Philip B. Gordon facts for kids

Philip Bergin Gordon (born March 31, 1885, died October 1, 1948) was an important Ojibwe man. His Ojibwe name was Dibishkoo-Giizhig, meaning "At One With the Sky." He was the second Native American Catholic priest in the United States. The first was Albert Negahnquet, a Potawatomi priest. Philip Gordon strongly supported Native American rights. He often spoke out against the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a government agency. He was also the president of the Society of American Indians. Later, he served on a special group called the "Committee of One Hundred" for U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. After working at the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation, Gordon became the pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Centuria, Wisconsin in 1924. He stayed there until he passed away.

Early Life and Education

Philip Gordon was born in Gordon, Wisconsin. This town was named after his grandfather, Antoine Gordon. Philip grew up in a family that really valued education. He had a very extensive schooling himself.

Where Philip Gordon Studied

He attended several schools and universities:

• St. Thomas Military College in St. Paul, Minnesota (1904-1908)
• Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity
• Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.
• American College in Rome
• University of Innsbruck in Austria
• Again, the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity
• St. John's University at Collegeville, Minnesota

Philip's mother, Ataage-kwe, whose name meant "Gambling Woman," lived until March 1940. He often visited her at her home in Gordon, Wisconsin. Philip Gordon passed away on October 1, 1948. He was buried at the Gordon Memorial Cemetery in his hometown of Gordon, Wisconsin.

Philip Gordon's Career as a Priest and Activist

Philip Gordon became a priest on December 8, 1913. In his second year, he became an Assistant Director for Catholic Indian Welfare. This role was with the Bureau of Catholic Missions in Washington, D.C.

Advocacy for Native American Rights

However, in 1917, he was asked to leave this role. This happened because he was very outspoken about Native American rights. After leaving, he asked for a new assignment with the Chippewa people. He became the pastor for St. Francis Solano at Reserve, Wisconsin. He also served six other Indian missions.

These missions included:

• The main mission at Reserve, near the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation.
• Two missions on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation.
• One at Mud Lake and Russ Kelly.
• One at the mouth of Yellow River.
• One at Old Post on the west branch of the Chippewa River.

When the church in Reserve burned down in 1921, Philip Gordon helped raise money. He wanted to build a new church that would honor its Native American members. It included many native symbols in its design.

Wisconsin's Fighting Priest

Because of his strong activism, Philip Gordon earned the nickname "Wisconsin's Fighting Priest." He worked hard to ensure Native Americans received proper food and medical care. He also fought for Native American citizenship rights.

In 1923, Philip Gordon became the last president of the Society of American Indians. He was also invited to help create a new group. This group was called the "Advisory Council on Indian Affairs." It later became known as the "Committee of One Hundred." Its purpose was to give advice on Native American policies.

During this time, he faced some challenges because of his strong opinions. He believed that the government's Indian Office often tried to silence Native Americans who spoke up. He felt they were trying to stop progress for Native people. He strongly believed the system needed to change.

Later Ministry

In January 1924, Philip Gordon was moved from his mission. He immediately asked to be assigned to another Native American parish. However, in May 1924, he was instead appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church. This church was in Centuria, Wisconsin, and mostly served Irish families. He faced difficulties there, including anti-Catholic feelings. He remained at this church for the rest of his life.

Honors and Legacy

In 1972, the Knights of Columbus honored Philip Gordon. They established the "Father Philip Gordon Council 6370 of the Knights of Columbus." This council includes local churches, such as St. Patrick's Church in Centuria, Wisconsin.