The Ordination, Australasian Chronicle, Sydney, 23 August 1843, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31740880:

On last Sunday the sacred rites and ceremonies prescribed in the "Pontifical" for the ordination of Priests were impressively performed in St. Mary's Cathedral, when the following deacons--John Grant, James Dunphy, Patrick Maginnis, John Kenny, and Patrick Hallanan--were duly invested with the holy and indelible "character" of the Christian Priesthood. The Archbishop used for the first time in his Metropolitan Church the PALLIUM; this is the especial mark of affection and confidence conferred by the Chief Christian Bishop on earth on other Prelates, who hold the most responsible position in the Church next to the Sovereign Pontiff himself. The "PALLIUM" is only worn in conferring Holy Orders, and on a few solemn Festivals of Religion. The Vestments or Robes used by Bishops and Archbishops when officiating in "Pontificals," include the respective vestures of the several orders from "Acolyte to Priest," together with those belonging to the "Episcopal" order, to represent that the Prelate possesses the plenitude of each of these orders, with the "Power" to confer them. To a superficial observer this multiplicity of vestments worn at one time would appear quite superfluous, and savouring of worldly pomp; but there is nothing--not the slightest ceremony in Religion, without its moral or mystical meaning; these are the silent and impressive symbols that speak to the eye and to the mind, and not unfrequently convey more lasting impressions to the soul than the most fervid eloquence.

The Vicar General preached a very instructive Sermon, pointing out the solemn ceremonies instituted by the Almighty of old for the consecration of Aaron and the Levitical Priesthood, which was only a shadow and a figure of the higher and more holy "Priesthood" of the New Law, and showing the propriety and consistency of using sacred rites and ceremonies in the ordination of the Priests, who are to serve under the Perfect Covenant of Grace. He gave a graphic description of the duties and responsibility of a Christian Priest; of his voluntary separation from the spirit of the world; of his tearing asunder all the ties of flesh and blood, that he may devote himself entirely to the dispensation of the "Mysteries of Christ," and to the sanctification of his own soul and of those committed to his care. He then pourtrayed the duties of the flock towards its pastor, in hearing his voice and following his instructions, and that they should look rather to his sacred character than endeavour to decry those minor faults which are inseparable from man in "this vale of tears;" and concluded by a moving appeal to the five deacons who were then going to undertake a spiritual burden to be dreaded even by Angels. This is a mere outline of the discourse. We have heard several express a wish to see the whole in print, though the Preacher himself appears quite averse to the proposal. The Church was crowded by an attentive audience during the whole service, which lasted more than three hours.

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Married, The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 September 1846, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12895584:

By special license, at St. Bede's Church, Appin, by the Rev. J. Grant, on Monday, the 21st instant, Henry A. Davis, storekeeper, Appin, to Miss Julia Ann McGee, of the same place.

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Domestic Intelligence. The Church, Sydney Chronicle, 30 September 1848, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31757463:

The Rev. Mr. Grant, who has hitherto been stationed at Appin, is about to receive the spiritual charge of the Windsor district, where his zeal and benevolence will have a wider field for their operation.

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Shipping Intelligence. Departures, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 19 March 1851, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article685214:

15.—Blackwall, ship, 838 tons, Captain Thorne, for London. Passengers—The Rev. Dr. Gregory, [...] Rev. Mr. Grant, [...]

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Shipping Intelligence. Arrivals, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 5 March 1853, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article685214:

March 2.—Thomas Chadwick, barque, 461 tons, Captain Richardson, from the Downs 4th November. Passengers—[...]Very Rev. Dr. Gregory, Rev. Dr. Grant and servant, Rev. Messrs. Murphy, McCarthy, Welsh, Phelan, Tworney, Rockliff, [...]

