The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express, 19 March 1864, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264153575:

We are informed that his Grace has decided to make the following changes amongst the clergy, and that instructions have been issued to each to proceed with as little delay as possible to their respective destinations:—The Rev. Dean Sumner to Sacred Heart, in place of Father Sheridan, who goes to Lyndhurst, to take charge of that establishment. Father Corish takes charge of Bathurst, and Father Timothy McCarthy supplies Father Corish's place in St. Benedict's. Father Donovan, of St. Benedict's, goes to Orange, and Father Athy returns to Sydney. Father Duigan, of St. Patrick's, goes as assistant priest to Father O'Brien, of Braidwood. Father Conway, of Sacred Heart goes to St. Patrick's; Father O'Neill, from Tumut to Carcoar, in place of Father McCarthy. We believe there will be other changes, but the above are the only ones yet decided upon.—Freeman's Journal.

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Marriages, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 November 1864, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13103903:

On the 20th October, by special license, at St. Mary's Cathedral, by the Rev. D. J. Conway, Alfred Ewers, native of Holdon, Essex, England, to Johanna Gannon, native of College Hill, Tipperary, Ireland.
NB: A number of such newspaper reports give the initials D.J. Conway. There is no other known candidate for this identification.

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The University of Sydney, The Brisbane Courier, 15 April 1865, p 6, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1270945:

[...] The rev. doctor also, in the course of his address, alluded in terms of great satisfaction to the excellent library of the college [St John's College], which—thanks to the liberality of Mr. James Hart, M.L.A. (one of the Fellows), the Venerable Archdeacon McEncroe, the Rev. J. Conway, and three or four other gentlemen—now numbered about six thousand volumes for the instruction and intellectual recreation of the students. [...]

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St Mary's Cathedral, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 15 July 1865, p 439, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128800771:

On Wednesday evening a meeting of the Catholics took place in the Seminary, over which his Grace the Archbishop presided. This was the first legally constituted meeting held since the destruction of the cathedral by fire, hence a large amount of interest was attached to it. [...] The Rev. Father Conway, after many calls and much cheering then came forward.

"He proposed that the best thanks of this meeting be given to the superintendent and men of the various fire brigades of the city, for their bravery and zeal on the occasion of the late fire at St. Mary's."

He hoped, as nearly all the formal business of the meeting had been gone through that they would not expect him to say much. He had not come from a district that was rich; still he had not come unprovided with a small "swag" of money. (Laughter) He should continue to follow the very nice example of Father Leonard, and he had no doubt, by a little exertion, and without much "spurring," the people in the interior would be found proportionately zealous with those of Sydney. The calamity had been as keenly felt there as in Sydney. He would also do his utmost to extend that most excellent pastoral letter of his Grace, far and wide. But he thought they had made a great omission in not remembering the exertions made by the firemen of the city at an earlier stage of the meeting. He believed, from all he had heard, that the firemen did their very utmost—(cheers)—and that the superintendent and his men could not have done more under the circumstances. (Cheers.)

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St. Mary's Cathedral, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 5 August 1865, p 487, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115454263:

(Abridged from the Kiama Independent.)
A public meeting was held in the Court-house, Kiama, to assist in the restoration of St. Mary's Cathedral. On the motion of the Rev. Father Conway, Mr. John Black took the chair. [...] The Rev. J. Conway, in seconding the resolution, said: We have come together to express our sympathy with his Grace the Archbishop of Sydney, in the heavy affliction which has come upon him in the total destruction, by fire, of his splendid and magnificent cathedral; and, in common with the people at large of this colony, to remove our sympathy from the category of mere words, and to manifest it in action. Deeds, not words, can restore what we have lost, and cause to rise again what has perished. [...]

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Solemn Opening of St Bede's Church, Braidwood. Opening Ceremony, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 17 February 1866, p 98, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115453404:

