Record of the Week: Vincere Vel Mori

From the rocky Outer Hebridean Isle of Barra came the clan from which descended Toronto's seventh bishop, Neil McNeil.

Clan MacNeil Fast Facts:

• The clan claims to descend from Irish king Niall of the Nine Hostages of the third century. 
• The motto is Vincere Vel Mori, which translates to 'Victory or Death.'
• Medieval Kisimul Castle is the seat of the clan's chief. 
• The clan was known for pirating in the 1500s.
• Archbishop McNeil would have come from the group of MacNeils who emigrated to Cape Breton in the early 1800s.

In the 1920s, the Clan MacNeil Association of America wrote to Archbishop McNeil to recruit him. Though they were successful with his brother, we're not sure if he actually joined the association. 

Reverend dear Sir:

Your forefathers came from the Isle of Barra, just a little island off the coast of Scotland, only eight miles long and four miles wide, and from no other place, for you are a Macneil and as such we extend an invitation to you to join the Clan Macneil Association of America.

This Association was organized nine years ago, and its purposes (as set forth in the Constitution) are "to foster and promote Scottish Clan traditions, sentiments and interests, especially those relating to the Clan Macneil; to cultivate social intercourse among the members; to uphold good citizenship of the Members in their respective countries; and to encourage cordial relations among the English speaking nations."

What do not appear int the Constitution are the goodwill created among the Members; the many friendships formed; the enjoyable programs of the Annual Meetings; the carrying to Macneils far and near of welcome word of each other through the Clan Macneil News; the tracing and recording of Members' genealogies; the several successes of the Association in making permanent and public records of the Clan's accomplishments in the development of America; and the fact that we are the only active individual Clan Association in North America.

The annual dues are $5.00 a year, which includes subscription to the Clan Macneil News. All officers in the Association serve without pay and all money goes for actual expenses. I am mighty proud of our name. I want you to join us. It would be a pleasure to have your application for membership addressed to me, personally, at 2095 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 

Cordially yours, H.N. McNeill

October 1, 1930

MN AA03.205a

Archbishop McNeil Fonds

Though there are many ways to spell MacNeil, all are welcome to join the clan!

Even bishops need a holiday!

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/13P

Visiting Cardinals from Sydney and Westminster enjoy a glacial walk in Lake Louise, Alberta, as part of their Canadian Tour, 1947.

Summer is a great time for travel within our epically beautiful country. The opportunity to cross Western Canada by train is a hard one to resist - even for some hard-working bishops.

In August 1947, their Eminences Norman Cardinal Gilroy, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, and Bernard Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, England, honoured Canada with a visit. They travelled by C.P.R. to Vancouver, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, and Winnipeg before leaving for events in Toronto.

Along the way, local clergy joined the the party to serve as guides and for photo ops, of course. Our own Cardinal McGuigan accompanied the visitors from Vancouver to Toronto.

In making preparations for these esteemed guests, Cardinal McGuigan wrote to the various host bishops: "It is the wish of the Cardinals to make this something of a holiday and to avoid all ceremonial except when perhaps it might seem natural, as on Sunday."

We wish you all happy and safe summer travels that don't stand on ceremony!

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/15P

Bernard Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, England, poses with some hoofed friends.

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/11P

Their Eminences Bernard Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, England, and Norman Cardinal Gilroy, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia at Lake Louise

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/08P

Labelled: At the Great Divide 5630' - Bishop Carroll at Western Boundary of his diocese

Left to right: Archbishop of Calgary Francis Carroll; Cardinal Griffin; Archbishop of Toronto James Cardinal McGuigan; Cardinal Gilroy; Bishop of Kamloops Edward Jennings

Photographs Special Collection, PH09G/14P

Cardinal McGuigan Fonds, MGFA13.71(a)

August 1, 1947: Cardinal McGuigan sent this letter to all the local bishops whose dioceses they would be passing through, outlining the visitors' itinerary. He notes that,
 It is the wish of the Cardinals to make this something of a holiday and to avoid all ceremonial except when perhaps it might seem natural, as on Sunday.

Record of the Week: Aboat Time for the Weekend

On this Friday afternoon in the middle of July, many of us can't help but think about weekend getaways and upcoming vacations. We wanted to share a photo we came across recently in Monsignor Clair's photo collection from a family boat trip in Parry Sound.  It sure looks like the perfect way to spend a hot, summer day!
 

Boating in Parry Sound, undated

Monsignor Clair Collection

 

Wishing everyone a great weekend, whatever your plans may be!

