ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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The first wood and iron Catholic Church, St Patrick’s, was opened in 1893. This was the first Catholic Church to be built between Albany and Beverley, and was located at the southern end of Austral Terrace on the corner of Bokarup Street opposite the original sheep sale yards. The first parish priest was Father Duff and Bishop Gibney laid the foundation stone.

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DEDICATION OF ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 1893

West Australian
2 September, 1893

The ceremony of consecrating the recently completed Roman Catholic Church to St. Patrick took place on Sunday. Bishop Gibney, attired in the episcopal robes, and assisted by Fathers Kelly and Duff, performed the ceremony. The procession round the exterior of the church was particularly impressive.

The ceremony having been duly concluded according to the prescribed forms, Father Kelly celebrated mass, Mr. H. Bramley officiating as organist, and being assisted by Mr. C. A. Stevenson in the chanting of the responses. The latter gentleman also sang in an excellent manner Gounod’s “Le Norn de Marie.”

A most scholarly and appropriate sermon was then delivered by Father Kelly, after which the rites of confirmation was administered by the Bishop to a number of young people. In the evening the Bishop preached on the Holy Sacrament.

The congregation, both morning and evening, was unusually large, though not in any way trying to the accommodation which is spacious enough to provide for a considerable increase in the numbers of the Roman Catholic flock, the pastor of which, Father Duff, should feel proud that his energy and perseverance have been rewarded by the erection of such a substantial edifice.

The clergy and a few invited guests were entertained at dinner at the Railway Hotel and its hostess, Mrs. R. Bell, deserves no inconsiderable praise for her freely bestowed hospitality on this last occasion, as well as for her prominent liberality previously in the cause of religion. The Bishop visited Broomehill on Wednesday and administered the rite of confirmation there to a number of children.

By the early 1920s the parish had outgrown its church, so in 1923 a block of land was purchased on the north side of Amherst Street for £300. The site of the original church was sold to the Vacuum Oil Company for £450 and was developed as fuel storage depot. The block now houses commercial storage units.

Katanning’s first sheep sale yards, built by A.E. Piesse just prior to changing his business name to Katanning Stock and Trading Company Ltd., with the original St Patrick’s Church in the left background (below arrow)
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The old church being demolished by Mr Marshall.
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The new church was opened on 19th August, 1923, with Father Reidy having been a major force behind the project, and the church was blessed by Archbishop Clune. The Architect was M F Cavanagh and the builder was Alex Thomson, who constructed many of Katanning’s prominent buildings at the time. St Patrick’s school was also erected on the church block in the same year.

In 1937/38, Father Byrne carried out improvements to the church by adding a confessional box and new seating. In the same year Mrs. M. J. Garrity placed a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and accompanying angels in the sanctuary.

When Fr McSweeney arrived in 1959, he took over the work started by Fr Casey, and launched the “Wells Fund Raising Campaign” to raise finance for additions to the church. The additions were completed and consecrated by Rev. Goody, Bishop of Bunbury, in August 1962, the designer and builder being S. Costello. An improvement carried out in 1959 surround Cavanagh’s original concept and the campanile appears to be part of this campaign.

St Patrick’s Church in Amherst Street prior to additions and alterations.
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The Church in 1976 after the extensions and alterations were complete.
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Current St Patrick’s Church today (December 2021)
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JUBILEE PUBLICATION

Click on the “Download” link for a scanned copy of the 1926 – 1976 St Patrick’s Jubilee Booklet.

Jubilee Booklet
Download

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KATANNING BROOMEHILL PARISH

From The Catholic Diocese of Bunbury website

KATANNING

The history of the parish of Katanning reads like a miniature version of “Gone with the Wind”. So many interesting and historical events, humorous anecdotes, family tragedies and on many occasions shared joys are recorded that some of them are almost unimaginable. The nationalities of the priests are mixed, mainly Irish as were their parishioners and English, Italian, Australian, Polish, Dutch and Filipino. The Catholics of this area, which became known as the “Great Southern”, lived in the districts and towns of Katanning, Kojonup, Gnowangerup, Tambellup, Wagin, Narrogin and down south to Ravensthorpe. In earlier years the priests had to cover these distances on horseback or in a horse and buggy – the latter could only be used if finance was sufficient and there was a track on which to drive.

