Archief - Monsignor George F. Bartlett fonds

George F. Bartlett (1897-1956), Catholic priest, was born at St. John's, Newfoundland, on 24 November 1897, the son of Mary (Byrne) and Denis Bartlett. Bartlett died at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, St. John's, on 22 September 1956.

Bartlett attended Holy Cross School and St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's. Following graduation from St. Bonaventure's in 1918, he enrolled at St. Augustine's Seminary, Toronto, to begin his studies for the priesthood. In 1919 he entered Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he completed his course of studies in philosophy. The following year he transferred to All Hallows College, Dublin, Ireland, for further studies in theology and the other sacred sciences. Bartlett was ordained a priest on 15 June 1924 in the Chapel at All Hallows College by Bishop Downey, bishop of Ossory, Ireland.

On 23 July 1924, Rev. Bartlett was appointed as a curate in St. Michael's Parish, Bell Island, and subsequently as administrator of the parish (1938) and finally as the parish priest in 1956. During his thirty-three years in St. Michael's Parish he supervised the construction of twenty-eight new buildings, including the parish church of St. Michael's, a new church at Lance Cove and a new church at Wabana. He was also an active supporter of many community events on Bell Island.

Rev. Bartlett was named a Domestic Prelate by His Holiness Pope Pius XII on 14 August 1947, with the title of Monsignor. In 1976 he was posthumously inducted into the Newfoundland Sports Hall of Fame at St. John's, for his noteworthy contribution to the promotion of sports in Newfoundland.