Account book detailing the expenditure on the Catholic Chapel, Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man. Includes an abstract of the works on the church.

Parties:
Rev. Matthew J. Gahan SJ and Robert Kay.

Property:
House situated under the old Club Room, Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man in the occupation of Moses Kennedy.

Terms & Conditions:
Yearly rent of £6

List of specifications for altering part of the Club Room, Athol Street, Douglas to be used as a dwelling house by Fr Matthew Gahan SJ.

Bill for sherry and brandy made out to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Athol Street, Dublin.

A file of bills for supplies and work carried out on the New Chapel, Douglas, the chapel erected in Castletown and Fr Gahan's residence in Douglas.

Bills for work carried out on the late Fr Gahan's residence, Douglas.

Correspondence relating to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ, who was Irish Vice Provincial, 11 February 1858-7 December 1860 and the first Provincial of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, 8 December 1860 - [ ] 1863. No index.

Material relating to Fr Gerard P Perrott SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, personal record, memorial card and application to join the Society.

Letter from Dr Briggs, Glasgow to Dr Youens regarding the granting of faculties to Peter McGrath to administer to the Catholic population on the Isle of Man. Includes a letter from Dr Yovens to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the communication.

Insurance policy issued by the Sun Fire Office in Fr Gahan's name for the large building (called the Club Room), Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man.

Inventory and copies of an inventory of furniture left in the house and chapel in Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man by the late Fr Matthew Gahan SJ.

Parties:
Thomas Crelly, Painter, Douglas, Isle of Man and his wife Margaret Crelly and Fr Matthew Gahan SJ.

Property:
Large house known as the Club Room, yard, stables, offices and buildings, Athol Street, Douglas.

Terms & Conditions:
In consideration of a sum of £600.

Parties:
Rev. Matthew Joseph Gahan SJ and Thomas Redfern.

Property:
Stables, yard and dwelling house known as the old Club Room, Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man.

Terms & Conditions
For a term of 5 years at a yearly rent of £15 to be paid on 12 November and 12 May.

From Bishop Briggs in York to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Thanks him for informing him that the new chapel at Douglas had been used for Mass. Refers to Fr Aylmer’s presence on the island, and undertakes to relieve him as soon as possible. Asks Fr Bracken to forward him a statement in relation to property due to the Society.

From Bishop Briggs to [ ]. Thanks the latter for his letter detailing his visit to the Isle of Man, and gives permission for the new chapel at Douglas to be used for divine service, on certain conditions. Wishes also to have a written assurance from ‘Dr. Kenny’ to the effect that the conditions would be complied with.

Copies of a letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas to Dr Briggs concerning the property of the Isle of Man mission which he bequeaths to the Bishop.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man to Fr Parick Bracken SJ. Discusses the situation of the Jesuit mission on the island, the retention of the chapel and school-house, and the difficult relations that existed between the Society and the Bishop. Refers to his own ill-health. Expresses his desire to have a person to assist him on the mission, but fears that such a move is not financially possible. Announces that he is to sell the chapel in Castletown. Adds that he will not be able to move into the new house in Athol Street the following week as planned. Refers to the departure of his house-keeper and his misfortune in acquiring a new servant who is both Manx and a Methodist.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ in Tullabeg, County Offaly. States that he regrets that the latter did not inform him earlier of his desire that the sale of the chapel at Castletown be deferred. Reports that he has recently moved to the ‘new house’, and complains about the walk he has to make every Sunday to say Mass, given his present ill-health. Asks for some money to be sent over to him, as he is ‘tormented with one little debt or other’.

Letter from Peter McGrath, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning a law that has been passed by the legislature of the island regulating marriage. Remarks that it requires a proprietor or trustee of a building used as a Catholic church to seek a licence from the Governor to celebrate a marriage. Asks Fr Aylmer to organise this for him with the proprietor/trustee of the chapel on the Isle of Man.

Letter from Richard Thompson, Liverpool to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Catholic Chapel, Douglas, Isle of Man agreeing that Fr Patrick Bracken SJ may supply for Fr Gahan on the Isle of Man while he is away.

