Motler, Reverend Canon

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Watercolour portrait of The Reverend Canon Motler, Age 65

From John Sowden's notebooks:

"Provost Motler was the son of a farmer and was born near Wigan in 1821. The family removed to Eccles near Manchester. The Provost when 13 was intended for business, but his motivation was for the priesthood which triumphed. He was educated at a college at Douai in France and in due course proceeded to Rome where he was ordained at Saint John Lateran. He returned to England and settled in Yorkshire as a curate to a small mission for a year and was then transferred to Hull where he stayed for 16 years. In 1865 he came to Bradford and was appointed to Saint Mary's. He inspired the Catholic community with a progressive policy which resulted in important achievements. For 44 years he was the forefront of the Catholic work in the city and was instrumental in building church property valued at £40,000. In 1894 Canon Motler was appointed Chaplain to the Pope and has the title of Monsignor conferred upon him. Afterwards he was elevated to the dignity of Right Reverend. He was also appointed vicar general by the Bishop of Leeds.

In 1902 he was appointed by Pope Leo XIII, Provost to the Chapter of Leeds. He took an active part in the work of public charities and particularly in that of the Royal infirmary. He was also a member of the First Bradford School Board. He died in 1915 in his 91st year. He left all his possessions to Saint Joseph's Catholic Church and Mission."

Year

1888

Creator

Sowden

Image filename

sowden-74