Atlanta Catholic Centennial

Priests of the early days

Rev. Father Thomas O'Reilly

Some of the priests who served at the first Catholic church after Atlanta became a separate parish in 1851 until the dedication of the present Immaculate Conception Church on December 10, 1873, besides its first resident pastor, Father J. F. O'Neill, Jr., were Father J. F. O'Neill, Sr., an uncle of the pastor, Fathers James Hasson, P. J. Kirby, Thomas O'Reilly, M. Cullinan, H. P. Clavreul, Terence Scollan, John B. Duggan, William Quinlan and John McCarthy.

To cover the magnificent work of these men would require more space than we can give, however, we cannot pass Rev. Father Thomas O'Reilly without a word. In 1861, Father Thomas O'Reilly was appointed pastor of the Atlanta Catholic Church and missions. He remained pastor throughout the period of the War Between the States. Throughout the period of the war, Father O'Reilly and his assistants rendered loyal service to the Confederacy. They were also true priests and in the performance of the duties of their sacred office, they knew no distinction between Northerner or Southerner. It was but natural that as pastor of the Catholic Church in Atlanta he should soon become acquainted with Catholics in the Federal Army who attended the church during their occupancy of Atlanta. He never lost an opportunity to intercede for Atlanta and its inhabitants and secured for them many favors. The aid and assistance that he rendered Atlanta was perhaps greater than any other man of that period.

In the autumn of 1864, when the order was given by the Federal commander to destroy Atlanta, the Catholic Church, the Second Baptist Church and the Central Presbyterian Church were on the block bounded by Washington, Hunter, Loyd (now Central Avenue) and Mitchell Streets. The City Hall which was also used as the Court House occupied the block where the State Capitol building now stands. St. Phillips Church occupied the east corner of Washington and Hunter Streets. The Trinity Methodist Church at that time was on Mitchell Street and faced the block where the Capitol building now stands between Washington and McDonough (now Capitol Avenue) Streets. It was through the intercession of Father Thomas O'Reilly with the Federal commander that all of these important structures as well as all the residences and other structures in this area and facing it were saved.

Battle of Atlanta

Father O'Reilly was one of the most beloved citizens of Atlanta. He died at Virginia Springs where he had gone to try to restore his health which had been fast failing him. The train bearing his body arrived in Atlanta on September 9, 1872, and was met by the largest crowd that had ever gathered at the Union Depot. Many of the men were crying as were the women and children. He is buried beneath the altar of the present Immaculate Conception Church, which at that date was under construction. Father O’Reilly was only 41 years old at the time of his death.

Father William Quinlan, a frequent visitor of Father Clark at St. Anthony's Church, celebrated Mass in the first Church when a young priest. He was assistant pastor in 1873. In 1876-7-8, and again from 1907-15 he was assistant pastor at the present Immaculate Conception Church. Father Quinlan died in Atlanta June 3, 1933, after sixty-two years of service in the holy priesthood. St. Anthony's was privileged and honored to have his sacred remains lie in state in our church until their removal to Savannah for burial.

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