Death of Fr Davis, the noted pastor of Stamullen

April 1928

JUST after the dawn on Easter Day there passed to his reward a venerable labourer in the Master’s Vineyard in the person of Father W. J. Davis, Pastor of Stamullen for almost forty years.

55 years a priest, Father Davis was a native of Trim and was educated for the priesthood in the old College oi Navan and later at the Irish College in Paris where he was studying when the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 broke out.

At that time he had an interview with Marshal MoMahon who was instrumental in having his ‘fellow-students and himself safely removed from Paris.

Returning to Ireland, he continued his studies in Maynooth and was ordained there in 1872. Subsequently, he worked as curate in several Meath parishes including Duleek, where he spent many years and where his zealous labour in their spiritual behalf is still remembered with affection toy many of the older parishioners.

In 1889, thirty-nine golden years ago, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stamullen which position of heavy responsibility and trust he filled with distinction and success until his death last Sunday. The weight of his great age had been telling for the past two or three years and his passing, although not unexpected, still came as a great and genuine grief to the flock of his beloved parish, Stamullen.