Father Bartholomew (Father Bart) was born on 31 May 1932, in Philadelphia, PA to William and Marie (Richardson) Agar.

In 1955, Father Bart received a B.A. degree in Philosophy from St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI, and a Master’s degree in Music from University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and also from Columbia University, New York, NY in 1979.

Upon entering St. Norbert Abbey, he was vested as a novice on 28 August 1950. He professed Simple Vows on 28 August 1952, Solemn Vows on 28 August 1955 and was ordained to the Priesthood on 31 May 1958. He celebrated 60 years of Priestly Ordination in 2018.

Father Bart was a faculty member at St. Norbert High School, De Pere, WI from 1955 – 1958. He spent the next 13 years at St. John Neumann High School, Philadelphia PA. Father Bart was a faculty member in the Music Department as well as Organist, Accompanist and Choir Director at St. Norbert College from January 1973 until June 1983. He continued as an Organist and Choir Director at St. Norbert Abbey until June 2000. From June 2000 until present, he served as Organist Emeritus as well as in Internal Ministry at St. Norbert Abbey.

His brilliance as the Abbey Organist for so many years has been a treasure; he would often continue playing until the last person left the church. He created an atmosphere of such ethereal beauty in the Abbey Church, that music became a true gift, a blessed grace and glorious beatitude.

Father Bart is survived by the Norbertine Community; two half brothers, Laurence Cole and Richard Cole and half sister, Mary Anne Cole.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Source: https://www.ryanfh.com/obituaries/Fr-Bartholomew-Agar-OPraem?obId=4079677