[...] After the gospel, the Rev. J. Conway, who had been invited from Kiama expressly for that purpose, preached the opening sermon. I dare not venture to give even a resume of his eloquent address, lest I might not do it justice. Let it suffice to say that he more than sustained his well merited reputation, as one of the most popular preachers in the colony. He took his text from the second chapter of the second book of Chronicles: — "Send me therefore a skilful man, that knoweth how to work in gold and in silver, in brass and in iron, in purple, in scarlet and in blue, and that hath skill in engraving with the artificers &c." He expounded and developed this text in his usual masterly manner, and the words which flowed from his lips were listened to, and sunk deep into the hearts of his enraptured audience. Mass being concluded by the Very Reverend the Vicar-General, the clergy retired to the presbytery when the Reverend E. O'Brien received his clerical guests in a truly hospitable manner. In the evening Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given by the Very Reverend the Vicar-General ; and an eloquent discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. Conway 1, on the necessity of Revelation 2, on the necessity of a living interpreter of that Revelation. The lecture was listened to by a crowded congregation. After the Benediction, which we hope was ratified in Heaven, the congregation departed with grateful hearts. God who had enabled and inspired them to rear such a noble structure to His holy name. This ended a day which will be for ever memorable to the Catholics of Braidwood.

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Ulladulla, The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser, 4 October 1866, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article106006869:

Rev. J. Conway has been giving lectures in the school-room belonging to P. McMahon Esq. The lectures being of a decidedly controversial character, a report would be unsuitable to your columns, but it may not be out of place to express the hope that Catholics when their belief is assailed, will imitate the forbearance shown by the Protestants on these occasions. We must have unlimited freedom of speech, accompanied by friendly feelings towards all whom we believe to be in error.

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Anniversary Day, 26th instant, The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser, 24 January 1867, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113832998:

The Rev. J. Conway begs to inform all his friends that a grand picnic will take place on Kendall's Beach, on the above-named day. All the usual games and amusements. Cloth laid at 1 o'clock. Tickets, 2s 6d ; children, half-price. Proceeds will be devoted to liquidating a debt incurred in painting and papering the Presbytery.

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Shipping. Arrival, The Brisbane Courier, 16 April 1867, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1282895:

April 15. Florence Irving, A.S.N. Co.'s s., 483 tons, Captain W. Milman, from Sydney the 13th instant. Passengers : [...] Right Rev. Dr. Quinn, Rev. P. Dunn, Rev. J. Conway, Rev. R. Call [...]

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St. Stephen's Church, Brisbane, The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1867, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1285363:

The Committee appointed to carry out the Erection of the new church of St. Stephen invite Architects to send in by Monday, 8th July next, Plans and Specifications for a part of the church at present proposed to be erected. […] Full particulars can be obtained on and after Tuesday, 25th instant, from the Very Rev. R. Dunne, the Rev. J. Conway, and the undersigned. H. J. Hall, Hon. Secretary, Building Committee.
St. Stephens, Brisbane, June 20.

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Lecture, Queensland Daily Guardian, Brisbane, 21 August 1867, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article288311930:

The Rev. J. Conway, at the School of Arts—Subject: "Italy during the Pontificate of Pius IX."

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Shipping. Departure, The Brisbane Courier, 23 October 1867, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1288077:

October 22.—Clarence, A.S.N. Co.'s s., 223 tons, Captain W. Cottier, for Maryborough, Gladstone, and Rockhampton. Passengers: [...] Rev. J. Conway, Right Rev. Dr. Quinn [...]

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Notes and Events, Queensland Daily Guardian, Brisbane, 23 November 1867, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article288313517:

We learn from the Maryborough Chronicle that, on Sunday last, Dr. Quinn, Catholic Bishop of Brisbane, administered the sacrament of confirmation in the Catholic Church, Maryborough, to about sixty candidates. His Lordship was assisted by the Rev. P. Tissott, Rev. J. O'Connell, clergyman, and also by the Rev. J. Conway, who accompanied the Bishop. [...] At the conclusion, Father Conway delivered an eloquent sermon. In the evening, his Lordship presided at vespers, and gave pontifical benediction at the most holy sacrament.

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Notes and Events, Queensland Daily Guardian, Brisbane, 12 March 1868, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article288843038:

No doubt the citizens of Brisbane will be pleased to hear that the Rev. James Conway has announced his intention to deliver two lectures, at the School of Arts, previously to his departure from the colony. The first of these lectures, the subject of which is "Ireland's place among the Nations of the Earth," will be delivered this evening, at the School of Arts. The subject is very interesting, and we are confident that the rev. lecturer will treat it in the able, practical, and yet inoffensive style, which he has already manifested before a Brisbane auditory. On Monday next, the subject of the Rev. Mr. Conway's lecture will be "The American War : its origin, instruments, and results." Both these lectures have been delivered before large audiences at Nashville, Gympy Creek ; and the press has spoken of them in highly favourable terms.

