Father Philip Richard Gagan, a priest, historian and archivist whose work helped preserve the legacy of the Catholic Church in Florida, passed away on Nov. 27 at the age of 79. A man of faith and intellectual curiosity, Father Gagan devoted his life to ministry, education and uncovering the rich history of Catholicism in America.
Born on May 11, 1945, in Rochester, N.Y., Father Gagan was the son of Irish-American ancestors who arrived in the United States during the Great Famine. He attended St. Augustine Parochial School and Aquinas Institute in Rochester before entering the Society of Jesus in 1964. From 1964-66, he studied ascetical theology, Greek and Latin at Bellarmine College in Plattsburgh, N.Y. He earned a bachelor’s in philosophy and history from Boston College. He later pursued graduate studies in modern European history at Fordham University and the Jesuit School of Theology at Loyola University of Chicago.
Father Gagan’s early career reflected his passion for service and education. He taught history at Xavier High School and Brooklyn Prep and led innovative bilingual social studies programs at Nativity Mission School in New York. His summers were spent in chaplaincy, remedial education and international outreach in Peru and Mexico.
Father Gagan was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Augustine in 1979 and served as associate pastor at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, St. Matthew and Assumption parishes in Jacksonville, and pastor at St. Edward Parish in Starke, where he also served as a chaplain to four prisons. His ministry included chaplaincy in schools, hospitals and prisons, youth ministry and counseling.
From 1982 to 1995, Father Gagan served as the Diocesan Archivist, a role that became his lifelong vocation. His archival work included historical research on Catholicism in Florida, and he maintained the original St. Augustine Parish Registers (1594-1881) and the Episcopal Archives (1857-1967).
His meticulous work helped preserve the oldest Catholic sacramental records in the United States, dating back to 1594. His expertise earned him national acclaim, including an interview for the March 1988 National Geographic article “Between Columbus and Jamestown: Exploring Our Forgotten Century.” The feature highlighted Father Gagan’s work with the historical records of the St. Augustine Parish, emphasizing their significance in chronicling early Catholic life in America.
Father Gagan’s contributions extended beyond archival work. The Secretary of State appointed him to the Spanish Missions Committee for the Columbian Quincentennial Commissions, providing invaluable insight into the Catholic Church’s role in Florida’s history from its earliest days before 1565 to the transformative years of the 20th century. His research and presentations enriched the understanding of Florida’s religious and cultural heritage.
The Vigil Service is Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at San Juan del Rio Catholic Church, 1718 SR 13 in St. Johns. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 6, at San Juan del Rio Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m., with interment following at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery in St. Augustine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diocese of St. Augustine Archives to support the ongoing preservation of Catholic history.
Father Philip R. Gagan’s life embodied the harmony of faith and reason, and his enduring contributions to the Church and history will not be forgotten. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
