Gate of Heaven Parish History
1955-1983: Through Renovation
As previously mentioned, upon the resignation of Monsignor Murphy in October, 1955, Rev. John T. Powers became the new pastor of Gate of Heaven Parish. One of his many outside activities, aside from the regular parish life, was his appointment as the impartial arbitrator of the B.S.A. (Boston Shipping Association) and the I.L.A. (International Longshoreman’s Association). He is often referred to as the “Waterfront Priest”.Father Powers served as curate at St. Joseph’s in the West End for twenty three years and during that time he was also actively engaged as Chaplain of the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was also well known for his work as Chaplain of the Boston Juvenile Court. His work as a curate in the West End left a lasting impression and made many friends for him. His first pastorate took him to Middleton where he served energetically. He was then transferred by Cardinal Cushing to St. Vincent’s in South Boston, succeeding Father Hogan, a native of the Gate of Heaven. With Father Murphy’s illness becoming more apparent, Cardinal Cushing assigned him as pastor of the Gate of Heaven Parish. Soon after this appointment, Father Powers was elevated to Domestic Prelate by Cardinal Cushing.
The first task that faced Monsignor Powers upon becoming pastor of the Gate of Heaven was the necessity of renovating the church property. His wide experience in building and construction was very evident during his two years as pastor at St. Vincent’s in South Boston. The construction of the chapel on the waterfront in 1955 gave further evidence of his ability.
A great deal of time and money, as well as months of planning, was spent on the work underneath the lower church, the foundation of which had to be completely reinforced with new steel and concrete. New steam pipes, a complete new electrical wiring system, the outer church pointed, and the reinforcing of the steeple were all accomplished before the beginning of the redecoration of the lower church.
The upper church was the next project that Msgr. Powers undertook and this necessitated the closing of the upper church for one year. Nothing was spared in enhancing the original design of the upper church itself. The upper church was reopened in December of 1957. The organ in the upper church was rebuilt and a new organ replaced the old one in the lower church.
The next important venture was the reconstruction of the rectory. After much consideration, it was the decision of Monsignor Powers to raze the old rectory and construct a new and more adequate rectory in its place. This meant that the parish hall in the lower basement had to be completely renovated and become the temporary living quarters for the priests of the parish. This entailed many obstacles and inconveniences, all to be rewarded with the construction of the present spacious and comfortable rectory.
Soon the next step in the renovation program was the complete remodeling, from top to bottom, of St. Agnes Convent. This was done at the instigation of Msgr. Powers with the help of the men of the Holy Name Society. Having completed the renovations of the convent, again at the request of Msgr. Powers and with the help of the Holy Name Society, the upper hall was renovated.
Encouraged by the generosity of the good people of the Gate of Heaven and the wonderful support of he had received from the Holy Name men in the completion of the convent and the old hall, work was now begun on the school which had long been in need of repair. By the end of 1962 all the parish buildings were in excellent condition. After twenty-two wonderful and memorable years as pastor of Gate of Heaven, Monsignor Powers died on August 1, 1977.
Msgr. Powers was succeeded by Rev. Paul V. Donovan. Father Donovan, a native of Boston, studied for the priesthood at St. John Seminary, Brighton and was ordained at the Holy Cross Cathedral on February 3, 1958 by the late Cardinal Cushing. His first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Mary Parish, Lynn (1956-1969), he served briefly at All Saints Parish, Roxbury (1969-1970), and then was named to St. Anne Parish, Readville on April 15, 1970. On November 4, 1975 he was named associate pastor to Gate of Heaven, later succeeding the late Rev. Msgr. John T. Powers. During Father Donovan's tenure, the lower church was remodeled. He had a very strong desire to expand the grammar school and worked diligently to that end by adding a grade a year for the last several years of his life. Father Donovan died at Gate of Heaven Rectory on June 3, 1983 after a lengthy illness.
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