John J. Chanche

John Mary Joseph Benedict Chanche, S.S., (October 4, 1795 – July 22, 1852) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Natchez in Mississippi from 1841 to 1852. Chanche was a member of the Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice (Sulpicians).

Biography

Early life John Chanche was born on October 4, 1795, in Baltimore, Maryland to John and Catherine Provost Chanche. His father had been a merchant in French colony of Saint-Domingue, present-day Haiti. After the outbreak of the Haitian Revolution in 1791, the Chanche family fled to Baltimore.

John Chanche was baptized on August 13, 1796, by Reverend Francis Beeston, rector of St. Peter's Pro-Cathedral in Baltimore. Deciding to become a priest, Chanche in 1806 entered St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, operated by the Sulpicians. He received "first tonsure" from Archbishop John Carroll. Chanche began his theological studies in 1814, and received his minor orders from Archbishop Leonard Neale.

Priesthood Chanche was ordained a priest in Baltimore for the Sulpicians on June 5, 1819, by Archbishop Ambrose Maréchal.

During his time as a priest, the Vatican offered Chanche an appointment as coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, then later as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Boston. He declined both appointments. Chanche met the only priest in the state, Reverend Brogard, who was only there temporarily. Brogard conducted services in the Mechanics' Hall. Taking up the role of a simple missionary, Chanche began to look for the Catholics in the area, organize a diocese and build its infrastructure.

In 1842, Chanche laid the cornerstone of St. Mary Cathedral in Natchez, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. In 1847, he asked the Sisters of Charity of Emmitsburg, Maryland to come to Natchez, where they established Saint Mary's Orphanage. At the First Plenary Council of Baltimore, which opened in Baltimore in May 1852, Chanche served the role of "chief promoter."

Death and legacy John Chanche died on July 22, 1852, in Frederick, Maryland, possibly of cholera. He was buried in the Cathedral Cemetery in Baltimore.

The Diocese of Jackson established the Bishop John Joseph Chanche Award for service. The awards honor individuals who give of themselves to their parish or faith community. The awards are presented on the weekend closest to the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the patronal feast for the diocese.