Archief - Rev. Adrian Joyce Dee fonds

Adrian Dee (1896-1951), Catholic priest, was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, on 24 May 1896, son of Theresa Ellen (Cronan) and Jeremiah Dee. He died on 28 December 1951.

Dee received his early education in St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's. He attended Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he completed his studies in philosophy and theology for the priesthood. Dee was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. John's on 24 June 1919, by Edward Patrick Roche, Archbishop of St. John's.

Following several short term appointments in St. John's, Rev. Dee was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Oderin, Placentia Bay (1919-21). He was subsequently named as parish priest of Holy Rosary Parish, Argentia, on 1 January 1922.

Following the outbreak of World War II, the United States government established naval and army bases at Argentia, whose ice-free harbour and strategic position was considered crutial for the control of the North Atlantic. The construction of the massive baes and the arrival of 12,000 American servicemen resulted in the dismantlement of the community and the relocation of the civilian population from the area.

In 1941 the seat of the parish was moved from Argentia to the neighbouring community of Freshwater. Rev. Dee supervised the construction of all parish facilities required by the congregation and provided his support and advice to parishioners who had relocated from Argentia. He also served as the Catholic chaplain to the American troops, until a military chaplain was stationed at Argentia. Rev. Dee retained a cordial relationship with the military authorities at Argentia until the time of his death in 1951.