Letter from Thomas Penswick, Bishop of Liverpool to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Catholic Chapel, Douglas, Isle of Man concerning rent money due to General Goldie for the chapel and garden occupied by Fr Matthew Gahan. Remarks that General Goldie is anxious to have the amount paid.

Letter and copy of a letter from William and James Duff, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Hardwicke Street Chapel, Dublin expressing their satisfaction that Fr Gahan is to live and administer in the Isle of Man. Remarks 'we feel that in regard to pecuniary matters you will be a sufferer to a considerable extent by the change. But if the satisfaction of having done an important service to religion as well as to its followers, can be any compensation for this sacrifice you must certainly have an ample recompense.'

Letter from William Duff, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, asking that any accounts Fr Gahan may have against him be settled. Reminds Fr Gahan that he is no longer a subscriber towards Fr Gahan's support as a Catholic priest.

Letter from William Thomas Rogers, 47 Lower Dominick Street to Charles Kernan concerning the property on the Isle of Man and the Jesuit Fathers. Remarks 'I am spoken to daily about the matter and feel ashamed of not being able to give any decisive answer on the subject.'

A file of letters from Bishop John Briggs to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Catholic Chapel House, Douglas, Isle of Man concerning the chapel property in Douglas and the wish of the Bishop, Dr Penswick, that the property should be '…vested in Trustees of whom the Bishop should name one.' (22 December 1835, 3pp). Remarks that Fr Gahan is not correct in stating that the Bishop agreed that the chapel would be put in Fr Gahan's name alone. Remarks '…I believe Mr. Gahan is mistaken. For I was present when Dr Penswick refused his assent to this proposal made personally by Mr. Gahan.' (22 December 1835, 3pp).

A file of letters from Dr Thomas Youens to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the mission on the Isle of Man. Dr Yovens was appointed by Dr Briggs to visit the Isle of Man and assess matters following the death of Fr Gahan and to arrange the opening of the new chapel in Douglas. Includes a letter informing Fr Aylmer that he has full permission from the Bishop (Dr Briggs) to bless the new chapel in Douglas and perform divine service in it (28 February 1837, 1p). Includes a letter expressing the Bishop's wish that the mission of the Isle of Man pass into his own hands. Remarks that he does not know who the Bishop has in mind to take over the mission (27 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter relating to the sum of money paid by Dr Briggs to the Society of Jesus in respect of the Isle of Man. (16 May 1840, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) concerning Fr Gahan's death. Includes a letter discussing the value of the two chapels and the residence and school in Douglas and an inventory of the objects in the chapels (24 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning Dr Youens proposed visit to the island '…for the purpose of making an arrangement respecting the affairs of this mission.' Asks for Fr Bracken's instructions telling him how he should discuss matters with Dr Youens. (14 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter informing Fr Bracken that Dr Youens arrival has been delayed. Remarks 'The disappointment of his not being able to come this week is a great annoyance to me as I promised the creditors and the tenants of the old chapel house and here in Douglas that matters would be settled with them.' (25 April 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter describing his discussions with Dr Youens. Remarks that the Bishop did not empower him to make any final decisions. Remarks 'After all our conferences Doctor Yovens has awarded to the Society as compensation the sum of eight hundred pounds to be paid to you by Dr Briggs - and considers this sum less than the Society is entitled to…He means to prove to the Bishop…that a considerable sacrifice has been made of property to his Lordship and to this mission by the Society…' (12 May 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning the appointment of Fr McGrath to the Isle of Man. Remarks that he has only recently been ordained '…and is more like a boy from school… not perhaps quite calculated for such a place as this…' (19 June 1837, 3pp).

