Emmet M. Walsh
Encyclopedia
Emmet Michael Walsh was an American
prelate
of the Roman Catholic Church
. He served as Bishop of Charleston
, South Carolina
(1927–1949) and Bishop of Youngstown
, Ohio
(1952–1968).
, South Carolina
, to Thomas and Wilhelmenia (née Jennerman) Walsh. In 1906 he and his family moved to Savannah
, Georgia
. After graduating from Savannah High School
in 1910, he studied for the priesthood
at St. Bernard's Seminary
in Rochester
, New York
. He returned to Georgia, where he was ordained
a priest by Bishop Benjamin Joseph Keiley
on January 15, 1916.
Walsh then served as a curate
at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta
until 1917, when he became pastor
of St. Teresa's Church in Albany
. He was also charged with the missions
in Southwest Georgia
, giving him a jurisdiction of 1,000 Catholics over 16,000 square miles. He was named pastor of St. Patrick's Church at Savannah in 1921, and returned to Immaculate Conception Church at Atlanta as pastor in 1923.
On June 20, 1927, Walsh was appointed the sixth Bishop of Charleston
by Pope Pius XI
. He received his episcopal consecration
on the following September 8 from Bishop Michael Joseph Keyes
, S.M.
, with Bishops Patrick Joseph Barry and William Joseph Hafey
serving as co-consecrators
, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. At age 35, Walsh was then the youngest member of the American hierarchy. During his 22-year-long tenure in Charleston, he erected 25 new churches, four new hospital
s, and two vacation camps for youth. He also served as chairman
of the National Catholic Welfare Conference
's Legal Department and secretary
of the Bishops' Meeting at the Catholic University of America
.
Pope Pius XII
named Walsh Coadjutor Bishop
of Youngstown
, Ohio
, and Titular Bishop
of Rhaedestus on September 8, 1949. In 1951 he was appointed by President
Harry S. Truman
to the Internal Security and Individual Rights Commission to combat Communism
. Walsh succeeded the late James A. McFadden
as the second Bishop of Youngstown
on November 16, 1952. During his tenure, the diocese experienced a period of great growth. He became an Assistant at the Pontifical Throne
in 1954, and attended the Second Vatican Council
from 1962 to 1965.
Walsh later died at Youngstown
, aged 76.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
prelate
Prelate
A prelate is a high-ranking member of the clergy who is an ordinary or who ranks in precedence with ordinaries. The word derives from the Latin prælatus, the past participle of præferre, which means "carry before", "be set above or over" or "prefer"; hence, a prelate is one set over others.-Related...
of the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. He served as Bishop of Charleston
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the southern United States and comprises the entire state of South Carolina, with Charleston as its see city. Currently, the diocese consists of 92 parishes and 24 missions...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
(1927–1949) and Bishop of Youngstown
Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
The Diocese of Youngstown is a particular church or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of six counties in Northeast Ohio: Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Stark, Portage, and Ashtabula....
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
(1952–1968).
Biography
The eighth of eleven children, Emmet Walsh was born in BeaufortBeaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city's population was 12,361 in the 2010 census. It is located in the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, to Thomas and Wilhelmenia (née Jennerman) Walsh. In 1906 he and his family moved to Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. After graduating from Savannah High School
Savannah High School (Georgia)
Savannah High School is located in Savannah, Georgia, USA.-History:Savannah High School building, was originally located on Washington Avenue between East and West Atlantic Avenues. The original building, built by the WPA and designed by William Bordley Clarke, Sr., was once the largest public...
in 1910, he studied for the priesthood
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
at St. Bernard's Seminary
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is a Roman Catholic theological school in Rochester, New York. It was founded in 1893 as a seminary, and was one of the first US seminaries to accept laity. It is the official repository for the writings and papers of the noted evangelist and author,...
in Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. He returned to Georgia, where he was ordained
Holy Orders
The term Holy Orders is used by many Christian churches to refer to ordination or to those individuals ordained for a special role or ministry....
a priest by Bishop Benjamin Joseph Keiley
Benjamin Joseph Keiley
Benjamin Joseph Keiley was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Savannah from 1900 to 1922.-Biography:...
on January 15, 1916.
Walsh then served as a curate
Curate
A curate is a person who is invested with the care or cure of souls of a parish. In this sense "curate" correctly means a parish priest but in English-speaking countries a curate is an assistant to the parish priest...
at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
until 1917, when he became pastor
Pastor
The word pastor usually refers to an ordained leader of a Christian congregation. When used as an ecclesiastical styling or title, this role may be abbreviated to "Pr." or often "Ps"....
of St. Teresa's Church in Albany
Albany, Georgia
Albany is a city in and the county seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, in the southwestern part of the state. It is the principal city of the Albany, Georgia metropolitan area and the southwest part of the state. The population was 77,434 at the 2010 U.S. Census, making it the...
