James Morrison (bishop)

Archbishop James Morrison (July 9, 1861 – April 13, 1950) was the longest-serving bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Although one of the last powerful and austere Roman Catholic bishops in Canada, Morrison presided over a diocese that created one of the most successful Catholic social movements in Canada.

Morrison strictly adhered to the statutes of the Roman Catholic faith. Extremely skeptical of debt, he was cautious in all matters relating to church finances. As Bishop of Antigonish he gained the ire of Rev. James Tompkins and other priests for refusing to allow St. Francis Xavier University to join a non-denominational university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although highly respected by the Catholic community, his cautious and frugal nature did not always foster tranquility.

Brief biography

James Morrison was born in the rural village of Savage Harbour, Prince Edward Island. He was educated at the Charlottetown Normal College and at St. Dunstan's University from 1882-1884. He attended the Urban College of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide in Rome from 1884-1889. Ordained for the Diocese of Charlottetown, Morrison held numerous positions, including Rector of St. Dunstan’s University, 1892 – 1895, Vicar-general, 1904-1912 and formal diocesan administrator, 1911-1912.

Father Morrison had been Vicar General, in the diocese of Charlottetown, P.E.I, Canada, when in 1908, Bishop MacDonald became a complete invalid. At this point Morrison...
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