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The Diggings, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 30 April 1853, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114836087:

The Rev. Dr. Grant, who has lately returned from Europe and now stationed as resident clergyman at Bathurst, lately visited the Turon. The Rev. Dr. was accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Keating, also of Bathurst, and the Rev. Mr. Murphy, of Carcoar, and was highly pleased to see many of those places pointed out to him of which he so often read with admiration whilst in Europe. As the Turon has now obtained a world-wide celebrity for its vast auriferous treasures, it will not fail to attract the tourist's curiosity.

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Deaths, Sydney Morning Herald, 26 February 1864, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13092498:

Of your charity pray for the Very Rev. Dean Grant, who died at Bathurst, on the 25th instant. May he rest in peace.

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Telegraphic Despatches. Bathurst, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 27 February 1864, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128805225:

(From our Correspondent.)

Thursday, 12.35 p.m.

Dr. Grant died this morning of diptheria. The town is in great distress as it was not generally known that he was ill. Fathers Hoyne and Phelan are here and doing what is necessary on the melancholy occasion. His late flock are crowding in from all quarters in the greatest grief.

(From another Correspondent.)

Friday, 4.20 p.m.
Intense grief pervades all classes of the district. The church erected at an immense cost of labours and zeal now encloses the mortal remains of the late Dean Grant. The Vicar-General and Father Keating have just arrived to arrange and direct the ceremonies which are about to take place. Seven clergymen from all the surrounding districts have likewise been in attendance. The office for the dead will be recited this evening, and after a solemn High Mass to-morrow, the remains of the exemplary and pious Dean will be consigned to their appropriate place in the church designed by his affectionate and sorrowing Archbishop. The church has been literally crowded by representatives of all creeds, who have hastened to pay their farewell respects to all that now remains of the deceased ecclesiastic.

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Death of the Very Rev. Dean Grant, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 27 February 1864, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128805228:

How great was our grief on receiving on Thursday, from our Bathurst correspondent, the following telegram:—

Dr. Grant died this morning of diptheria. The town is in great distress as it was not generally known that he was ill. Father Hoyne and Phelan are here and doing what is necessary on the melancholy occasion. His late flock are crowding in from all quarters in the greatest grief.

Our readers will fully understand what an affliction has befallen the Catholic community in this colony, for few among them have not heard of, or did not personally know, the good and zealous priest, whom it has pleased God to take unto himself. But a few days ago, we received from him words of good cheer and affectionate advice, and now we hear that that hand will never again write the glowing words which a good heart inspired and an elegant mind dictated. Many and many an eye was wet with tears of sorrow and grief, when the sad news came to Sydney; we could scarcely believe that he, the good, the learned, the zealous, the enlightened priest, the loving pastor, had left his children in sorrow, bereft of those holy councils and wise guidance that he knew so well to give. As the lugubrious words—Dean Grant is dead!— sounded, each heart stood still and then throbbed painfully, for the loss was fully and instantaneously felt. We could ill have spared him at anytime, but much less can we do so now when the church of this colony has been afflicted more than ordinarily. It was but a few months ago, that we had to chronicle the loss of Father Murphy, and now death has deprived us of another and a holy priest. In two short days his life ebbed away ! but forty-eight hours given him to prepare for that awful journey, whence we can never return ! but what was time to him whose life was one continued preparation for Eternity?

But though he is gone from among us, we know that a glorious future awaits him, for his trust was not "in men, in whom there is no salvation," it was in the Lord, to whom he had dedicated his life, in whom he believed, and who hath said: — Ego sum resurrectio et vita, qui credit in me etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet et qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in aeternum : I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and, every one that liveth, and believeth in me shall not die for ever.

