Timeline
1886
Fr Cotter retires
April 4
After an absence of five months through illness, Fr Cotter, in a printed note to the congregation said: “The Missionary Rector of this Church begs a favour. That all his friends may pray for him in his present delicate state of health.” He goes on to thank them for their loyalty to him and promises them a daily remembrance in his prayers. Seven weeks before, he had sent a "memorandum" to be read at all the Sunday Masses, apparently intended as the first instalment of his own account of his achievements. He was now forced by continued ill health to retire from active work.
Fr Fieu appointed Administrator
October 15
Fr Fieu was appointed Administrator of the Woolwich Mission. Fr Cotter continued to hold the position of Rector, though ill health prevented him from taking any active role.