. He was also charged with the missions
Mission (Christian)
Christian missionary activities often involve sending individuals and groups , to foreign countries and to places in their own homeland. This has frequently involved not only evangelization , but also humanitarian work, especially among the poor and disadvantaged...
in Southwest Georgia
Southwest Georgia
Southwest Georgia is a thirteen-county region in the U.S. state of Georgia. A common acronym used is SOWEGA.The largest city is Albany. Counties include Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth.In 1995, 25% of the...
, giving him a jurisdiction of 1,000 Catholics over 16,000 square miles. He was named pastor of St. Patrick's Church at Savannah in 1921, and returned to Immaculate Conception Church at Atlanta as pastor in 1923.
On June 20, 1927, Walsh was appointed the sixth Bishop of Charleston
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the southern United States and comprises the entire state of South Carolina, with Charleston as its see city. Currently, the diocese consists of 92 parishes and 24 missions...
by Pope Pius XI
Pope Pius XI
Pope Pius XI , born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, was Pope from 6 February 1922, and sovereign of Vatican City from its creation as an independent state on 11 February 1929 until his death on 10 February 1939...
. He received his episcopal consecration
Bishop (Catholic Church)
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching the Catholic faith and ruling the Church....
on the following September 8 from Bishop Michael Joseph Keyes
Michael Joseph Keyes
Michael Joseph Keyes, S.M. was an Irish-born Roman Catholic bishop.Keyes was born in Dingle, County Kerry, and ordained as a priest of the Society of Mary on June 21, 1907....
, S.M.
Society of Mary (Marists)
The Society of Mary , is a Roman Catholic religious congregation or order, founded by Father Jean-Claude Colin and a group of other seminarians in France in 1816...
, with Bishops Patrick Joseph Barry and William Joseph Hafey
William Joseph Hafey
William Joseph Hafey was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Raleigh and Bishop of Scranton .-Biography:...
serving as co-consecrators
Consecrator
Consecrator is a term used in the Roman Catholic Church to designate a bishop who ordains a priest to the episcopal state. The term is often used in Eastern Rite Churches and in Anglican communities. The term "Principal Consecrator" is used to designate the primary bishop who ordains a new bishop...
, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. At age 35, Walsh was then the youngest member of the American hierarchy. During his 22-year-long tenure in Charleston, he erected 25 new churches, four new hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
s, and two vacation camps for youth. He also served as chairman
Chair (official)
The chairman is the highest officer of an organized group such as a board, committee, or deliberative assembly. The person holding the office is typically elected or appointed by the members of the group. The chairman presides over meetings of the assembled group and conducts its business in an...
of the National Catholic Welfare Conference
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is the episcopal conference of the Catholic Church in the United States. Founded in 1966 as the joint National Conference of Catholic Bishops and United States Catholic Conference, it is composed of all active and retired members of the Catholic...
's Legal Department and secretary
Secretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
of the Bishops' Meeting at the Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America is a private university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States. It is a pontifical university of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only institution of higher education founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops...
.
Pope Pius XII
Pope Pius XII
The Venerable Pope Pius XII , born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli , reigned as Pope, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, from 2 March 1939 until his death in 1958....
named Walsh Coadjutor Bishop
Coadjutor bishop
A coadjutor bishop is a bishop in the Roman Catholic or Anglican churches who is designated to assist the diocesan bishop in the administration of the diocese, almost as co-bishop of the diocese...
of Youngstown
Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
The Diocese of Youngstown is a particular church or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of six counties in Northeast Ohio: Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Stark, Portage, and Ashtabula....
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, and Titular Bishop
Titular bishop
A titular bishop in various churches is a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese.By definition a bishop is an "overseer" of a community of the faithful, so when a priest is ordained a bishop the tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is that he be ordained for a specific place...
of Rhaedestus on September 8, 1949. In 1951 he was appointed by President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States . As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third vice president and the 34th Vice President of the United States , he succeeded to the presidency on April 12, 1945, when President Roosevelt died less than three months after beginning his...
to the Internal Security and Individual Rights Commission to combat Communism
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
. Walsh succeeded the late James A. McFadden
James A. McFadden
James Augustine McFadden was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first Bishop of Youngstown, Ohio .-Biography:...
as the second Bishop of Youngstown
Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
The Diocese of Youngstown is a particular church or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of six counties in Northeast Ohio: Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Stark, Portage, and Ashtabula....
on November 16, 1952. During his tenure, the diocese experienced a period of great growth. He became an Assistant at the Pontifical Throne
Assistant at the Pontifical Throne
Assistant at the Pontifical Throne is an ecclesiastical title in the Roman Catholic Church. It signifies a prelate belonging to the papal chapel, who stands near the throne of the Pope at solemn functions....
in 1954, and attended the Second Vatican Council
Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. It was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church and the second to be held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed...
from 1962 to 1965.
Walsh later died at Youngstown
Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County; it also extends into Trumbull County. The municipality is situated on the Mahoning River, approximately southeast of Cleveland and northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
, aged 76.