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the administration of the Isle of Man mission following the illness and death of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr Gahan. Refers to an article in a newspaper concerning his death. Remarks '…it is stated that Fr Gahan had died from the effects of the religious persecution which he suffered. This will be understood as persecution on the part of the Bishop and will I fear make a bad impression on the English and Irish clergy, for many will attribute the article directly or indirectly to us.' Asks Fr Aylmer to send a detailed statement of Fr Gahan's debts and rents and a valuation of the property on the Isle of Man (9 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr General's instructions to give up the property to Bishop Briggs on the Isle of Man. Remarks 'I have no doubt that he will award us some compensation; but the amount will depend on his own generosity…what the Society has in property I trust she will gain in reputation, at least in the eyes of the inhabitants of the island.' (18 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the problems with Fr Gahan's will (10 July 1837, 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr Peter Kenny SJ (Vice-Provincial April 1834-May 1836) to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the Isle of Man mission and the difficulties that arose in its administration following the illness and death of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter informing Fr Aylmer that he may go ahead with the opening of the new chapel at Douglas. Expresses his opinion that this should be done without delay. Discusses the finances of the mission (12 November 1835, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to the opposition amongst some residents of the Isle of Man to the opening of the chapel. Remarks 'I hesitated…before I resolved to show your letter to Mr Gahan… I feared that the ingratitude and treachery of his people might annoy him.' (13 December 1835, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to a delay in opening the new chapel. Remarks 'Of course we cannot comply with the conditions proposed and therefore you must let the chapel stay as it is…I should not as yet be inclined to say what we might propose; but from the Bishop making the opening of the chapel dependent on these conditions he seems determined to drive us out of the island…' (20 December 1835, 3pp). Includes a letter asking to be kept fully informed of any communication with the Bishop. Remarks 'It is necessary that we know what is said or proposed by you or Mr Gahan or we may fall into many mistakes…' (29 December 1835, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr. Gahan's headstone and the difficulty in sending it to the Isle of Man. Remarks that it is '…a very commendable piece of work…' (7 May 1837, 3pp).

Letters from John Duff, Castletown, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ.[Douglas, Isle of Man]. The first letter thanks Fr Gahan for officiating at his marriage. The second letter refers to a debt of money due to Fr Gahan. Remarks that he is not pleased with the tone of Fr Gahan's letter in which he requests repayment. Remarks that he is not liable for the debt and advises Fr Gahan to contact Robert Duff of the late firm owned by Robert and John Duff for repayment of the debt.

Document signed by William Quiggin and Robert Quiggin concerning the letting of stables under the Club Room, Athol Street, Douglas and an adjustment in the amount of rent due. Refers to the rent on the room used by Fr Gahan as a kitchen.

List of names [subscribers] to the new chapel, Douglas, Isle of Man.

Parties:
William Steel, Douglas and Thomas Crelly, Douglas.

Property:
Premises in Athol Street lately used as a Theatre.

Terms & conditions:
In consideration of a sum of £680 to be paid in instalments.

Details of money received through church collections.

Album containing photographs taken by Fr Kevin Laheen SJ of the exterior and interior of the Church of St Mary's (formerly St Francis Xavier's), Castletown, Isle of Man, the Church of St Francis Xavier in Douglas (now the Bank of the Isle of Man), the church and garden of the present parish church in Douglas, the grave yard at Kirk Bradden and Fr Gahan's grave, a monument to Fr MacPharlan and various photographs of the Nunnery Estate.

Plan of the chapel erected by Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man.

Printed circular on behalf of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ appealing for funds to raise a second chapel and school on the Isle of Man.

Receipts for the payment of ground rent to General Goldie for the Catholic Chapel, Douglas.

Parties:
John Cowle and his wife Elizabeth Cowle and Thomas Callow and his wife Jane Callow to Thomas Crelly.

Property:
Club Room, Athol Street, Douglas.

Terms & Conditions:
£680

Parties:
John Taubman, Proprietor of the Estate of the Nunnery, Parish of Kirk Bradden and Rev. Myles MacPharlan.

Property:
Plot of ground in the Parish of Bradden, part of the estate of the Nunnery on the high road from Douglas to Castletown to be used as a site for a Roman Catholic chapel.

Terms & Conditions:
In consideration of a sum of five shillings and the reserved rent of one shilling.

Account book detailing subscribers names and subscription amounts to the New Chapel in Douglas, Isle of Man.

Valuation of the property relating to the Isle of Man Mission in Douglas and Castletown.