Lee, Thomas Sim, 1842-1922.

Thomas Sim Lee, the son of John Lee and Harriet Carroll, (the granddaughter of Charles Carroll of Carrollton) was born on January 8, 1842 in Baltimore, Maryland. He entered St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg probably in 1857, but left due to illness. He traveled to Europe, settled in Rome, and began studies at the North American College. Lee was ordained a priest on May 3, 1866 by Monsignor Castellaci Villanova, Viceregent of Rome. Lee was first assigned to St. Vincent de Paul's in Baltimore on September 22, 1866. In September 1873 he was appointed rector of the Cathedral of Baltimore. Lee was then made rector of St. Matthew's Church in Washington, DC on November 26, 1891 and he held that position until his death. Lee's chief project at St. Matthew's was to build a new church for the parish. A Golden Jubilee Celebration was held at St Matthew's on May 2, 1916 in honor of the 50th anniversary of Rev. Lee's ordination. On October 12, 1939 the church was designated a cathedral for the new Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Lee also served as trustee of the Catholic University of America from 1888 until 1920, and on May 6, 1908, he founded a fellowship there. He died on August 11, 1922.