Philadelphia, where he became acquainted with Rev. Patrick Rafferty, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish.[1]
Gilmour's friendship with Rafferty led Gilmour to
priesthood. In 1846, he entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.[2] In addition to his studies, Gilmour was named prefect of collegians and professor of mathematics in 1847.[1] He received his Master of Arts
degree in 1848.
Priesthood
Gilmour was
Diocese of Cincinnati by Archbishop John Purcell on August 30, 1852.[3] After his ordination, Gilmour was appointed pastor of Church of Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ Parish in Portsmouth, Ohio. He organized and built the English speaking Catholic church, Holy Redeemer in Portsmouth in 1853.[4] Gilmour also conducted missionary work in Ironton, Gallipolis, Vinton, and Wilkesville, all in Ohio.[2] He helped organize St. Lawrence Parish in Ironton and construct its church.[4]
As bishop, Gilmour founded The Catholic Universe newspaper in 1874. In 1877, the Cuyahoga Countyauditor announced plans to tax Catholic churches and schools. Gilmour fought the auditor in court, winning his case six years later.[2] He was also wary of the public school system.[5] He established St. Ann's Asylum and Maternity Home,[6] St. Michael Hospital,[7] and St. John Hospital.
In 1882, Gilmour condemned the Ladies Land League chapter in Cleveland.. Founded in Ireland, the League was a women's organization that assisted tenants being evicted from their homes.[8]
Death and legacy
Due to his declining health, Gilmour went to St. Augustine, Florida in March 1891 to recuperate. Richard Gilmour died there at age 66 on April 13, 1891.[2]Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, is named in honor of Gilmour.
^ ab"Richard Gilmour". The Catholic Telegraph. July 21, 1855. p. 4.
^Brownson's Quarterly Review (Last Series, Vol. 1, 1873, "The Church above the State", p. 353-354). Quote: "Catholics are too timid; they seem to go upon the principle that, if they are tolerated, they are doing well. This is a mistake; if we let our rights go by default, we should not wonder if we lose them. We must be decided in our demands, and present a bolder front to our enemies. It is unjust to so organize the public schools that we cannot in conscience send our children to them, and then tax us for their support. As well create a State Church, and tax us for its support."