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Notes and Events, Queensland Daily Guardian, Brisbane, 13 March 1868, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article288845437:

The lecture upon the subject—"Ireland's place among the Nations of the Earth which was to have been delivered at the School of Arts, last evening, by the Rev. James Conway, was postponed by the reverend gentleman on account of the startling and shocking new, of the attempted assassination of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, in New South Wales. The Rev. Mr. Conway addressed the audience in a feeling manner, as follows :— He said : Ladies and Gentlemen,—I never remember appearing before an audience in the course of my long experience as a public man, under such distressing and painful circumstances as the present. I hold in my hand a piece of the most heartrending intelligence that has ever fallen in my way. I have learned within the last five minutes, that an unmanly attempt has been made upon the life of Prince Alfred in Sydney—that His Royal Highness has been dangerously shot this day. There is a rumour about that an Irishman has committed this foul deed, and under such circumstances I cannot speak one word about Ireland this evening. I feel ashamed of my country as it is said that an Irishman has done this deed. Prince Alfred is a harmless, intelligent and innocent young man guiding his ship about from port to port. He is the son of the Queen whom we all love and respect. It is not in my power to open my lips upon the subject of my intended lecture this evening, and it will, consequently, be postponed until another time. It is my intention to deliver, on Monday evening next, a lecture upon a neutral subject, and another lecture will follow later in the week. I believe that a Catholic has committed the deed which we all deplore. I solemnly protest against this most criminal and outrageous sin against God and man. I sympathise with the young Prince in his suffering upon the bed of pain. I have had the pleasure of spending a whole day with the Queen and the Royal Family, although I was not introduced to them ; and, amongst them, I saw no one more promising and amiable than Prince Alfred. I sympathize with him as a citizen and colonist of Australia ; as an Irishman ; and, above all, in my capacity as a Catholic priest. The rev. gentleman then intimated to the audience that they would have their money returned at the doors; and recommended them to return quietly to their homes. The Rev. Mr. Conway's remarks were received with a very decided manifestation of the approval and concurrence of the audience.

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Education, The Brisbane Courier, 24 March 1868, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1318923:

The Rev. J. Conway will deliver a lecture on Education, in the School of Arts, this (Tuesday) evening, 24th instant, at 8 o'clock. Admission-Reserved Seats, 2s. 6d. ; Body of Hall, 1s.

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Testimonial to the Rev. James Conway, The Brisbane Courier, 17 April 1868, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1332472:

In our issue of Wednesday last it was stated that a purse containing seventy sovereigns had been presented to the Rev James Conway by some of his admirers resident in Brisbane. The following is a copy of an address presented at the same time, and of Father Conway's reply thereto:—

"To the Reverend Father James Conway.

"We the undersigned members of your flock, deeply regretting that any circumstances should call you from amongst us, desire to testify to you by the accompanying feeble testimonial our deep sense of the benefits that your ministration has conferred upon us, and to express to you our earnest wishes for your prosperity, health, and happiness. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse and the seventy sovereigns contained in it.

"Signed on behalf of two hundred subscribers,
"J. Kelley, Treasurer.
"H. J. Hall, Secretary."

"Gentlemen—In reply to your address signed on behalf of two hundred subscribers, I beg to thank you most sincerely. Your address and the handsome testimonial with which it is accompanied, I prize the more highly, as it has reached me from the hands of such excellent men. Testimonials such as yours have intrinsic worth; but their value and significance are enhanced by the character of those from whom they come.

"Assuring you, gentlemen, that I shall fondly and affectionately remember you one and all,—I am, yours very truly,
"James Conway"

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Shipping Intelligence. Sailed, Queensland Daily Guardian, Brisbane, 21 April 1868, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article288843051:

April 20.— Clarence, A.S.N. Co.'s steamer, 223 tons, Captain M. Fitzsimons, for Sydney. Passengers: [...] Rev. J. Conway [...]

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Shipping. Arrivals, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 April 1868, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13165089:

Clarence (s.), 250 tons, Captain Fitzsimons, from Brisbane 20th instant. Passengers—[...] Rev. J. Conway and servant, Rev. E A. Dwyer, [...] A. S. N. Co., agents.

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Lost, The Brisbane Courier, 28 April 1868, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1289739:

Lost, in December last, between Toowoomba and Brisbane, one Volume of the Roman Breviary, bound in red morocco, and "Darwin on the Origin of Species," bound in green cloth boards. Any person forwarding them to H. J. Hall, Sheriff's Office, Brisbane, for the Rev James Conway, will be rewarded.

