Stories from the First Cathedral 16: Who was Bishop Charles Slattery and what was his role at the First Cathedral?

What Did Bishop Whipple Look Like? Here is what Charles Slattery had to say about him.

"At last I saw this interesting man face to face. He had come to Boston to act as one of the presenters at Bishop Brook's consecration; and in calling upon an old rector in an hotel, I found myself being presented to Bishop Whipple. He was gaunt, tall, with long hair, with a patriarchal face. He passed from one to another, saying his word of affection to this old friend or that; and his voice could not be forgotten. In his youth, I have been told, this voice had a marvellous resonance and appeal; to the end, though diminished, it was such a voice as would awaken a man's thought of the open fields and the wide skies." (Certain American Faces by Charles Lewis Slattery 1918)

Charles Slattery was the Dean of the Cathedral from 1896 to 1907. He was present at Bishop Whipple's death in 1901. He was present and a significant counsel to Evangeline Whipple during the period following the Bishop's death and the transition of new leadership. Charles Slattery became the 8th bishop of Massachusetts in 1927. He served as a dedicated disciple out East after his experience of being Dean of the First Cathedral.

One of the treasures in the archives of the First Cathedral are letters he wrote to Evangeline about ideas to improve structures on the Cathedral building and other future plans. Charles would take his vacations every summer and ride the Great Northern passenger train to Glacier Park. On the train and in his respite he created wonderful letters with drawings and personal correspondence to Evangeline. Charles Slattery was a devoted priest, a talented artist, and a man of mystery during his tenure as Dean of the First Cathedral.