John Walsh was born in Ireland on May 23,
1830.
His classical, philosophical
and part of his theological studies were taken in Ireland. He emigrated to Canada in April of
1852 and completed his studies at the Sulpician Seminary in Montreal. On November l,
1854,
John Walsh was ordained priest by Bp. de Charbonnel in St. Michael's Cathedral. Father Walsh
served as Pastor at Brock, St. Mary's, St. Paul's and St. Michael's Cathedral before becoming
Vicar General of the Archdiocese in April 1862.
On June 4, 1867, Father Walsh was elected Bishop of Sandwich (London),
Ontario, and consecrated in St. Michael's Cathedral by Archbishop Charles François Baillargeon
of Quebec on November l0, 1867. He occupied this See until elected Archbishop of Toronto on
August l3, 1889.
During his nine year reign, Archbishop Walsh established the Sacred Heart
Orphanage (Sunnyside), St. John's Industrial School for Boys, and purchased land for Mount
Hope Cemetery. Despite poor health, Archbishop Walsh carried out parish visitations and
Confirmation tours, established new parishes and renovated many others including the Cathedral.
Archbishop Walsh died on July 30, 1898 and was buried in St. Michael's Cathedral.
