Oral history interview recording 2 of 2 with Father Charles Finn
Description:
Part two of two of an oral history interview with Monsignor Charles Finn conducted by Katie Kenneally. Father Finn was pastor of Holy Name Church in West Roxbury for twenty three years, from 1945-1968. In the interview they discuss the history of three Catholic parishes in the area: St. Teresa’s and Holy Name in West Roxbury and Sacred Heart in Roslindale. Father Finn details the growth of his parish, building a school and new hall buildings, and the work of the church committees: the Holy Name Society, the Bernadines, and the Guild. He further discusses the changes he’s seen in West Roxbury including Irish, Italian, German, Greek, and Syrian people moving to the neighborhood; Centre Street becoming a business-laden area; and the decline in train and trolley car service. Topics include: Holy Name Parish; St. Teresa’s Parish; Sacred Heart Parish; Forest Hills; Spring Street; Grove Street; Centre Street; West Roxbury Parkway; Beech Street; Belgrade Street; MBTA; South Street; Willow Street; Hancock Village; Father Flaherty; Father McClain; Father Riley; Mission Church; All Saints Church; Father Fleming; Archbishop Williams; Father Cummings; Baker street; and Weld Golf Course. Three additional, unidentified voices appear on the recording. Noise on the tape makes the interview undecipherable at some points.
