Fonds - Rev. Patrick O'Brien fonds

Patrick O'Brien (1859-1940), Catholic priest, was born at Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, on 24 November 1859, the son of Agnes (O'Driscoll) and Richard O'Brien. He died at Bay Bulls on 26 February 1940. He was buried in a private plot near the Church in Bay Bulls.

O'Brien attended the local parish schools in Whittle's Bay and completed his high school education at St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's (1876-80), thus qualifying for the teaching profession. O'Brien taught school at St. Jacques, Fortune Bay, and in several other communities (1880-86). In 1886 he returned to St. Bonaventure's College and began a two-year course of studies in preparation for the priesthood. He proceeded to All Hallows College, Dublin, Ireland, to complete his theological studies. O'Brien was ordained a priest in All Hallows College Chapel on 24 June 1890, returning to St. John's shortly afterwards.

Between 1890 and 1902 Rev. O'Brien served as curate in the following parishes: the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist (St. John's), St. Michael's Parish (Bell Island) and St. Patrick's Parish (St. John's). he was appointed curate in St. Patrick's Parish, Whittle's Bay, with residence in Mobile (1902-08) and was transferred to Tors Cove in 1908-14. Following the death of Dean Nicholas Roche, Rev. O'Brien was appointed as the parish priest of St. Patrick's Parish, Whittle's Bay (1914-24). When St. Patrick's Parish was divided in 1924, O'Brien was appointed as the first parish priest of St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, Bay Bulls (1924-40).

O'Brien was a yacht builder and invented an improved ship's hull, a design patented in both Canada and America. He received, a diplomas from Paris, for his contributions in marine matters.