James Morrison (bishop)

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Archbishop James Morrison (July 9, 1861 - April 13, 1950) was the longest serving bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Although one of the last powerful and austere Paul Cullen-esque Roman Catholic bishops in Canada, Morrison presided over a diocese that created one of the most successful Catholic social movements in Canada.

Morrison was a man who strictly adhered to the statutes of the Roman Catholic faith. Extremely afraid of debt, he was cautious in all matters relating to the church. As Bishop of Antigonish he gained the ire of Rev. James Tompkins and other priests for refusing to allow St. Francis Xavier University to join a non-denominational university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although highly respected by the Catholic community, his cautious and frugal nature did always foster tranquility.

James Morrison was born in the rural village of Savage Harbour, Prince Edward Island. He was educated at the Charlottetown Normal College and at St. Dunstan's University from 1882-1884. He attended the Urban College of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide in Rome from 1884-1889. Ordained for the Diocese of Charlottetown, Morrison held numerous positions, including, Rector of St. Dunstan’s University, 1892 – 1895, Vicar-general, 1904-1912 and diocesan administrator, 1911-1912.

Consecrated as Bishop of Antigonish on 4 September 1912, Morrison took over a diocese that was riddled with economic and political turmoil and wholly unprepared for the challenges of the twentieth century. He guided the diocese through two world wars, the challenges of economic decline, out-migration and industrial unrest. He supported and fostered the St. Francis Xavier University extension department which aspired to alleviate some of the economic and social problems of the Maritime Provinces. His decision to step back and allow the reformers within his diocese to implement their ideas is perhaps his greatest achievement.

Career highlights

  • 1884 - Graduates from St. Dunstan's University
  • 1889 - Graduates from the Urban College with doctorates in Philosophy and Divinity
  • 1 November 1889 - Ordained a priest in the chapel of the Propaganda College by Msgr. Lenti.
  • 1892 - Appointed Rector of St. Dunstan's University
  • 1944 - Made a personal Archbishop

[edit] References

  • A.A. Johnston, A History of the Catholic Church in Eastern Nova Scotia, Volume 1, 2 (Antigonish: St. F.X. press, 1960, 1971).
  • Peter Ludlow, “Cautious but Willing: Archbishop James Morrison, Fourth Bishop of Antigonish,” MA Thesis, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2004
  • Fostering Social Awakening “along Safe and Sane Lines”: Archbishop James Morrison and the Antigonish Movement," CCHA Historical Studies, 72 (2006) (Peter Ludlow)
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