McElroy, John
Dates
- Existence: 1782 - 1877
Biographical Note
John McElroy, Jesuit, missionary, chaplain, and Boston College founder.
McElroy was born in 1782 in Northern Ireland. His education was rudimentary. McElroy went to the United States on a ship bound for Baltimore, Maryland (1803), entered the Society of Jesus at Georgetown College (1806), and was ordained (1817). McElroy was appointed pastor of Trinity Church, Georgetown, where he was involved with the missionary work of his parish, development of local Catholic education, and spiritual retreats. President Polk selected McElroy as one of the first Catholic priests to be a chaplain for the United States Army (1845). McElroy was transferred to Boston (1847) and worked to establish a Jesuit school there. Boston College was incorporated (1863). McElroy served as the first vice-president and was instrumental in the building of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the College's first chapel. Following his tenure in Boston, McElroy retired to Maryland, where he continued to serve as a priest. He died in 1877.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
John McElroy, SJ, President's Office records
This collection consists mainly of photocopies of material created by John McElroy, SJ, in the course of his work as a Jesuit priest, long-time campaigner for a Jesuit college in Boston, and founder of Boston College. Material types include primarily photocopies of correspondence, diaries, manuscripts, publications, legal documents, and accounts.
Collection is open for research.