Toronto's Archbishops Live at Massey Hall

Last weekend Gordon Lightfoot played the last concert at Toronto's Massey Hall before two years of renovations. In its 124 year history, the greatest names in music including Igor Stravinski, George Gershwin, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Glenn Gould, Charlie Parker, Joni Mitchell, and St. Michael's Choir School amongst many others have performed in the space. It holds the distinction of being Canada's oldest concert hall, but its design has held up as an intimate space to hear world-class musicians.

Over the years, the Archbishops of Toronto have been invited to and have attended many events at Massey Hall including a 1933 protest against Hitler. In 1959 Cardinal McGuigan joined the St. Michael's Choir School boys onstage: 

Cardinal McGuigan addresses the crowd at a concert honouring Ukrainian Greek Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop Andrew Sheptytsky, OSBM.

December 13, 1959

PH 34/03P
ARCAT Photograph Collection  

Archbishop McNeil was invited to an event celebrating the opening of a house on Beverly Street by Sir Arthur Pearson to train men blinded in the first world war:

"Archbishop Neil McNeil, Toronto.

Dear Sir, -

I beg to enclose herewith a platform ticket for the Public Testimonial to be held at Massey Hall on Tuesday, January seventh, at 8 P.M. in honor of the Canadian Soldiers blinded in the war and Sir Arthur Pearson, Bart.

The Hon. W.J. Hanna, K.C., will preside and, besides Sir Arthur Pearson, there will be a number of interesting speakers.

On behalf of the institute, I am pleased to extend to you an invitation to be present and to occupy a seat upon the platform.

Yours faithfully,

L.M. Wood, President."

January 2, 1919

FW GC01.68

First World War Collection

In 1916 Toronto pastors were asked to announce a meeting at Massey Hall of the Associated Kin of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, which was an association of relatives of First World War soldiers working to "promote and care for the best interests of the men who [were] fighting for King and Country."

"Dear Sir:-

On Tuesday next, the 5th of December, at eight o'clock in the evening, at Massey Hall, there will be a meeting of the ASSOCIATED KIN OF THE CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. I am taking the liberty of enclosing you the Objects and Obligations of that Association with the request that you will be so good as to announce this meeting from your pulpit on next Sunday and say what you properly can with respect to the movement.

If you have kin at the front, I would be honored if you would kindly take a seat upon the platform on that evening.

Yours most respectfully,

William Renwick Riddell" 

1916

FW WE01.31

First World War Collection

The Catholic Youth Organization held a rally in 1938:

"His Excellency
The Most Reverend James C. McGuigan, D.D.
Archbishop of Toronto
invites you to be present at the
Catholic Youth Organization Rally
in Massey Hall
Wednesday Evening, January 19th, 1938
at 8.15 p.m.
Reserved seats will be held until 8.10 p.m."

MG TA01.115
Cardinal McGuigan Fonds

The National Chorus of Toronto performed annually from 1903 to 1928:

"The National Chorus
Announces its Thirteenth Annual Concert at
Massey Hall, on Tuesday evening, January 18th
With Mr. Morgan Kingston as the assisting soloist,
and the net proceeds to be devoted to Red Cross purposes.

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and the
Princess Patricia have announced their intention of being present.

Tickets may now be procured at Tyrrell's Book Store, 780 Yonge Street, near Bloor Street."

1916

MN AH05.03
Archbishop McNeil Fonds

Admiral Earl Beatty of the British Navy visited Toronto in 1921:

"Dear Archbishop McNeil;-

On Monday, next, November 28th, at 2 P.M., Admiral Earl Beatty, O.M., etc., will be the guest of the Navy League of Canada at Massey Hall.

As Head of the Roman Catholic Church, we are enclosing a ticket, which will admit you, by way of the stage door, to the platform. Will you kindly be seated by 1.45, as the Admiral will enter at 2 o'clock.

Admiral Earl Beatty O.M., etc., will be in the City from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M., therefore, he will only be with us for half an hour, but the League feels happy in being thus honoured. Please reply by telephone, Saturday morning, if possible.

In view of the fact that platform space is very limited, it will be necessary for you to present this ticket.

Faithfully yours, Cecil S.Williams Lieut Colonel. Manager."

November 25, 1921

MN AH10.134
Archbishop McNeil Fonds

Archbishop Pocock was on the board of directors of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, which performed at Massey Hall until Roy Thomson Hall opened in 1982. He kept a copy of their 1964-1965 brochure. That year concert goers would hear the Canadian premiere of Britten's War Requiem, Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, and Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, amongst other great classical works. The back of the brochure shows pricing for season tickets. Fifty dollars would get you fifteen concerts in one of the best seats in the house:

1964-1965 Toronto Symphony Orchestra Season Ticket price chart.

