Fr. Bede Durham (1849-1916)

A quote from an obituary on file in the Abbey archives will have to suffice for the necrology entry for Father Bede:  “Rev. Bede Durham, OSB, chaplain of the Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Elizabeth, N.J., died last Thursday at the age of 67 years.  He was taken ill Monday.  Father Bede received his early education in Ohio.  He was ordained to the priesthood after studying at the Benedictine monastery in Atchison, Kan.  For many years Father Bede was pastor at St. Malachy’s Parish at Creston, Iowa.  About four years ago he retired to become chaplain at the hospital in Elizabeth, N.J.  For a time he had charge of the church at Little Silver, N.J.”