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Lecture by Father Conway. Ireland's Mission, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 23 May 1868, p 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119442617:

On last Monday evening the Rev. James Conway delivered a lecture on the Mission of Ireland, in St. Patrick's Hall, to a crowded audience. The Venerable Archdeacon McEncroe presided. The Rev. lecturer was loudly applauded on making his appearance. Many prominent members of the clergy and laity were present on the platform. After a few introductory remarks Father Conway proceeded as follows [...]

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Deaths, Sydney Morning Herald, 30 October 1868, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13175007:

On the 29th instant, at his residence, Bathurst-street, Sydney, the Rev. James Conway, aged 40 years. Requiescat in pace.

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Funeral, Sydney Morning Herald, 30 October 1868, p 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13174994:

The Funeral of the Rev. James Conway will move from St. Mary's temporary Cathedral, This (Friday) Afternoon, at half-past 2 o'clock, and proceed to the cemetery at Petersham. James Curtis, Undertaker, 59, Hunter-street.

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Death of the Rev. James Conway, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 31 October 1868, p 7, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115433445:

[See text as reproduced by Fr Denis Long below]

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Colonial Extracts, Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette, 14 November 1868, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168605583:

Many on Gympie will remember the gifted lecturer, who was also one of the first clergymen on these diggings, the Rev. James Conway. We regret to see that the rev. gentleman has succumbed to illness. The "S. M. Herald" says. — The funeral of the Rev. James Conway, Roman Catholic clergyman, took place yesterday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of citizens, amongst whom were Mr. Justice Faucett and the Hon. J. H. Plunkett. A large number of persons assembled round St. Mary's temporary Cathedral, from which place the procession moved, and where the greater part of the funeral service was performed. His remains were buried at the Petersham cemetery. The rev. gentleman came to this colony from England about seven or eight years ago, and was appointed clergyman at the Sacred Heart Church, in connection with which he laboured for some time. He was then removed to St. Patrick's, where he laboured in conjunction with the late Venerable Archdeacon McEncroe. He afterwards took charge of the Church at Kiandra ; and from there he went to Brisbane with Dr. Quinn. His health had been ailing for some time past, and about six months ago he returned to Sydney, in the hope of recruiting his strength. His illness, however, not withstanding medical treatment, increased, and finally terminated in his death, which took place on Thursday afternoon.

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Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, p 76:
Conway, James: Cause for a Polding Reproof to McEncroe
(Footprints Vol. 3, No. 10)

The plaque to his memory in St. Thomas' churchyard Petersham gives the age at time of death as 38, date of birth as 1827 (circa) and ordination, 15 July 1851. He worked in the Salford Diocese after ordination before signing on for Sydney. Arriving on 12 September 1863 he assisted Dean Sheridan OSB at the Sacred Heart Presbytery, Darlinghurst. A consumptive condition necessitated a change to Brisbane's warmer climate. His stay of some four or five years was at St. Stephen's Cathedral, and when a severe illness caused his return to Sydney, he was afforded a rousing farewell. The Brisbane Courier of 15 April 1868 provides the detail: "A presentation of 70 guineas to which some 200 admirers had subscribed" ... Certainly Fr James was a staunch Irish patriot, but whether the patriotism had led him to emulate the conduct of a compatriot of the time, William John Larkin, is not clear. The latter in his Fenian exuberance had danced an Irish jig in front of the G.P.O. - much to the annoyance of Bishop James Quinn who by chance happened to see the dancing performer. (But, after all, "Why should the gaiety be left to the laity?")

Fr Conway turned up in Sydney to give a lecture on the Mission of Ireland before a large audience, presided over by no less a celebrity than Archdeacon John McEncroe. Dr. Polding was apparently irked by the latter's chairmanship, stating that Conway's conduct was "long very bad". (P.K. Phillip's Thesis, University of Sydney, on McEncroe, page 240.) If there was "very bad" conduct on Conway's part (apart from his avowed espousal of an Irish cause, which Polding frowned on in his priests) we know nothing of it. Six months following the patriotic lecture, on 19 October 1868, Fr James died, burial taking place (as inferred above) at Petersham.
Ref: MDHC File, Torquay, per Sister Anne Mclay, RSM, Brisbane.

