Multnomah-Clackamas County OR Archives Biographies.....Black, Rt. Rev. James H. February 4, 1865 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com May 31, 2010, 3:16 pm Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 362 - 363 Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company RT. REV. JAMES H. BLACK, chancellor of the Oregon City archdiocese, is next in rank to the Vicar-General of the Diocese, having been made protonotary apostolic by Pope Pius XI on the 9th of November, 1923. A representative of the priesthood in Oregon for more than a third of a century, he is now serving as chaplain of St. Mary's Academy in Portland. He is a native of Abingdon, Virginia, born February 4, 1865, and is the son of William and Maria N. Black. William Black removed to Oregon in 1888 and died in this state July 29, 1910. He was a man of many estimable qualities and one whose memory will long be revered by many friends and acquaintances. Father Black was reared in Virginia and received his elementary education there. His collegiate course was begun at King's College of Bristol, Tennessee. Returning to Virginia he taught for four years in the public schools, and then entered Notre Dame University of South Bend, Indiana, graduating in 1889. Having chosen the priesthood as his calling, he became secretary of the faculty at St. Edward's, the leading Catholic college of the south, at Austin, Texas. There he remained for three years, acting as secretary, pursuing his seminary studies and also teaching in the college. Father Black then came to Oregon and for a year taught in Mount Angel College. On June 11, 1893, he was ordained to the priesthood at Mount Angel. From 1893 to 1896 he was assistant priest at the cathedral in Portland and for two years, 1896 and 1897, he had charge of St. Mary's church at Eugene, Oregon. He also had charge during this time of St. Rose Catholic church at Monroe, Benton county, Oregon, and during the same time built St. Mary's church at Cottage Grove, Oregon. The simultaneous success of Father Black in three churches attracted the favorable attention of his superiors, and he was invited to return to Portland as secretary to Archbishop Gross at the cathedral. In this position he continued until the death of the archbishop in 1898. Having been assigned to St. Francis parish, Father Black went to work with his accustomed zeal and built up the parish until a new church became a necessity. His parishioners nobly seconded him in his efforts and the new St. Francis church, the most beautiful Catholic church in Portland, was the result. The following is an excerpt from a review of the career of Father Black which appeared in "Portland: Its History and Builders," published in 1911: "During a trip abroad a few years ago Father Black spent much time studying the churches of continental Europe with a view to the needs of his parish in Portland, and his ideas have been embodied in the edifice. The building covers half a block of ground and cost one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The corner stone was laid July 4, 1909, by Archbishop Christie. The structure is ornamented with several snow-white spires, with two large gold crosses on two of the highest spires, making this church the most conspicuous buildings on the east side of Portland. As seen from Council Crest and Portland Heights, it is the most conspicuous and striking object of any in the entire city, conveying the impression both of strength and beauty. A new parish house has also been erected at a cost of eight thousand dollars. The St. Francis Academy, in connection with the church, is in charge of the Sisters of the Holy Name. In the erection of a commodious and handsome house of worship Father Black has met with hearty response from many quarters, and he gives to others a large share of credit for the success of the undertaking. However this may be, it is acknowledged that beautiful St. Francis church is a splendid illustration of the genius of its builder and of the liberality of his good people who contributed to its erection." Father Black continued as pastor of St. Francis parish of Portland until 1920, when he was given charge of the business affairs in the Oregon City archdiocese. As above stated, he was made protonotary apostolic by Pope Pius XI on November 9, 1923. He possesses a forceful and attractive personality, conveying an impression of strength and singleness of purpose, and rendered winning by the cheerful courtliness of his manner. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/multnomah/bios/black1105gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/orfiles/ File size: 5.0 Kb