The Elgin Patriot

Most Rev. John C. Cody, (1950-1963) John Christopher Cody was born in Ottawa on December 16, 1899 and was ordained on May 26, 1923. On January 5, 1937, Pope Pius XI named him Bishop of Victoria, BC. At 37, he was the youngest bishop in Canada. On April 6, 1946, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of London diocese. He succeeded Bishop Kidd, as the seventh Bishop of London on June 2, 1950. Thirty-eight churches were built, forty rectories and many classrooms were added to existing schools. Eleven of these new parishes were ethnic parishes to accommodate the immigrants who came from Europe after the Second World War. Regina Mundi College was opened in 1962, Christ the King College was established in London and Holy Name College for women in Windsor. Immigration centers were established in London and Windsor. In 1962 the Holy Father named St. Peter’s Cathedral a basilica. The cathedral was completed to include towers, chimes, Our Lady Chapel and the Sacristy. Bishop Cody died suddenly on December 5, 1963 as a result of a massive brain hemorrhage.