His flock may well crowd around his mortal remains in grief and wailing sorrow, for to them his loss will be greatest — to them, who never addressed themselves in vain to his heart for consolation and sympathy, to his fatherly love for advice and guidance ; they may weep, for their friend and their father, the kind friend and the benignant father, is gone for ever. Yes, they may weep for themselves, but not deplore his loss, for his blameless life, his holy death, assure us, that he is of those of whom it is said, Beati mortui, qui in Domino moriuntur., He had but one home — Heaven — but one care — the salvation of his flock — his life was spent in good works — his death was worthy of his life. Let it be for us to follow in his footsteps and to imitate his example, and saying with Job "I knaw that my Redeemer liveth, and in the last day I shall rise out of the earth , *** my eye shall behold him," let us so act in our lifetime that our places may be near his, who has just left us, and who had 'this his hope laid up in his bosom.'*

*We subjoin the following few notes of his life which will be interesting to our readers: — The Very Rev. John Grant, D.D., was born in Kilkenny, on the 7th of August, 1816. After spending some years at his studies in Ireland, he arrived in this colony on the 21st December, 1836, in company with Dr. Ullathorne. Dr. Grant received sub-deaconship and Deaconship the same day, Oct. 18th, 1840, and the holy order of Priesthood on the 20th of August, 1843. The first scene of his labours was Appin, Picton, and Berrima. From this mission he was removed to Windsor, where his health failing, he obtained leave of absence and accompanied the Right Rev. the Vicar General to Europe. On his visit to Rome the title of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by his Holiness Pius IX. On his return to the colony His Grace the Archbishop appointed him to the Bathurst Mission with the title of Dean of Bathurst. Since that time Dr. Grant has been constantly engaged in that most important district, and one result of his labours is the erection of the magnificent Church in honor of St. Michael.

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Bathurst, Sydney Morning Herald, 29 February 1864, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30938268:

Quite a gloom has spread over the town to-day, in consequence of the death of the Very Rev. Dean Grant, D.D., head of the Roman Catholic Church in the Western district. The deceased gentleman was attacked with diphtheria on Monday last, and was attended by Dr. McDonagh, and also, at a later period, by Drs. Machattie and Connell. No serious results were feared until a late hour last night, when a change for the worse took place. The reverend father gradually sank until three a.m., when he breathed his last. He is, according to his expressed wish, to be buried in a vault beneath the altar of the church, and the burial rites, it is said, will be performed by his Grace the Archbishop of Sydney. February 25th.

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Telegraphic Despatches. [From Our Correspondents.] Bathurst, Sydney Morning Herald, 29 February 1864, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30938308:

Saturday evening.
The late Rev. Dean Grant was interred to-day in the nave of the Catholic Church immediately in front of the altar. The body laid in state in the Church from Thursday evening, and a number of clergymen were assembled to take part in the final ceremony. A Requiem mass was performed this morning at eleven, at which Vicar-Generals Keating and Sheehy officiated, the church being crowded. Afterwards a funeral procession was formed and proceeded through the principal thoroughfares, the shops in which were all closed. As a remark of the respect in which the deceased was held, persons of all denominations joined the procession, and it is calculated that fully two thousand persons were present.

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Death of the Very Reverend Dean Grant, D.D., Empire, Sydney, 1 March 1864, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60583472:

(From the Bathurst Times, February 27.)

It is our melancholy duty to chronicle in this day's paper the death of the above-named respected dignitary of the Catholic Church. Early on Thursday morning the town was startled by the announcement of his sudden demise, and consternation was depicted on every countenance for it was not generally known that he was ill, and such as did know fancied that the crisis had been passed and that no apprehensions need be entertained. The disease he died of was diptheria; and he was attended by Dr. D'Donagh, assisted by Drs. Connell and Macbattie. The latter gentleman came when the disease had attained its most virulent aspect, having been sent for during the early part of the day, but from previous engagements, we understand, he was not able to attend sooner. However, we believe that every possible effort was made to save him, but alas! ineffectually. We have carefully inquired for the particulars of this sad affair, and we glean the following :—

