Cardinal O'Connell Parkway Dedicated in Lowell on November 17, 1918

On November 17, 1918, more than 30,000 people gathered in Lowell to honor a favorite native son, William Henry Cardinal O'Connell, who was at that time the Cardinal of the Boston Archdiocese. Officials unveiled and dedicated a fountain of granite and bust of O’Connell along a parkway in front of City Hall. The fountain and bust were designed by Henry L. Rourke of Lowell.

Prior to the unveiling and in the pouring rain, a massive parade took place through the city, as described in the Lowell Irish blog.

At the unveiling, Lowell industrialist Humphrey O’Sullivan addressed O’Connell and the crowd, “For years we have been involving in our minds how to give expression to our love and fealty for your Eminence,” he said. “This beautiful fountain and bust erected in your honor, represent in concrete form the pent-up love and esteem we have in our hearts, which also finds expression in this great gathering.”

Cardinal O’Connell said, “It is natural for a man to rejoice that his home honors him. Though all the rest of the world sound his praises, there will ever be a void in his heart until his birthplace approves his work. Home is a sacred spot. However far we wander from it, it remains the true heart-haven.

“When Lowell decided to commemorate one of her children she did not select as the first object of her honor a scion of wealth and industry, but a man of the people and a representative of religion," O'Connell continued. "This is the true significance of this dedication. It is not a tribute to me.”

Born in 1859, O’Connell was the son of Irish immigrants, John and Bridget (Nee Farrelly), and the youngest of 11 children. His father, a mill worker died when O’Connell was four. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1884 and spent time at the Vatican, where he made important connections within the church. He became Archbishop of Boston in 1907 remained in that role until his death in 1944.

O’Connell was a powerful church leader whose influence often extended to politics and to social issues of the day. But he had detractors as well. Author and Catholic historian James O’Toole’s book, Militant and Triumphant, describes O'Connell's lavish lifestyle and love of travel, as his nickname Gangplank Bill suggests.

In 1977, a plaque honoring the Irish of Lowell was placed on the O'Connell Parkway, just a few yards from the Cardinal O'Connell statue. Learn more about Lowell Irish Week.

Learn out more about Irish heritage in Massachusetts by visiting the Irish Heritage Trail at IrishHeritageTrail.com, on Facebook and Twitter.

Research, Photo + Text, Michael Quinlin

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