James Augustine McFaul

James McFaul was born on June 6, 1850, in Larne, County Antrim in Ireland, to James and Mary (née Hefferman) McFaul.[1] The family moved to the United States when he was an infant, residing in New York City for four years before settling in Bound Brook, New Jersey.[1] James McFaul worked on his father's farm and at age 15 became a clerk at a country store near Bound Brook.[2]

With the intention of becoming a lawyer, McFaul attended Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, from 1867 to 1871.[2] He completed his classical studies at St. Francis Xavier College in New York City in 1873, and then studied theology at Seton Hall College in South Orange, New Jersey.[1]

McFaul was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Michael Corrigan on May 26, 1877.[3] He then served as a curate at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Newark until 1879, when he was transferred to St. Mary's Cathedral in Trenton.[2] He was named private secretary to Bishop Michael J. O'Farrell in 1882, and pastor of the Church of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish at Long Branch in 1884.[2]

In October 1890, McFaul returned to St. Mary's Cathedral as its rector.[1] Having served as O'Farrell's secretary and chancellor of the diocese, he was appointed as vicar general by O'Farrell on November 1, 1892.[2] Upon O'Farrell's death in April 1894, McFaul was named the apostolic administrator of the diocese by the Holy See.[2]

On July 20, 1894, McFaul was appointed the second bishop of the Diocese of Trenton by Pope Leo XIII.[3] He received his episcopal consecration on October 18, 1894, from Archbishop Corrigan, with Bishops Charles McDonnell and Bernard McQuaid serving as co-consecrators.[3]

During his tenure, McFaul helped erect many churches, schools, and institutions in New Jersey, including an orphanage at Hopewell,[4] a home for senior citizens at Lawrenceville,[5] and Mount St. Mary's College at Plainfield.[6] He was also one of the key organizers of the American Federation of Catholic Societies.[1] In 1909, McFaul created a controversy when he accused the professors at American colleges and universities of an "upbuilding of a cynicism and intimacy with immoral ideas."[7]

James McFaul died at his official residence in Trenton on June 16, 1917, aged 67.[7]