In 1904 the diocese of Montana was divided in two (Great Falls and Helena) and the Reverend John P. Carroll became first Bishop of Helena. Though the first bishop of the Diocese of Helena, he was actually the second bishop in Helena, John B. Brondel being the bishop at Helena before the splitting of the diocese into two.
Born February 22, 1864, Carroll remained bishop of the diocese until his death on November 4, 1925. The diocesan college, Carroll College, is named for Bishop Carroll, who simultaneously built St. Helena's Cathedral, begun in 1906, and started Carroll College.
July 9, 1964
Right Reverend John Patrick Carroll, D. D., second Bishop of Helena, was born at Dubuque, Iowa, February 22, 1864, of Martin Carroll and Catherine O'Farrell. His primary education was received at St. Raphael's parochial school of his native town. At the age of thirteen he entered St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, where he remained until 1883, when he was graduated from the classical department with the highest honors of his class.
He entered the Grand Seminary of Montreal, Canada. graduating in June, 1889, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. On July 7th of the same year he was ordained to the priesthood, and immediately appointed to the chair of mental philosophy in his alma mater, St. Joseph's College, Dubuque. He entered upon his new duties September 12,1889. and for five years devoted himself with untiring energy to the cause of Christian education and the upbuilding of the College. So successful were his efforts that the Archbishop of Dubuque, the Most Reverend John Hennessy, resolved to place the College under his control, and on September 12, 1894, he was proclaimed president of St. Joseph's--a position he continued to hold during the next decade of years. His presidency was eminently successful.
In 1903 the See of Helena was left vacant by the death of Right Reverend John B. Brondel. Rome cast about for a "strong man" to take charge of this important See. It chose, September 12, 1904, the Reverend Dr. Carroll. And the wisdom of its choice has been abundantly approved by all the subsequent history of the Diocese of Helena. The newly appointed bishop was consecrated in St. Raphael's Cathedral, Dubuque, December 21, 1904, and installed as second Bishop of Helena at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, January 31, 1905.
From the Helena Independent Record