From Ballyboyle to Corglass... a Boyle family's story
Part 2 - Corglass
Peter Boyle 1861-1909
The year before his father's death, Peter3 entered St Patrick's College, Carlow to study for the priesthood. In addition to the spiritual benefits, having a priest in the family conferred social status, so it was an outcome that most Irish mothers hoped and prayed for (sometimes more than the son whose task it was to fulfil the ambition). He was ordained on 15th June 1886 for Melbourne diocese.
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He sailed from London to Melbourne, arriving in November 1886 after a journey of 45 days on board the 'Orizaba' on its maiden voyage. He served in Gordon and North Melbourne parishes before being appointed first pastor of Frankston in 1891. However, ill health forced him to resign in January 1894 and he went to St. Francis' in the city of Melbourne as an assistant. Afterwards he served in Clifton Hill, Fitzroy North, St. Kilda West, Essendon, Footscray, Carlton, Gisborne (where he was temporarily in charge) and Collingwood.
His final posting was Williamstown where he was acting parish priest for Fr. Brazil who was on leave in Ireland when he died on the 12th November 1909, aged 48. The cause of death given on his death certificate was carcinoma of the stomach and exhaustion. He was buried in the mortuary Chapel of the Melbourne General Cemetery at Carlton.
The Personal column of the Melbourne Argus on Saturday November 13 had the following notice:
"Rev. Peter H. Boyle, who has been dangerously ill for some time past, died at the presbytery, Williamstown on Friday morning. Father Boyle, who was 48 at the time of his death, was a native of Longford Ireland and he came to Australia in 1886. Prior to his appointment at Williamstown he was stationed at North Fitzroy, Footscray and later at Carlton. Solemn Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Georges (Sacred Heart) Carlton at half past 10 o'clock this morning and the funeral will take place at Melbourne General Cemetery".
On leaving Footscray, he was presented with an illuminated address by his parishioners. The illumination was created by F. Laughton, Artist, 360 Collins St., Melbourne and includes a chalice and host with other sacred objects, the old Parliament House, Dublin, St. Monica's Church and St Peter's Basilica and Square, Rome. It is decorated with shamrocks, ferns, vines flowers and decorative motifs.
The address reads:
To Reverend P. Boyle
Dear and Revd. Sir,
On your departure from amongst us, we your Parishioners, and with us the leading Representatives of other Denominations in the City of Footscray, take this opportunity of expressing our deep sense of the great loss we will sustain at your departure. For five years you have laboured amongst us zealously and lovingly - you have been indefatigable in your exertions to promote the best interests of our Confraternities and Schools. In you the needy and distressed have always found a kind friend - those in affliction a true comforter and those in need of advice one ever ready with good counsel. To your Parishioners you have always been a Priest of the Most High and to all creeds and classes a most exemplary "Guide and Friend"
Your urbanity, courtesy, kindness and lofty nobility of soul have endeared you to us in a most marked manner. Absence will never erase the memory of your good work amongst us and we will ever wish you from our heart of hearts every success and blessing in the new sphere His Grace the Archbishop has been pleased to call you to, and we will ever pray the Almighty to bless you with Grace, years, health and every happiness.
We are, Dear Sir and Reverend Father
On behalf of the Parishioners of St. Monica's, Footscray
(signed) J.P. Toohey Chairman
D. Newill (?) Treasurer
(illegible) Hon. Secretary
Francis McBrien
M. Walsh
5th January 1904
Rev Peter Boyle's Will
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This is the last will and testament of Peter Henry Boyle of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church Williamstown, Roman Catholic clergyman. I nominate and appoint Rev. J. McCarthy of St John the Baptist Church Clifton Hill the sole executor and trustee of this my will.
I given bequeath my watch and chain my ? ring and other personal jewellery to my nephew Peter Boyle the son of John Boyle of Corglass in the county of Longford Ireland.
I give and bequeath my books to Rev. Fr. O’Donoghue of Kew.
I give and bequeath the sum of £300 to the priests of the Archdiocese of Melbourne for masses for the repose of my soul.
I give and bequeath to the Orphanage Sunny Hills, to the Broadmeadows Foundling Home, to St Joseph's convent Footscray and to St Joseph's convent Williamstown the sum of £20 each.
I given and bequeath to the Convent of Good Shepherd Abbotsford and to the Sisters of Charity Grey St East Melbourne the sum of £10 each.
I give and bequeath all the net residue and reminder of my real and personal estate to my nephew the said Peter Boyle and to St Josephs ? Home Carlton in equal shares.
I revoke all former wills heretofore made by me and declare this to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of August 1909.
Signed by the said Peter Henry Boyle the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us both present at the same time etc.
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However, the probate documents showed that the value of his estate was not enough to pay in full all the bequests he made. His estate comprised £5.25 in cash and the proceeds of an insurance policy for £506.90. After debts and disbursements, only £363.75 was left to meet his bequests of £400, and there was no residue. .