The first Catholic Mass celebrated in the Katanning district was by Fr Matthew Gibney, an Irishman traveling his vast parish on horseback. On one of his visits to an outlying homestead he called at Martinup near Broomehill where the lady of the house, Anna Maria Norrish Treasure, gave him newly baked scones to eat. Unfortunately she had made a mistake and used arsenic instead of baking powder. The priest nearly died.

Another story from Martinup – the marriage of Elizabeth Mary Treasure, eldest daughter of Anna Maria and Edward Treasure, who was to marry James Michael Flanagan. The food was prepared and many guests had arrived, but no priest. It seems he had got lost! So they all got dressed in their wedding attire and had the wedding feast – Father arrived in a few days. The bride got dressed again and Elizabeth and James were married.

Fr Gibney was followed by a Frenchman, Fr Matteau. Then came Fr Delaney, another Irishman. He was well known for his poor sense of direction and often became lost. Fr Coll traveled extensively around the district mostly with the sandalwood cutters. He did his best to persuade parents to send their daughters to Albany where a convent was being established.

Fr Joseph Chmelicek, a Russian Pole, cam to live in a mud hut in the district, his place of residence being situated between Katanning and Kojonup. He died alone in his hut with a rosary in his hand. He was 76 years old when he died in 1890. Fr Reidy had his body exhumed from its burial place near the hut and placed in consecrated ground in the Norrish-Treasure-Jones family portion of the Kojonup cemetery.

Katanning then became a separate parish from Kojonup and the first resident priest was Fr Duff, an Irishman. He was responsible for the first timber church which had an attic over the sacristy where he had his home. Four families were responsible for the construction of the building – Job Haddleton, Cronin, Grover and Noonan were the builders. The building did not have sufficient foundations for the large heavy building and the top part gave way under the excessive weight.

Next was Fr Timothy Dooley 1894-96, followed by Fr James Flood, then Fr James Phelan 1901-08. Fr Michael Reidy came to the parish in 1908. In that year he celebrated the marriage of Job Francis and Agnes Haddleton. This was just before the church was built and they were the first couple married by him after taking up his duties in the area. The Haddleton family has been associated with the parish from its very beginning. The first marriage in the church in 1909 was Mary Jane Haddleton and Patrick Garrity. The first marriage in the renovated church in 1962 was Ainslie Haddleton and John Evans.

Fr Reidy was Irish and a very popular figure around town. He mixed with persons and ministers of all religions. He combined his religious ideas with being a great sportsman and horse owner. He was instrumental in having the church in Amherst Street constructed and obtaining the services of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.

Under his pastoral care the three rooms of St Rita’s, now St Patrick’s school was constructed. In the late 1920s Fr Reidy drove his old bomb of a car the 40 miles to Gnowangerup to celebrate Mass once a month. After Mass he usually called at Martinup on his way back to Katanning. Huge roast dinners were prepared for Father and the adult members of the Treasure family. Fr Reidy left Katanning in 1935 for Northam and later West Perth.

From 1935-37 Fr Peter Doddy served the parish but he suffered from asthma and the cold winter was bad for his health. He died in Shenton Park in 1950. Fr Fred Byrne, an Australian, was Parish Priest from 1937-50. He was followed by Francis Regan who was an outgoing and generous priest. He was a very energetic priest and was responsible for the successful St. Rita’s Choir, which won Australia wide accolades after their successful visit to Canberra in 1951.