On last Saturday night he was in the Confessional up to a late hour, and caught a cold by sitting in the draught. He had been out the previous week attending stations, and arranging for the erection of a church at Rockley, and of a school at the Lagoon. On Sunday he said mass and preached a most remarkable sermon on the "Transfiguration" of our Lord. It was his last, and it was by far the most eloquent he was ever known to preach. Could a presentiment of his soon entering into the eternal realms of bliss, and of enjoying the glory he so vividly painted, have been causal in eliciting this his last noble effort for his flock ? Lassitude and general relaxation of the system came on. Notwithstanding which, he got up on Monday morning, and was well- nigh falling on the altar during the celebration of mass. He had announced the previous day that he would meet the Catholics of the Vale Road and Georges' Plains, at Mr. Kent's, near the Hen and Chickens Inn, and thither he repaired, for the laudable purpose of getting up a denominational school in a central place in that locality. He could not transact business, when he arrived there, in consequence of his illness. After arriving at the Deanery he did not send for the doctor until late that evening, when he felt his throat getting inflamed. Medicine was at once prescribed, which had the immediate effect of removing local irritation. Next morning it was found that the medicine used had also the effect of removing constitutional fever; and everything at this time promised speedy hopes of a resolution of all the symptoms. These symptoms decidedly augured recovery, and had not the constitution of the patient been undermined from previous illness, he might have been convalescent.

During the whole of Wednesday, the most favourable hopes were entertained, until evening, when extensive suppuration set in, and shortly after a discharge from the throat, a symptom exhibited itself of a trembling of the person and coldness of the extremities—the certain precursor of approaching dissolution. Medical assistance was now of no avail. With heroic calmness, befitting the solemn occasion, and the character of his calling, he felt death stealing over his person. He calmly but emphatically told the sorrowing friends around his bed that hope on earth was at an end, and that in a few hours more he would be no more. He received, with grateful thanks the last sacraments of the dying, gave some final instructions, convulsively caught the crucifix in his hand, and with a prayer on his lips breathed his last.

It may not be out of place here to say a few words on the life and character of this amiable ornament of his own church and respecter of the conscientious convictions of those who differed from him in religion. He was born in Kilkenny, on the 7th August, 1816. His father was an eminent solicitor in Kilkenny, and by his mother he was connected with the Catholic branch of the Ormond family. When young he had every possible allurement, by position and wealth to remain a layman, but by an extraordinary call of grace he embraced the life of a cleric. The change was brought about at an early age from the reading a meditation on death and the transitoriness of everything earthly. For days and months, this meditation haunted him, and like the shadow of a spectre intervened between the pleasures of the world and himself, and finally was instrumental in bringing him into the sanctuary. He communicated his final resolve to his mother, and like the mother of Maccabees, she replied, "Go, my son, embrace religion, henceforth give yourself entirely to God." He studied at St. Kevin's College, Kilkenny, and after some years spent in theological reading, he made up his mind to become a missionary, and accordingly sailed for this colony in 1836, in company with the Most Rev. Dr. Ullathorne, present Bishop of Birmingham. The following young students also arrived in the same ship, namely —Dr. Geoghegan, Bishop of Adelaide; Dr. Butler, Archdeacon of Tasmonia ; Revs. Messrs. Marum, Dumphy, and the Rev. Mr. McGennis. He was then only 19 years of age. Being under the canonical age, his ordination had to be deferred for some years. He was ordained Deacon in 1840, and called to the priesthood in 1843. Picton, Berrima, and Appin were the scenes of his first missionary labours. He was removed to Windsor, and subsequently to Bathurst. His health failed in Windsor, and to recruit it he got leave of absence, and in company with the Vicar-General, went to Europe. On the occasion of his visit to Rome, Pope Pius IX, conferred the title of Doctor of Divinity on him. He was urgently pressed on the occasion of the same visit by some of the highest dignitaries in the Irish hierarchy to stay on the Irish mission, but he forsook home, friends, and country, for the missionary life.

