James Tompkins

Father James "Jimmy" Tompkins (September 7, 1870 – May 4, 1953) was a Roman Catholic priest who attempted to integrate ideals of community action with Christian teachings in the fishing and mining communities of northern Nova Scotia, Canada. Tompkins was closely affiliated with St. Francis Xavier University, the Antigonish Movement and Father Moses Coady.

Related Topics:
September 7 - 1870 - May 4 - 1953 - St. Francis Xavier University - Antigonish Movement - Father Moses Coady

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Father Tompkins believed in the emancipating power of education and sought to improve the condition of the poor through study groups and co-operatives.

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Tompkins was born in Margaree, Nova Scotia, a small town on Cape Breton Island. From 1888-1895, he attended St. Francis Xavier University in alternate semesters while teaching in the remaining time to support himself and then taught Greek and math at St. FX. He attended the Urban College of Propaganda Fide in Rome from 1897 to 1902. On his return, he continued teaching at the university, where he became vice-rector in 1907. Working closely with the Carnegie Corporation, he implemented various reform and modernization programs, culminating in an unsuccessful attempt to amalgamate various sectarian colleges in the Maritime Provinces into one nondenominational university in Halifax. His bishop, James Morrison, opposed amalgamation and eventually exiled Tompkins to be parish priest in Canso, Nova Scotia.

Related Topics:
Cape Breton Island - St. Francis Xavier University - Urban College - Propaganda Fide - Rome - Carnegie Corporation - Maritime Provinces - Halifax - James Morrison - Canso - Nova Scotia

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As pastor in Canso, Tompkins observed first-hand the plight of the poor fishing community there and organized what would become the Antigonish Movement of cooperative fisheries, stores, housing projects, and adult study groups. The Antigonish Movement was eventually institutionalized in the form of the Extension Department at St. FX, which was headed by Tompkins' double-cousin Moses Coady.

Related Topics:
Antigonish Movement - Moses Coady

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