Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Martin Kirwin
(July 1, 1872 - January 24, 1926)
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 24, 2011
1. The Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Martin Kirwin Marker
A native of Circleville, Ohio, young Catholic priest James Martin Kirwin arrived in Galveston in 1896. He was soon appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Galveston by Bishop Nicholas A. Gallagher. As rector of St. Mary's Cathedral, Father Kirwin's work as a civic and religious leader was felt throughout the city.In 1900, following the disastrous Galveston storm, Kirwin was instrumental in forming the Committee for Public Safety, which provided oversight for relief efforts and control of the devastated city. Together with his friend Rabbi Henry Cohen, Father Kirwin was a leading force in rebuilding Galveston. He helped lay the cornerstone of the Galveston Seawall in 1902 and participated in ceremonies marking its completion two years later.
Kirwin was also instrumental in settling labor disputes on Galveston's docks and in forming the Galveston Home Protective League, an organization whose purpose was to remove saloons from residential neighborhoods. He led in the fight against the local Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s.
When Monsignor Kirwin died in 1926, the whole city mourned one of its most respected citizens.
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Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7507.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 29° 18.184′ N, 94° 47.405′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Moody Avenue and Ball Street, on the left when traveling south. Locate near the circle in front of the Galveston County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 722 Moody Avenue, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rabbi Henry Cohen (here, next to this marker); Galveston County Communities (a few steps from this marker); Norris Wright Cuney (a few steps from this marker); Dignified Resignation (a few steps from this marker); Exploration (a few steps from this marker); George Campbell Childress (a few steps from this marker); [Galveston County] 1901-1965 (within shouting distance of this marker); [Galveston County] Early History (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Also see . . . James Martin Kirwin. Texas Historical Association (Submitted on November 30, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 24, 2011
2. The Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Martin Kirwin Marker
The marker is near the circle around the statue about 200 feet ahead.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018
3. Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Martin Kirwin Memorial Plaque (at nearby St. Mary's Cathedral)
Soldier, scholar, Priest.
Born July 1, 1872. Ordained June 19, 1895
Died January 24, 1926.
From yonder altar, after Sabbath Hymn,
retreating gently, sweetly, with thy host,
to thine own chamber, there communing still.
True to him, thy God, didst give up thy soul
in humble resignation to his will.
R.I.P.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018
4. Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Martin Kirwin Memorial Plaque (at nearby St. Mary's Cathedral)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 741 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