After his return from Europe, he was appointed, by Archbishop Polding, to the Bathurst mission, and our readers all know as well as we do the success of his ministration here. The Catholic Church, which he erected, is the noblest commentary of his zeal, and, if the dead could speak, appropriately might he exclaim this morning from his coffin to those in the Church, "Si queris monumentum circumspice.'' The foundation stone of this Church was laid on the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th, 1857, and in the short space of three years from that date, the elegant edifice towered at the head of the Square. Over £12,000 were spent on the Church, and there remains but a trifling debt on it, which is due to some half-dozen generous parishioners who lent the Church money without interest. We might extend our remarks further on this particular topic, but space and time reminds us that we must be brief. We cannot, however, omit to mention the great influence for good he had over his flock, as evidenced in the organizations set on foot, namely, the collection of a splendid library, which cost over £500 and which is now completely out of debt. The formation of the Catholic Institute which ceased in 1861, or rather merged into the more popular name of the Young Men's Society; the confraternity of the Blessed Virgin, numbering about 700; the Young Women's Society, and the flourishing condition of the three schools under his care. We also might make mention of the new cemetery, which he had planted so carefully with the choicest flowers and trees, and which, had he lived, would be an ornament to the suburbs of our town. He it was that laid the foundation stone of the pretty little church in Peel, and handed it over almost completed when that portion of his parish was separated and erected into an independent one. He had plans for a new church at Rockley, and was about calling for tenders, having secured the promise of sufficient funds for its construction. Of his charity, we can speak in highly eulogistic terms, nor was it confined to his flock, but like the "Good Samaritan" his hand was stretched to the unfortunate of every class, clime, and creed. His hospitality has been too well known to our readers to need any mention of it, and he had that happy composition of character, which made all pleased with him—those of his own as well as of every other persuasion. Mildness, charity, and benevolence were developed in him to their fullest extent, and we may well conclude with the words of the great Shakespeare—
He was a man—take him for all and all,
We ne'er shall look upon his like again!

It was originally intended to have the deceased buried yesterday, but when it was ascertained that the Vicars-General would be present, it was determined to postpone the burial until this day. The corpse was taken to the church on Thursday evening, and those mournful hymns, "Dies Irae," "Stabat Mater," and the "De Profundis" were chanted by the choir. The members of the Young Men's Society have remained up in the costume of their order, with the deceased for the last two nights; and yesterday, the zinc coffin that was enclosed in the outer one of wood, was soldered, in consequence of decomposition setting in. It was intended at first to have the vault outside the present building, where the high altar will stand whenever the church may be completed, it having been Dr. Grant's wish that he should be laid in that spot. An excavation was made, and the necessary brickwork proceeded with ; but, on the arrival of the Vicars-General the plan was altered, as those gentlemen were reluctant to place the body of the deceased in ground which, in all probability, will remain uncovered and unprotected for years. The spot now chosen is in the body of the church in that portion of the nave opposite the grand altar.

The following clerical gentlemen have, up to the present time, arrived to take part in the funeral ceremonies, viz.—Fathers Phelan, McCarthy, Athy, O'Farrell, Keating, and Sheehy. Others are expected before the funeral takes place. The solemn requiem and high mass will take place this morning at ten o'clock ; after which the funeral will form. An immense concourse of persons are expected to be present from all quarters of the district.

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The Late Very Rev. Dean Grant, Freemans' Journal, Sydney, 2 March 1864 p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128803086:

We received yesterday morning the following telegram from our Bathurst correspondent, referring to the funeral services performed for the repose of the soul of the late Very Rev. Dean Grant:—

By electric telegraph.
(From our own Correspondent.)
Bathurst, February 29th, 1864.

A solemn dirge was chanted in the church this morning at which the Very Rev. J. Keatin V.G., was the officiating priest and the Very Rev S. A. Sheehy, and the Rev. P. O'Farrell were cantors. A Requiem Mass was afterwards sung at which Father Keating was celebrant, Father Phelan deacon, Father McGuinn Sub-deacon, and Father Hoyne, master of ceremonies. The music was very effectively performed by the regular choir of the church. At the conclusion the clergy present with the assistants at the altar went in procession to the end of the church, where the body of the much beloved and deeply lamented very reverend deceased had lain in state since Thursday, when the last absolution was given by Father Sheehy with the usual solemnities. The interment of the very reverend Dean afterwards took place, in the place originally designed for that purpose in the chancel immediately in front of the altar. Business was almost entirely suspended throughout the town and an immense number of persons of all religious denominations attended the funeral.