PO OOR22.02b
Archbishop Pocock Fonds 

Massey Hall holds a special place in my heart because it was the venue of the first rock concert my sister took me to when I was in grade 10. I've seen many of my favourite artists there since then, and I'm looking forward to seeing more after the renovations are finished. It will be exciting to see the changes! In the meantime, I'll watch the Live at Massey Hall series online.

O Canada!

In honour of Canada Day, we wanted to post some early English versions of “O Canada” that we found in our archives. O Canada was the de facto national anthem of Canada since 1939, but only became the country's official national anthem on July 1, 1980 after Canada's National Anthem Act received royal assent.

O Canada was initially written to honour the Quebec National Holiday, St. John Baptiste Day. In 1880, the Honorable Theodore Robitaille, Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, commissioned Adolphe-Basile Routhier to write lyrics and Calixa Lavallée to compose the music for a song to commemorate the holiday.

The song was performed for the first time on June 24, 1880 under the original name "Chant National". O Canada quickly spread through French Canada, but it would take another twenty years before the song would gain popularity in English Canada.

The earliest published English version of O Canada was written by Dr. Thomas Bedford Richardson in 1906. We found the typed lyrics of Richardson's version within Archbishop McNeil's fonds:


Dr. Thomas Bedford Richardson's English version of O Canada. Though Dr, Richardson's version of O Canada was beautiful in its own right, it was not a true translation of the original French text

MN AS05.01

Archbishop McNeil Fonds

There have been several English versions of O Canada since Dr. Richardson's was first published. The English version we sing today is based largely on the lyrics written by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908, however even these lyrics have been revised several times since then.

We were also interested to find a version of O Canada from 1917 that was approved by Sir Routhier as being an "exact English rendering of the original text."


An English translation of the original French Song, authorized by Sir Routhier. 15 March 1917

MN AH06.22

Archbishop McNeil Fonds

There are now three official versions of O Canada: French, English and Bilingual. You can find out more about the history, lyrics, and proper etiquette surrounding anthem use here.

Happy Canada Day!

Launching Extraordinary Ordinaries

Extraordinary Ordinaries: A History of the Bishops of the Archdiocese of Toronto

On Tuesday evening, ARCAT staff had the pleasure of attending the book launch of Extraordinary Ordinaries by Fr. Séamus Hogan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Although there have been books written about some of Toronto's Catholic bishops and archbishops, this is the first time that biographies of all twelve ordinaries - from Bishop Michael Power to our current Cardinal Thomas Collins - have been brought together in one coherent volume. The book attempts to reach a broad readership with stories of how these Catholic leaders responded to the social, economic and political events of their times in extraordinary ways.

This book is the capstone of the Archdiocese of Toronto's 175th Anniversary celebrations. (It is now available for purchase.)

Congratulations Fr. Séamus!

ARCAT Staff Photo

Father Séamus Hogan graciously signs copies of his new book for the Archives staff. We even got a shout out in the Acknowledgements.

ARCAT Staff Photo

The book launch started with a few words from Fr. Séamus to the audience gathered in the crypt chapel of St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. Is it a little weird to hold an event in the crypt chapel? Not at all! This new chapel is one of the last stages in the major cathedral renovation project and the tomb of our first ordinary, Bishop Michael Power, rests behind the altar.
Fr. Séamus also spoke of his connection to the crypt. As the son of the cathedral's then sacristan, he was often sent to the crypt through a trap door to retrieve altar candles. He and his siblings also played in the low, dark crypt among the haphazardly arranged tombs.

ARCAT Staff Photo

Left to right: Author Fr. Séamus Hogan, priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto; Thomas Cardinal Collins, the twelfth ordinary of Toronto who also contributed the book's foreword; outgoing rector of the Cathedral, Fr. Michael Busch, who will be writing his own book about the twelve-year renovation project; and Most Rev. John Boissonneau, bishop of the Western Pastoral Region of Toronto and head of the Archdiocesan 175th Anniversary Committee. 

ARCAT Staff Photo

Building the new crypt chapel required digging down 26 feet from the crypt's original height of 5 feet. Many of the tombs were relocated to the periphery of the space. However Michael Power's tomb remains under the altar of the upper sanctuary, where it was placed when he died of typhus before his cathedral was completed.
Much of the furnishings were recycled from the pre-renovation cathedral, including the Marian side altar, throne and ambo.

