The Catholics of Hackensack at one time formed a part of the congregation of St. John's, but in 1861 Father Annellie erected a small church. There were then only 25 Catholic families in Hackensack. In 1866 the corner-stone of the present church was laid, and the building was completed under the pastorate of Father P. Cody. The congregation is steadily increasing.
A few months ago Mr. Robert Beattie, of Little Falls, donated enough land to the Catholics in that village on which to erect a church. The corner-stone was laid by Right Rev. Bishop Wigger, and the church is now nearing completion.
Catholic priests and religious fraternities have undoubtedly done a great deal for Paterson, but the city has not been ungrateful, and a number of young men and young women from this city have devoted themselves to the service of the Almighty. The following are the priests who grew up in St. John's congregation:—
Father John P. Morris was educated at the American College at Rome and is at present pastor of the Catholic Church at Avondale, N. J.
Father M. A. McManus was educated at Seton Hall and is parish priest in Newton, N. J.
Father Robert E. Burke was educated at Seton Hall and is parish priest in Mt. Holly, N. J.
Father John Sheppard, also educated at Seton Hall, is parish priest in Dover, N. J.
Father Alphonsus Rossiter was educated in the convent of the Passionist Fathers at Pittsburgh, Pa., and is at present Superior of that institution.
The following young men from the congregation have joined the Christian Brothers in New York:
Hugh J. Gallagher—Brother Joseph, 1877.
Robert J. Foley—Brother Charles, 1877.
Joseph Fitzpatrick—Brother Daniel, 1878.
John S. Thornton—Brother Clement, 1879.
Arthur McKenna—Brother Felix, 1879.
Jeremiah A. Maher—Brother Andrew, 1880.
Patrick Lawlor—Brother B. Joseph, 1880.
Thomas Hone—Brother B. Edward, 1881.