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Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev James Conway, died 19 Oct 1868

Fr Conway is mentioned in the Toowoomba Chronicles, during 1867 and 1868, as supporting Bishop Quinn when he demanded the departure of five Priests from his Diocese, including Frs Renehan, McGahan and Walsh of Toowoomba and Fr Devitt of Dalby. It was reported on 16th April, 1868 that Fr Conway was ill and that a presentation of 70 sovereigns by Mr J. Kelly was made. He apparently died suddenly in Sydney. The following information is from Father Linanes's account, and I believe they are probably one and the same. "Conway, James. Cause for a Polding Reproof to McEncroe. The plaque to his memory in St Thomas' churchyard Petersham gives the age at the time of death as 38, date of birth 1827 (circa) and ordination 15 July 1851. He worked in the Salford Diocese after Ordination before signing on for Sydney. Arriving on 12 September 1863, he assisted Dean Sheridan OSB at the Sacred Heart presbytery, Darlinghurst. A consumptive condition necessitated a change to Brisbane’s warmer climate. His stay of some five or six years was at St Stephen’s Cathedral, and when a severe illness caused his return to Sydney, he was afforded a rousing farewell. The Brisbane Courier of 15th April, 1868 provides the detail: “A presentation of 70 guineas to which some 200 admirers had subscribed".…Certainly Fr James was a staunch Irish patriot, but whether the patriotism had led him to emulate the conduct of a compatriot of the time William John Larkin (another Toowoomba priest!), is not clear. The latter in his Fenian exuberance danced an Irish jig in front of the GPO – much to the annoyance of Bishop James Quinn who by chance happened to see the dancing performer. Fr Conway turned up in Sydney to give a lecture on the Mission of Ireland before a large audience, presided over by no less a celebrity than Archdeacon John McEncroe. Dr Polding was apparently irked by the latter's Chairmanship, stating that Conway’s conduct was "long very bad" (P.K. Philip’s Thesis, Univers. Of Sydney, on McEncroe pg. 240) If there was "very bad" conduct on Conway's part (apart from his avowed espousal of an Irish cause, which Polding frowned on in his priests) we know nothing of it. Six months following his patriotic lecture, on 19 October 1868, Fr James died, burial taking place (as inferred above) in Petersham."
(Ref. Archives and Linane C142)

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.

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Denis M. Long, Pioneer and Early Priests, Archdiocese of Brisbane, Deceased or retired by 1929, 2021, pp 14-15:
Fr James Conway

There is a plaque in memory of Fr James Conway in St Thomas’s churchyard Petersham New South Wales which records his age at the time of death as 38 years.

James Conway of the Kilmore diocese entered All Hallows College from St Chad’s Manchester in 1847. He was aged 20. Ordained for the Lancashire district by Bishop O’Conner on 14 July 1851 he served at Oldham and Bolton in the Salford Diocese until 1863. He then went to Australia.(1)

Arriving on 12 September 1863 he assisted Dean Sheridan OSB at Sacred Heart presbytery Darlinghurst. After some time he was moved to the parish of Kiama.

With his health deteriorating in that climate his consumptive condition necessitated a change to Brisbane’s warmer climate. He served in the diocese of Brisbane for about eighteen months. He assisted Bishop Quinn in his conflict with five dissenting priests,(2) who eventually left the diocese for America. All Hallows records state that he spent four years in the diocese of Brisbane.(3) Severe illness necessitated his return to Sydney in April 1868. He died there later that year on 17 October.

The Brisbane Courier reported a farewell and testimonial to Fr Conway and his reply.

In our issue of Wednesday last it was stated that a purse containing seventy sovereigns had been presented to Rev James Conway by some of his admirers, resident in Brisbane. The following is a copy of an address presented at the same time, and of Father Conway’s reply thereto –

“To the Reverend Father James Conway

We the undersigned members of your flock, deeply regretting that any circumstances should call you from amongst us, desire to testify to you by the accompanying feeble testimonial our deep sense of the benefits that your ministration has conferred upon us, and to express to you our earnest wishes for your prosperity, health, and happiness. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse and the seventy sovereigns contained in it.

“Signed on behalf of two hundred subscribers,
J Kellet, Treasurer.
H J Hall, Secretary.

“Gentlemen, - In reply to your address, signed on behalf of two hundred subscribers, I beg to thank you most sincerely. Your address and the handsome testimonial with which it is accompanied, I prize the more highly, as it had reached me from the hands of such excellent men. Testimonials such as yours have intrinsic worth; but their value and significance are enhanced by the character of those from whom they come.