ARCAT Staff Photo

The crypt chapel construction has progressed steadily since we last saw it in September 2017 (above). The tomb of the five original Loretto sisters invited to Toronto by Bishop Power was covered at the time. Now the statue that marks the tomb, depicting the three Marys, has been unveiled (see below). 

ARCAT Staff Photo

Though the chapel is awaiting some finishing touches, it has been open for mass since Easter. Fr. Busch told us that a school group was in the chapel recently and one of the children asked if he was opening a restaurant. When asked where his got that idea, the student pointed out all of the pizza ovens.

Tell Me, Where Do the Children Play?

Maypole Dancing, St. Andrew's Playground

August 26, 1914

City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 429

Archbishop McNeil was the kind of person who really took an interest in the welfare of the people of the city. It is evident from the records that he wanted to improve the lives of the citizens in his care, so it came as no surprise to discover that he was on the board of the Toronto Playgrounds Association for several years starting in 1913.

Dear Sir,-

At a meeting of gentlemen interested in The Toronto Playgrounds Association it was decided unanimously to ask you to accept the office of Vice President of the Association and I was requested to bring the matter to your attention.

We would be very pleased indeed if you could see your way clear to accept this office since the only aim of the Association is to provide recreation and happiness for young people. There are two Vice Presidents and the other gentleman proposed is Rev. Provost Macklem, the head of the Trinity University. Would like to know soon if it is possible for you to accept. 

Yours sincerely,

J.J. Kelso

February 8, 1913

MN AH02.11
Archbishop McNeil Fonds

A letter from the secretary of the Toronto Playgrounds Association

January 30, 1914

MN AH03.09
Archbishop McNeil Fonds

At the turn of the century, Toronto's continued growth had given rise to neighbourhoods like St. John's Ward where it was too easy for children to get into mischief when they weren't in school. A movement grew to address this problem by constructing places for children to participate in organized activities.

In 1911, The Toronto Daily Star printed "ten good reasons why Toronto citizens should support supervised playgrounds:"

1. "All children should have a safe place where they can play. You had when you were a child. Your children have now. Give children, who have no other safe place, where they can play, supervised playgrounds.
2. "There are crowded districts in Toronto, which the Toronto Playgrounds Association has not been able to reach yet. The association needs more money, the city needs more playgrounds.
3. "The children of these crowded districts are eagerly hoping for a supervised playground. Are they to have a playground this year? The best work you can do for the children of your city is to help support supervised playgrounds.
4. "The supervised playground lessens truancy.
5. "It diminishes juvenile crime. 
6. "The value of a crowded district is greatly increased to the people who live in it by a supervised playground.
7. "Supervised playgrounds for children mean better citizenship for everybody.
8. "People who play together will find it easier to work together.
9. "Every dollar subscribed to the work will bring happiness to some child in the city.
10. "The child who is trained to play with all his might and honestly with his young companions is more valuable to himself and the community than the child who is kept away from play by the harmful attractions of amusements never meant for children" (The Toronto Daily Star, April 26, 1911, p. 12).

Toronto's first supervised playground was opened in 1909 in St. Andrew's Square, which is located near Adelaide St. and Brant St. The Globe newspaper described the facilities:

"Toronto's first equipped and supervised playground was formally opened yesterday afternoon. It is known as St. Andrew's Square Playground, Farley avenue, just south of the old St. Andrew's Market, and the formal opening was a gratifying success...

"The ground, which is rather dusty at present, is divided into two parts, the easterly half being devoted to the girls and very small boys, and the westerly half to larger boys. A wire fence encloses the whole ground, and girls and larger boys are separated by a wire fence... The supervision is under the charge of the Toronto Playgrounds Association...

"The boys' section of the ground is equipped with parallel bars, teeters, giant stride or maypole, trapeze, swinging rings and rope ladders. The girls' section is provided with swings, giant stride or maypole, sand courts, teeters, basket ball, and a slide resembling a chute, the last-named being the most popular attraction on the ground, so far as the small tots are concerned. The ground is to be open from 9 a.m. until 8.30 every day, except Sunday. When the schools reopen no school children will be admitted during school hours." (The Globe, August 12 1909, p. 12)

St. Andrew's Playground

October 14, 1913

City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 196

For more on the beginning of Toronto's playgrounds, check out the excellent website from last year's City of Toronto Archives exhibition From Streets to Playgrounds.

Today, the City of Toronto's website lists 794 playgrounds. With this handy map, it's easy to find the one closest to you so you can get out there and play!