Isadora Duncan called him "the worlds greatest dancer".
David Belasco, legend of American Theatre, thought he brought to mind "green fields, altar candles - and a brothel."
Cecil B. De Mille called him the "young idealist".
The Bishop of Nevada wrote of him "He is the only white man I have ever known who seems to win immediately the unreserved affection of the Paiute people. He is the most effective teacher of the simple essentials of the Catholic faith I have ever known".
These pages contain but a brief description of only parts of Gareth's life. There is so much more that is complex, astonishing, moving and bizarre. I am currently writing this story down and you will have to wait for the book to read this extraordinary story. In the meantime - enjoy this brief glimpse.
Gareth Hughes/Brother David should not be confused with Father John Crowley 1891-1940 - a Catholic priest about whom much has been written under the title "Desert Padre"*
Father John Crowley served in the Californian High Desert country during the 1920's and 1930's and, while there are some similarities between Gareth Hughes and Father Crowley, I have found no evidence of Gareth Hughes ever being called "Desert Padre".
* e.g. "Desert Padre" by Joan Brooks - "Desert Padre" by Irving Stone - "Tales of the Desert Padre" by William E Webster
The research and material contained in these pages is the intellectual
and moral property of Stephen Lyons. © Stephen Lyons 2008
Any copying, distribution or publication of this material, in any manner or form in any media whatsoever, without authorisation, is prohibited and will be subject to legal action.