Thomas Matthew Carr

Background

Thomas Matthew Carr was born in 1750 probably in Galway, Ireland.

Education

Carr joined the Augustinians in Dublin and studied theology in Toulouse.

Career

After ordination to the priesthood he lived some years in the Dublin Friary. In 1795 he was chosen by his brethren to establish a house of the Friars in the United States. Some Friars from the Irish Province were engaged on the missions in Newfoundland, the Friars from Spain had been in Mexico since 1533; they had missions also in South America and the Philippines; but there was no house of the Order in the newly-formed United States. Early in the spring of 1796 Carr came to America bearing letters from Archbishop Troy of Dublin to Bishop Carroll. The first charge assigned by the latter was at St. Mary's in Philadelphia with residence at Old St. Joseph's. Carr remained at St. Mary's directing the work of mission stations in Wilmington, New Castle, Trenton, Burlington, South Jersey, and the counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania until the rectory at St. Augustine's was completed in 1802. In the meantime Bishop Carroll had given him powers of vicar general. The work of organizing St. Augustine's was begun in June 1796, and the corner-stone of the church was laid in September of the same year. Among the contributors was George Washington, who gave fifty dollars for the new church. In 1811 Carr opened a school known as St. Augustine's Academy, for the teaching of languages and the higher branches. This school was closed in June 1815 owing probably to the pressure of work on the missions. Carr prepared the memorial address commemorating the life and work of Washington, which was delivered in St. Mary's, Philadelphia, February 22, 1800. He died at St. Augustine's, Philadelphia, September 29, 1820.

Achievements

• He served as a missioner to the United States to establish a house of the Friars there.

References

• Historical sketch of St. Augustine's Church, Philadelphia, Pa., 1796-1896