John Moore was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, attending grammar school at Saint John the Evangelist Male School there. He then attended Saint Charles College in Ellicott, Maryland, before receiving his theological training at Saint Mary’s Seminary, in Baltimore. He was ordained a Catholic priest on May 25, 1916. On May 30, 1918, he was commissioned a U.S. Army chaplain, serving in France with the American Expeditionary Forces. During combat in France he was wounded four times, earned the Distinguished Service Cross, and gained the nickname “Baltimore’s Hero Priest.” Discharged on October 17, 1919, he next served as Assistant Pastor at Holy Name Church in Washington, D.C. He also served as State Chaplain of both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War, while continuing to minister in his hometown. In 1941, to mark the 25th anniversary of his ordination, he was honored by both Maryland Governor OÕConnor and Baltimore mayor Jackson by their attendance of a Mass of Celebration led by Archbishop Curley. From 1940 until his death in 1952 he served as pastor of Saint Peter the Apostle, in Baltimore.




