Hannin, Father Edward Administrator, Cleveland, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 April 23

Being away from home he did not receive Purcell's letter until yesterday. He was right in anticipating a visit to Purcell by Father J. Monaghan and his contractor, and knowing what their object would be he visited Purcell last week. He assures Purcell that things are not as they represented, he having refrained from tiring Purcell with the details during his visit. Knowing that Purcell is troubled with such complaints he would rather go to see Purcell in Cincinnati than write out a lengthy account. Such a building as Monaghan contemplated would cost $45,000 and is beyond the means of the parish. It would leave the diocese and the parish in difficulties and injure religion. There are several churches in the diocese where such churches were commenced by over zealous pastors, and where not even the interest can be paid. Kalamazoo, Michigan is an example of this. He has no prejudice against St. Bridget's or its pastor and would be glad to do anything for the interests of religion. He will make three propositions: 1. Let the building be put off until a bishop is appointed and he approves, and let the time be spent in collecting funds, as they have no money; 2. Let them build a church within their means, for about $20,000 or $25,000, for a congregation of 120 to 150 families; 3. If they are so anxious, let them deposit one third or $16,000 in the bank under his name and he will let the work proceed. This may appear strict but when a few persons are using unjust means to do something injurious to religion he is compelled to protect himself against an inflated subscription list. These propositions are reasonable and he hopes Purcell will approve of them. He is in a difficult position but hopes to succeed. There are two extremes in the diocese, equally opposed to the good of religion. P.S.—Since writing the above he understands that the subscriptions are to be swelled with the understanding that they are not to be paid. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.