Rev. Robert James Bogan, a well known divine of the Roman Catholic church, is now acting pastor of St. John's of Utica, which is the fourth oldest church in the state of New York. He was born at Waterville, Oneida county, New York, on the 15th of January, 1875, his parents being Robert and Margaret (Clark) Bogan. His district school education was supplemented by a high school and academic course at Waterville, while subsequently he matriculated in Niagara University, from which institution he was graduated in 1896. He then entered St. Bernard Seminary of Rochester, New York, and on the 21st of December, 1901, was ordained to the priesthood. His first charge was as assistant pastor of St. Patrick's church of Utica from January, 1902, until July, 1908, when he was assigned to St. Mary's church of Cortland, New York, there remaining as assistant pastor until September, 1910. At the latter date he came to Utica and here served St. John's church as assistant pastor until August, 1915. Father Bogan then assumed the duties of pastor in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Pompey, New York, where he remained until September, 1920, when he was made acting pastor of St. John's church of Utica, for the Rt. Rev. Mgr. J. S. M. Lynch, D. D., LL. D.
St. John's is the fourth oldest church in the state of New York. It has had three different edifices, the first having been established in 1819. The present building, which was erected in 1869, is a structure of striking appearance situated on one of the most prominent streets of Utica. Father Bogan is extremely popular, not only with the Catholics of the community but with people of other creeds as well, being generally beloved for his great heart and for his consecrated zeal in the performance of his holy duties. Boys count him a firm and sympathetic friend. A man of marked oratorical ability, he is sought as a speaker at many prominent functions. He has won the loyal support and cooperation of his parishioners in unusual measure and his efforts have been a potent force in the upbuilding of the cause of Catholicity in his native county.