BANNON, THOMAS JOHN (1845-1894)

BANNON, THOMAS JOHN, Catholic parish priest and church administrator, Chatham, 1874-93; b. Chatham, 1845 (bap. 9 Nov 1845) s/o John Bannon and Catherine Keane; brother of Edward J. Bannon; ordained 1870; d. Chatham, 27 Feb 1894.

Thomas J. Bannon, who studied under James Millar at the County Grammar School for part of his early education, was one of three children of an Irish-born shoemaker to choose religious vocations, he and his brother Edward J. Bannon becoming priests, and their sister Margaret Jane Bannon joining the Congregation of Notre Dame (Sister St Mary of the Purification).

After his ordination Bannon was assigned missionary duties within a large district east of Chatham. In 1871 he was serving the churches of St Margaret's at Upper Bay du Vin, St Mary's (Star of the Sea) at Escuminac, and St Joseph's at Pointe-Sapin. In 1874 he was named to succeed Father William Varrily as parish priest at Chatham, and from that date onward he was rector of St Michael's and chancellor of the Chatham diocese. He made a pilgrimage to Rome in 1876-77 and was authorized in 1878 to raise funds in Europe for the rebuilding of St Michael's pro-cathedral, the bishop's residence, and the college conducted by the Christian Brothers, all of which fell victim to fire that year.

Bannon had "sound practical sense" and was a good financier and manager. He took a personal interest in the welfare of St Michael's Academy, which he visited twice a week. He was chaplain to the Religious Hospitallers of St Joseph and was admired by them for his amiable disposition and the unassuming and unobtrusive manner in which he discharged his responsibilities. Several months prior to his death he was succeeded as parish priest and rector of St Michael's by Father Henry Joyner.