MOORE, EDWARD ROBERTS

Social worker; b. New York City, Jan. 9, 1894; d. New York City, June 2, 1952. He was the only child of Edward A. and Mary (Roberts) Moore, the latter of English heritage and a convert. He received his higher education at Fordham University, NY (Ph.D. 1923). After his ordination on Sept. 20, 1919, at St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers, New York, he was assigned as curate to St. Peter's, Barclay Street, New York City, the oldest parish in the state. In 1923 he was appointed director of the division of social action of the newly founded Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Moore was interested in youth work (especially scouting), in housing, and in the Legion of Decency, and he served as a board member on many civic and Catholic committees. From 1933 to 1943 he was executive secretary of the Catholic Committee on Scouting. He was a member of the New York Municipal Housing Authority from 1934 to 1944 and he was appointed in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Advisory Commission of the National Youth Administration. He played a major role in 1935 in establishing the Legion of Decency on a national basis. Except for a brief period (1923–29) at St. Gregory's parish, Moore spent his priestly life at St. Peter's as curate, administrator, and pastor (1937–52). He made it virtually a shrine parish, established a large lending library, and fostered discussion groups. His book Roman Collar (1950) records his experiences at St. Peter's. Moore also taught at Fordham University's School of Social Service (1924–38) and worked zealously with the New York province of Newman clubs. Pope Pius XII named him a papal chamberlain in 1941 and a domestic prelate in 1948.

[f. d. cohalan]