Fr. Raymond Thomas Johns, OP

Thomas James Johns was born in London, England on March 13, 1842.  After trying his vocation with the Cistercians, he received the habit of the Order of Preachers "pro California" in the Priory of the Annunciation, Woodchester, England on March 6, 1870.  He made his simple profession in Woodchester as Brother Raymond Henry on March 7, 1871.  On December 7, 1874, he made his solemn profession in Woodchester.

Brother Raymond studied philosophy and commenced his theology studies in Woodchester.  While there he painted the stations of cross which was housed in the sacristy. He was ordained sub-deacon in 1875 and the next year he came to St. Dominic's Priory, Benicia where he continued his studies.  He was ordained a priest here in 1878.

Father Johns was assigned to St. Dominic's Priory, San Francisco, in 1879 and again to St. Dominic's Priory in 1883.  He drew the rough designs for the present St. Dominic's church in Benicia and the second St. Dominic's Church in San Francisco, the one destroyed in the earthquake of 1906.  He was also a painter, but did not wish to show his work because it was not original.  Father Raymond Henry Thomas Johns died in St. Mary's Hospital, San Francisco, on February 24, 1902, at the age of sixty.  He is buried in St. Dominic's Cemetery, Benicia.

Dominicana Obituary

The announcement of the death of our Father Raymond Johns, O.P., in San Francisco on February twenty-fourth, was received with expressions of profound regret by all those who had known his genial, kindly nature, or had been brought into contact with his never-failing, gentle courtesy.  By his brethren in the Order the sad tidings were not unexpected, for they knew the fatal character of his illness.

During the two months which followed this manifestation, and until his death, Father Johns displayed a spirit of patience and resignation, under sufferings most intense, worthy of a true religious and edifying to all who witnessed his fortitude.

Although not naturally robust, Father Johns was actively engaged in the duties of his charge until two months previously to his death, when the disease, from which he had long suffered, took so marked a turn that the change gave a shock to all his associates.

He was born in London, March 13, 1842; his parents, exemplary members of the Episcopal Church, were remarkable for their intelligence and culture.  From his earliest years he was required to be helpful in the household and to avail of all the opportunities of instruction that offered.  He soon developed an eye quick to apprehend and a mind apt to comprehend the harmony of colors and the beauty of proportions.  He determined to devote himself to the study of architecture.  His later years gave splendid evidence of his artistic genius.  Architectural disproportion was to him a real source of affliction.

Having been converted to the Catholic faith, Father Johns entered the Novitiate of the Dominican Order at Woodchester, England.  He made profession in 1871.  In 1876 he came to California, and in the following year was ordained priest by the late Archbishop Alemany.  Since his ordination Father Johns labored zealously and successfully in San Francisco, Vallejo, Benicia, and in the neighboring towns.

According to his plans were erected S. Dominic's Church, San Francisco, and St. Dominic's Church, Benicia, both conceded to be monuments of architectural ability.   Many conventual buildings also bear the impress of his artistic skill.

Naturally of a kind and generous heart with a temperament not easily ruffled, he proved a pleasant and agreeable companion to all his associates.  By his life he taught the blessedness and beauty of a gentle heart.

He died as he had lived, thinking well of all, and by no one disesteemed.  He exhaled a spirit of charity and hearty toleration, redolent of the atmosphere of peace in which he dwelt, and in which he enjoyed a foretaste of that eternal peace into which, as we pray and hope, his soul has entered.

--1902, Dominicana V.3, pg. 151

XII: 38