sincere. With such a man there is always satisfaction in dealing, one knows where he stands and what to expect; the entanglements of deceit are absent. Father McManus was well-read and his scholarship won for him the degree of Doctor of Laws, from his Alma Mater. His administrative ability was great, as the numerous works and foundation of his parish attest.
He was a pious priest, but his piety was of the manly kind that rejects show or sentimentality. His faith was deep and earnest. He had a wholesome contempt for the modern juggling with fundamental tenets of Christianity.
He was an ardent American, and believed in accepting all the duties and burdens, as well as the privileges of citizenship.