Assuring you, gentlemen, that I shall fondly and affectionately remember you one and all, -
I am yours very truly,
James Conway.” (4)

The Freeman’s Journal reported on lectures delivered by Conway; one on The role of the School of Arts being well calculated, if properly conducted, to improve the moral and intellectual tone of young men (5) and one in St Patrick’s Hall on the Mission of Ireland. (6)

Archbishop Polding was apparently irked by Fr McEnroe’s chairing this meeting, stating that Conway’s conduct was ‘long very bad’.(7) Apart from his avowed espousal of an Irish cause, which Polding frowned on in his priests we know nothing of it.(8)

The Sydney Catholic Freemans’ Journal reported his death:

“It is indeed with sincere regret that we find ourselves called upon to record the death of the Rev James Conway, which took place at Shalvey’s Royal Hyde Park Hotel, on Thursday last. Father Conway was so widely and so generally respected by all classes in this colony and in Queensland that it is not too much to say that his death will be deplored as a public loss. The thousands who have seen and admired his zeal as a priest, who have listened enthralled to the eloquence of his tongue, and these fewer who had opportunities of knowing the kindness and simplicity of his heart, will grieve that he has passed away from us for ever. Father Conway was born in the North of Ireland, of highly respectable parents, and studied in All Hallows College, Drumcondra near Dublin, where he was ordained in due course. His first mission was at Bolton, in the Diocese of Salford, presided over by Dr Turner. He was not long in that town, when his abilities as a scholar, his masterly eloquence and his zeal in the performance of his duties made him a universal favourite. Throughout the north of England he was the most admired preacher and lecturer, and whenever the claims of charity required an advocate, whenever the public had to be appealed to on behalf of the widow and orphan, of the sick and destitute, Father Conway was invariably the man to whom the task was entrusted. In 1863, just five years ago, he arrived in Sydney and his Grace the Archbishop placed him in St Patrick’s Church. It is needless to dilate upon the zeal with which he laboured in his first Australian Mission. The immense congregations which thronged that church, and Saint Mary’s, when he preached there, must be remembered by our Sydney friends. Indeed it may fairly be said that he was one of the most popular preachers, if not the most popular preacher, that ever addressed a Sydney congregation. After some time he was removed to Kiama, and here again he soon became a universal favourite, his good natured disposition and his admirable social qualities won for him the respect of all denominations. Kiama did not unfortunately agree with his health, and in the hope of regaining his strength he went to Brisbane with the Most Rev Dr James Quinn. He spent about eighteen months in Queensland, where his health instead of improving got worse, and compelled him to come south once more. Whilst in the Northern capital he gained his usual popularity, and was high respected by all classes. Even his Excellency the Governor honoured him with esteem and friendship. Some months ago he returned to Sydney in the hope of recruiting his strength sufficiently to enable him to proceed to San Francisco, the climate of which city he fancied might restore his health. But, day by day, he got weaker, until on Tuesday last he passed, let us hope and pray, to a happy eternity. His Grace the Archbishop visited him on the day of his death and went away only a few moments before the faithful priest breathed his last. He was assiduously attended during his illness by the Rev Fathers Healy and Garvey and he died as becomes a priest with holy resignation and fortified with all the sacraments of Holy Church. It will be long indeed before his name will pass out of the pious remembrance of the Catholics of Sydney, Kiama and Brisbane; and many will be the heartfelt prayers they will pour out to Almighty God for the repose of the soul of Fr Conway, the accomplished, amiable and zealous priest of God’s Church”.(9)

Footnotes
1. Kevin Condon cm, The Missionary College of All Hallows 1842-1891, 1986, student 151, p. 295.
2. Prayer Calendar - Deceased Priest who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts 1864-2007, p. 13.
3. Kevin Condon, cm, op. cit.
4. Brisbane Courier, 17 Apr 1868, p. 3.
5. Ibid. Saturday 4 Nov 1865, p. 695.
6. Ibid. 23 May 1868, p. 8.
7. P K Philip’s Thesis, University of Sydney page 240, quoted in Toowoomba Prayer Calendar of deceased priest.
8. Prayer Calendar - Deceased Priest who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts 1864-2007, pp. 2 and 3.
9. Freeman’s Journal, Sydney, 31 Oct 1868, p. 7.

Reproduced by permission of Fr Denis Long.