The MOST REVEREND JOHN MOORE was born June 24, 1834, at Rossmead, Ireland, from the Moores of Rossmead, and on his mother's side of the O'Farrells of Scurloughtown, County of Westmead. His ancestors were large land owners in that part of the country, and the picturesque ivy-covered ruins, at the present day one of the rare sights at Rossmead, are what is left of the ancestoral home. The Bishop's forefathers have been buried there for many generations, but his father was the first to be interred there since the confiscation of the estate in the penal days dating from the time of Cromwell's invasion down to about 1830. The father died when the Bishop was fourteen years of age.

Soon after the death of his father, John Moore came to this country, locating in Charleston, S.C. There he entered the Petit Seminaire, established by Bishop England, and which was continued under Bishop Reynold, who occupied the See at that time. Completing his preparatory course, he was sent by Bishop Reynolds to the College of Coimbre, in France, where he completed his classical course. His theological were made at the college of Propaganda in Rome. He was ordained there in 1860.

Coming back to this country, he arrived at Charleston at the breaking out of the Civil War. The five years that followed were filled with hard work, amid the most trying circumstances and surroundings. He was left almost entirely alone in that city, having the assistance of but two priests, one of whom was ill most of the time. Father John Moore attended the sick, wounded and dying on both sides in addition to his other priestly duties. He was interfered with in the discharge of his ministrations and an effort was made byone side to compel his taking the oath of allegiance, but he refused. His work was with the wounded and dying and in the performance of this duty he knew no North or South. Then his mail was held up and he did not receive it until after it had been through the hands of the admiral of the fleet in Charleston Harbor. Those who resided in Charleston in those dark days, and the maimed and dying soldiers of both armies would need no reference to refresh their memories of the noble work performed during those trying days by subject of this sketch

Rev. Father Moore was elected as the successor to Bishop Verot in the Consistory held by Pope Pius IX on February 16, 1877, and was consecrated the second bishop of St. Augustine on May 13, of the same year in the pro-Cathedral of Charleston.

Bishop Moore came to St. Augustine immediately after his consecration and found a small diocese of twelve priests, a few churches, two convents and schools. During the quarter of century of administration Bishop Moore increased the number of priests, parochial school children, rebuilt the Cathedral of St. Augustine, the bishops' residence, the colored school and many churches in the diocese. He also built St. Leo Military College which was in charge of the Benedictine Fathers, St. Mary's Home at Jacksonville, besides enlarging several churches.

Besides being distinguished among the leaders of the American Hierarchy, Bishop Moore was an able financier, a thorough man of business and a great worker in his diocese.

In 1884 he was sent to Rome by the Bishops of the Plenary Council held in Baltimore to present to the Pope the decrees of the Council.

Bishop Moore was unostentatious, without attracting attention, simple in manner and easily approached. He was esteemed and loved by the people of Florida, regardless of denomination and his memory will be ever cherished.

After directing the destinies of the Church in Florida for twenty-five years, Bishop Moore passed away July 30, 1901. His remains were interred in San Lorenzo Cemetery, which bears the name given by him nine years prior to his death.

  

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