Br. John (James) Bailey, O.P. Collection
Scope and Contents
The Br. John (James) Bailey, O.P. Collection consists of three folders documenting his life, devotion, and untimely death. Materials include clippings from Catholic newspapers and local press, photographs of Br. Bailey, and research compiled by Fr. Jon Alexander, O.P., into the medical and historical circumstances of his passing. Together these items preserve the memory of a significant figure in the Province’s history, both as the first African-American Dominican friar in the Province of St. Albert the Great and as a model of extraordinary piety recognized by his confrères.
Dates
- Creation: 1927-1944
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Material from this collection may only be accessed upon consultation and written permission from the Provincial. Materials are non-circulating.
Conditions Governing Use
Some materials may require the use of audiovisual equipment provided by the archives. Contact the archivist prior to visiting.
Biographical / Historical
Obituary in Catalogus
Brother John (James) Bailey, O.P, was born on August 13, 1927, in Milwaukee, WI. Taught by the Dominican Sisters at St. Rose School, he was inspired by the example of Blessed Martin de Porres to enter the Order. He received the habit of Our Holy Father St. Dominic on August 14, 1944. During his postulancy he manifested a marvelous example of piety. His novitiate, God willing, was suddenly cut short by his death. Only a few hours after his profession—hastened by the fear of death—he died in Oak Park Hospital on November 7, 1944.
Archivist’s Note: Br. Bailey was the first African-American to join the Order in the United States. This was especially notable at a time when the Central Province was overwhelmingly Irish. He passed away from a pancreas injury, but was so recognized for his piety that the Province made the extraordinary step to allow him to take his final vows on his deathbed.
Extent
1 Linear Feet (One Box (3 folders))
Abstract
Br. John Bailey, O.P. (also recorded as James Bailey), was the first African-American to join the Province of St. Albert the Great. He passed away at a young age during his novitiate and, because of his exceptional piety and devotion, was allowed to make solemn vows shortly before his death. This collection contains media coverage of his life, photographs, and an investigation into his illness and death by Fr. Jon Alexander, O.P.
Physical Location
Archives of the Province of St. Albert the Great, U.S.A. 1910 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608.
- Title
- Guide to Br. John Bailey, O.P. Collection SC.Bailey
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Kevin O'Gorman
- Date
- 8-22-2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Description is written in: English, Latin script.
Repository Details
Part of the Archives of the Province of St. Albert the Great, U.S.A. Repository
1910 S. Ashland Ave
Chicago Illinois 60608 United States
3122430011
archivist@opcentral.org