Maurice J. Reidy

REV. MAURICE J. REIDY is pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at Great Bend, and has been identified with the cause of religion in Kansas since 1903 and has performed some really conspicuous work in the upbuilding of at least two parishes in Kansas.

Father Reidy was born at Charleville, County Cork, Ireland, February 12, 1880. He was the oldest of the eleven children of Edmond and Ellen (McAuliffe) Reidy, both the Eddy and McAuliffe families having been sturdy Irish farmers from as far back as history records. His grandparents were Maurice and Ellen Reidy, and they also had a family of numerous children. Two sons of Edmond Reidy's family entered the priesthood, the other being Father Daniel of Council Grove, Kansas.

Maurice J. Reidy was designated for the priesthood in early life and his education shaped accordingly. He finished his preparation in St. Patrick's College at Carlow, and was ordained there June 14, 1903. He at once came to the United States, reaching this country November 7, 1903. After spending a few months as assistant at the cathedral in Wichita he was sent to his first pastorate at Mineral in Cherokee County, Kansas. For nine years he was the leader of the Immaculate Conception Church, and his pastorate was productive of many important results there. During that time he built a house for the priest, a school, and also a house for the sisters and teachers.

Father Reidy took up his work at Great Bend July 25, 1913. Here again he was confronted by problems of construction end reconstruction, and had many difficulties to contend with. The church building was an old structure of little value, and yet many of the congregation were opposed to the building of a new church. Father Reidy, undaunted by obstacles, rapidly coordinated the various branches of church work, and soon had plans for a new house of worship. The new St. Rose of Lima Church was dedicated June 20, 1916. This dedication was an event in this history of Great Bend, and a large concourse of people were present in the new church and there were also many visiting priests. Bishop Hennessy consecrated the house to the service of God. Father Eddy also bought and remodeled a house for the priest's residence. He is also chaplain of St. Rose Hospital, in what was formerly the Central Kansas Normal College.

He has not only made himself useful to the community of Great Bend as a churchman, but has been actively identified with the several phases of war work. He was one of the most influential speakers in Barton and adjoining counties in urging the support of Liberty Loans and the various campaigns for auxiliary work. In fact, whatever comes up of interest and value to his locality he joins in heartily. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and for six years was state chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Father Reidy is an ardent Sinn Feiner touching the politics of his native land, and believes that the time has come when Ireland will resume her place among the nations of the world, and the oldest one at that.

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