James Forbes
(Eastern District) Born at Dufftown, 11th October 1844, the son of Alexander Forbes and Agnes Glennie, and a nephew of George Gordon Forbes (no. 121); left for Scotland, too young for ordination, 16th June 1867, and ordained a priest by Bp. Strain, 15th October 1867; died in Denny, 27th January 1874.
| Date | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct. 1844 | Born Dufftown | |
| 1856-1858 | 12 |
Blairs |
| 25 Sep. 1858 | 13 |
Arrived in the College |
| 16 Jun. 1867 | 22 |
Left for Scotland, too young for ordination |
| 15 Oct. 1867 | 23 |
Ordained a priest by Bishop Strain |
| 1867-1869 | 23 |
Dumfries |
| 1869-1871 | 25 |
Alloa |
| May-Sep. 1871 | 26 |
In Chapeltown in ill health |
| 1871-1872 | 27 |
Wishaw |
| 1872-1873 | 28 |
Canada |
| 1873-1874 | 29 |
Dumfries and Denny |
| 27 Jan. 1874 | 29 |
Died Denny |
Report of the ordination of James Forbes in the Scottish Catholic Directory of 1868.
The Rev. James Forbes was born at Dufftown, Banffshire, on the 11th October 1844, and entered Blairs College 21st July 1856. He was sent on 25th Sept. 1858 to the Scots College of Valladolid, where he completed his studies. Returning to Scotland, he received Minor Orders on the 4th from the Right Rev. Dr Strain, who also ordained him Subdeacon on the 6th, Deacon on the 7th Sept., and Priest on the 15th Oct. 1867. He was then sent, as Junior Clergyman, to Dumfries.
Obituary of James Forbes in the Scottish Catholic Directory of 1875.
Pray for the soul of the Rev. James Forbes , who died at Denny, on the 27th January, 1874, in the 30th year of his age, and the 7th of his priesthood.
Mr. Forbes was born at Dufftown on the 11th October, 1844; entered Blairs College on the 21st July, 1856; and was sent to the Scots College, Valladolid, on the 25th September, 1858. Having completed the usual course of studies with marked distinction, and not having yet attained the age required for the priesthood, he returned to Scotland in June, 1867, and passed some time in Blairs College. With the approval of his Bishop, he gave his services to the Eastern District; and received Minor Orders on the 4th September from Bishop Strain, who also ordained him Sub-deacon on the 6th, and Deacon on the 7th of the same month, and Priest on the 15th October. He was then sent to Dumfries as junior Clergyman. On the death of the Bev. George Gordon Forbes, his uncle, he was appointed to succeed him in the Mission of Alloa, and removed there in September, 1869. On his arrival in Alloa the Catholics took possession of the handsome cruciform Church, purchased by Bishop Strain from the late Earl of Kellie. He immediately set about collecting funds to build a Chapel-house, and though he never enjoyed the fruit of his labour, he lived to see the work completed. In May, 1871, the state of his health made it necessary for him to resign the charge of the congregation at Alloa, by whom he was much respected and beloved, and he retired to Chapeltown. Re returned to Alloa in October, to assist at the first administration of Confirmation in that Mission since the Reformation. He spent the winter of 1871 in Wishaw, and in September, 1872, he proceeded to Canada. He returned to Scotland in August, 1873, little improved in health, and desiring, as he said, to die in his native land. Most of his time after his return was spent in Denny and Dumfries. He was appointed to the charge of the Mission of Annan, where, it was hoped, the easy duties he would have to perform, combined with the salubrity of the climate, might, if not restore him to good health, at least prolong his life for many years to come. But while the arrangements were being completed, he caught a slight cold, which increased the symptoms of his fatal disease—consumption—and on the very day he had intended to enter on his new Mission, he died at Denny, after receiving the last Sacraments in the most holy manner.
At the request of the Dumfries congregation, his body was conveyed to that town, to be laid in the new vaults under St. Andrew’s Church. The funeral took place on the 29th January. High Mass was celebrated, and the funeral oration pronounced, by Bishop Strain; and the Rev. Alexander Gordon, Dalbeattie, was Assistant Priest; the Rev. James Donlevy, Alloa, Deacon; and the Rev. Patrick Fay, Lechee, Sub-deacon. There was a large attendance of the Clergy.