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Very Rev. John M. Prendergast
Rev. John M. Prendergast was born in Natchez on January 30,1870. He began classical studies under Rev. C. A. Oliver, D. D., at Jackson. Later he continued at St. Charles college, Maryland, and Jefferson College, Louisiana. His philosophical and theological studies were made in Belgium and at the University of Freilburg. Bishop Heslin ordained him to the priesthood in the Cathedral, where he remained until 1896. Then he was appointed assistant at St. Paul’s church in Vicksburg. His heroic work in the stricken town of Edwards will ever remain one of the most brilliant chapters in the history of the plague of 1897.
In December, 1897, he was transferred to Bay ST. Louis. On August 18, 1898, he left for Santiago, Cuba, to serve as chaplain during the Spanish-American war. He spent some time in non-Catholic mission work, then became pastor of Gulfport. On June 23, 1906 he was appointed pastor of Bay St. Louis, a post which he held until January 17, 1918.