- REV. R. J. ROCHE has been the pastor of St. Mary's Church
(Catholic) at Janesville, since June 1,
- 1882. He succeeded Father J. S. MUNICH, who became pastor
in 1878, and was the first resident pastor of this society. Father
MUNICH is now pastor of the Church of the Holy Names at Racine,
Wis.
- Father ROCHE is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in
the town of Otsego, Columbia Co., in
- 1855. His father, John ROCHE, was an early settler of Columbia
County, and is still numbered among its residents. At the common
schools of his native town, our subject received his primary
education and prepared himself for the priesthood in the seminary
of St. Francis of Sales, located near Milwaukee. He entered that
institutive in 1872, completing the course on the 27th day of
June, 1880, at which time he was ordained. His first charge was
the Church of St. Isadore, at Meeme, Wis., where he remained
until he came to Janesville. The beautiful church edifice and
residence of Father ROCHE were erected in 1878. His congregation
numbers about 240 families, and the church is in a flourishing
condition. He is an able pastor and is highly esteemed by all
as a Christian gentleman and worthy citizen.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 862.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|