Bishop Ilsley's first choice to succeed Mgr Longman as Rector was Canon Souter of Kenilworth, but when the latter declined he asked Fr Nary of Warwick to accept the Mission.

James Dillon Nary, M.B. was born in Oxfordshire in 1838 and was ordained priest at Oscott College in 1864 - the same year the new church at St Peter's was consecrated. his priesthood was certainly to involve much travel, for during the next 30 years he served in no less than eleven missions! His longest recorded stay was at Dorchester-on-Thames, 1877 - 83, when he eventually requested a new appointment. A contemporary who succeeded him at Dorchester, and later at Leamington (Canon Barry), described him as a very neat precise person who was a "brilliant scholar and musician."

"A rolling stone gathers no moss" and it is difficult to assess Fr Nary's character and his achievements in the parish. Certainly the Bishop must have held him in high esteem, and his zeal and devotion was greatly appreciated during his short ministry. It was during that ministry that the Chapel of the Sacred Heart was added to the church with quality and workmanship in keeping with its original splendid character. This was dedicated by the Bishop in 1893 in the presence of a large gathering of priests and people.

Even at the time of his appointment, Fr Nary was in poor health and this began to deteriorate rapidly. He died in 1894, just two years after his appointment, and was buried in Hampton-on-the-Hill.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org