Most Reverend William E. Cousins, D.D.
Fourth Bishop of Peoria, 1952-1958
The Most Reverend William E. Cousins, D.D. was born August 20, 1902, in Chicago. He was one of the first priests ordained from the newly opened St. Mary-of-the-Lake Seminary in Mundelein on April 27, 1927. At the request of Cardinal Mundelein he served as a member of an English-Polish mission band for 12 years.
Fr. William E. Cousins was named Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago on December 17, 1948, and four years later appointed to the Peoria Diocese. The Chicago New World expressed the sentiments of many, saying, “Our loss, and it’s really a loss, is Peoria’s gain.” Cardinal Stritch presided at his installation at St. Mary Cathedral o July 2, 1952, laying before him the challenge of his illustrious predecessors.
The post-World War II years brought expansion of the Church in America and demanded expansion of the church and school facilities as well. Bishop Cousins preferred informal and personal contact with people rather than from behind his desk. His general manner was one of kindness, compassion, patience and deep respect he had for others. He was a man of outgoing spirit and genial personality.
Diocesan Growth
Among his recorded accomplishments is the establishment of five new parishes and six new grade schools and the construction of the new $2,000,000 St. Joseph Home in Peoria, considered one of the best retirement homes in the country.
His charisma with laymen and women was notable and led to his success with lay organizations of which he was a great promoter. The success of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women prompted Bishop Cousins to establish the Diocesan Council of Catholic men which was at once met with positive response. More than four thousand men attended the opening convention in Peoria in 1956.
After six years spent in Peoria, Bishop Cousins received another appointment and left to lead the flock of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Upon his leaving by a special train, a contingent of Peoria priests accompanied him to his new post, a tribute to a friend and leader the diocese had learned to love and respect.
He died on September 14, 1988, at the age of 86.
