Rev. Feeney

1920 - 1922

A native of Ireland, Father Henry Feeney was ordained a priest in 1914. He was serving as curate of Clarenbridge at the time of the Easter Rebellion of 1916. Feeney wrote to his parish priest stating he was resigning to become chaplain for the volunteers.

When the rebellion failed, Father Feeney hid for a time in a monastery. A warrant for his arrest and execution were issued on May 19, 1916. A Father Tom Fahy made a personal appeal to pardon Feeney. This was granted, however he was constantly harassed by Crown Forces. For the good of his health, he emigrated to America. He was the priest assigned to Sacred Heart from 1920 until 1922.

While assigned to Fruita, Father Feeney formed a building committee and sought the services of an architect. The specifications covered every detail of the construction and materials for the new church on Aspen Avenue and Maple Street.

In 1923 Father Feeney returned to Ireland where he died in 1945.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1210 17-1/2 Road, Fruita, CO 81521

Rev. Feeney