The late Very Rev. Dean Grant.—Yesterday according to previous announcement a solemn dirge and Requiem Mass were chanted in St. Mary's Cathedral for the repose of the soul of the late Dean Grant. Although the rain was descending in torrents, the attendance in the Church testified to the respect in which the deceased clergyman was held by the Catholics of Sydney. Shortly after nine o'clock the procession moved into the Cathedral Mr. Cordner the organist playing the dead march in Saul. The following clergymen were present in addition to His Grace the Archbishop, Very Rev. Dean Sumner, Archdeacon McEncroe, Fathers Dwyer, Crone, Curley, Ford, Donovan, Corish, Conway, Garby, Sheridan, and Duigan. When the dirge was over, the solemn Requiem Mass was chanted by Dean Sumner, Deacon Father Crone. Sub-deacon Rev. P. Fitzpatrick, Master of Ceremonies Father Dwyer. At its conclusion the absolution was read by His Grace, who was visibly affected during the ceremony. When this last solemn rite was over the procession returned into the sacristy.

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Funeral of the Late Very Rev. Dean Grant, D.D., Sydney Morning Herald, 4 March 1864, p 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13093215:

On Saturday last the funeral of this much lamented and revered dignitary took place. From an early hour in the morning large numbers of people were continuously arriving from the country, in order to take part in this last tribute of respect. Orange, Carcoar, Lagoon, O'Connell Plains, and King's Plains each contributed its quota to the numbers which swelled the funeral procession. About eleven o'clock the several thoroughfares leading to the cathedral were lined with pedestrians wending their way to the church, which, on the occasion, was appropriately draped and hung with festoons of black cloth that extended from pillar to pillar, the bases of which were clothed in sable folds, the whole imparting to the magnificent building an air of melancholy in keeping with the mournful office about to be performed. The ceremonies of the day were commenced by the Revs. Father Sheehy, Keating, McCarthy, Phelan, Hoynes, Athy, McGuinn, and O'Farrell, who chaunted the beautiful Requiem dirge. Immediately upon its conclusion Solemn High Mass was proceeded with, the Rev. Mr. Keating acting as High Priest, while Father Hoynes officiated as Deacon. At two o'clock a large concourse of people had gathered round the cathedral, and the body having been removed by the councillors of the Young Men's Society, who, robed in the full uniform of their order, carried it to the hearse, the procession was arranged. The cortege, numbering fully 2000, and comprising persons of all denominations, slowly and mournfully wended its course towards the church. With one or two exceptions, the houses and stores on the line taken were closed. The coffin having been removed from the hearse, and placed opposite the grand altar—near which was excavated a vault—the people crowded in, and shortly filled the chapel. The last obsequies were now performed, the Rev. Vicar-General (Father Sheehy) reading the heart-touching burial service— the other clerical gentlemen present saying the responses. As the concluding Requiescat in pace was intoned, many signs of emotion were visible on the countenances of those present, and a whispered Amen was echoed through the building. Then the coffin was lowered to its final resting-place, and, as it slowly disappeared down the deep "lonely bourne," expression of grief—some loud, some silent—were generally indulged in. A short prayer was then recited, and, on the chapel being cleared, the task of interment was completed. The vault, which is of brickwork, and about two-and-a-half feet high, was constructed so as to leave a space of two or three inches on all sides of the coffin, which was elevated a similar distance from the flooring. In the vacuum thus left, liquid Roman cement was poured, that, when dry, will form a most solid casing. The brickwork was then arched over, and several feet of concrete were poured over the whole. From these precautions it is inferred that the body will remain perfectly intact for years.—Bathurst Times.