Then came Fr Edmund McSweeney who served his people for the next 14 years. He was known as the “builder priest” and it was during his time that additions were done to the school. It was under Fr McSweeney that the P & F was formed, as was the first parish council. “Bushie” schools for children from outlying areas were held in the convent giving the children the opportunity to learn their faith and receive the sacraments.

Fr McSweeney moved onto Denmark where he spent the rest of his life. The first undertaking of the new Parish Priest, Fr William Costello was to build two more classrooms, a new toilet block, staff room and headmaster’s room for a total cost of $30,000. These were opened and blessed in 1975 by Inspector Graham McKinnon and Bishop Myles McKeon. Fr Costello was Parish Priest until 1979. The Sisters celebrated their 50 years in Katanning in 1976. Fr Edward Kenny became Parish Priest in 1979 being transferred from Albany. He was Vicar General of the Diocese.

1986-88 Fr Andrew Pyka SDS – a Polish Priest. He was followed by another Polish Priest, Fr John Liszka, Parish Priest from 1988 to 1990, when he was transferred to Esperance. Fr Michael Dziedzic then served from 1990-91 until his transfer to Mt Barker in January 1992. From 1992-94 Fr Kevin Johnston served the parish by starting a lot of outgoing associations. During this time of service he had his long service leave when he went home to Ireland and Fr Adrian Van Klooster relieved him serving in the parish from 1994-98. Relieving priests have been Fr McCall (1947); Fr Crocetti (1967); Fr Faulkner (1975); Fr Douglas Conlon (1980,83,84).

Members of the Founding Families who have spent their lives in the service of the Lord:

Laurel Harken – Sr M. Phillipa (Our Lady of the Missions); Marion McLeod – Sr M. Bernadette (Our Lady of the Missions); Phillipa Cronin – Sr M. Marion (Our Lady of the Missions): Miss Brosnan – Sr Romuald (Our Lady of the Missions); Kathleen Levitzke – Sr M. DeRicci (Dominican); Fr John Bonata SM – Missionary Priest Tonga; Fr Hugh Galloway – former Albany Parish Priest; Br Patrick Dwyer – Christian Brother; Fr Michael Slattery who was a teacher at St. Patrick’s before joining the seminary and is now Parish Priest of Waroona and Harvey.

Katanning is in the centre of the Great Southern area, and is the centre of a wheat and sheep farming district and is primarily an agricultural farming community with its supporting industries. It is a multicultural community with 12 different religious organisations. It is 240kms east of Bunbury and has been a parish since 1880. There is a fine church and presbytery as well as a Catholic school. The priest in Katanning also oversees the parishes of Kojonup and Tambellup, as well as providing Mass in Broomehill as an out station of Katanning. The church in Katanning has St. Patrick as Patron, the church in Kojonup has St. Bernard, the church in Tambellup has St. Michael and Broomehill has Our Lady of Fatima. There is a presbytery in Kojonup and a Parish house in Tambellup. Katanning has a population of 5,500 people.

BROOMEHILL

Long before Broomehill or Katanning came into being, a small but thriving township with hotel, two stores, three Smithies, a church and farm houses was established at Eticup on the Kojonup-Broomehill road. Then came the railway in 1889 and the town of Broomehill was formed, four miles away, replacing Eticup as a focal point.

Through there were Catholic families in the district, and in the 1920s Broomehill must have been fairly prosperous, society was very diverse and the church seems not to have had much influence and no effort was made to build a church, although there were three town blocks for the purpose. Perhaps the proximity of Katanning, which was expanding rapidly, had something to do with this.

The first resident priest of the district, which comprises Narrogin, Wagin and Katanning was Fr Chimelicek, who arrived in 1882 and the first resident priest of Katanning was Fr James Duff, circa 1890, who incidentally, built the first church in Katanning. His successors were Fr Tim Dooley 1994-96, Fr James Flood, Fr James Phelan and Fr Michael Reidy 1908-1935.

The first recorded Mass in Broomehill was celebrated in the early 1920s by Fr Reidy who traveled per motorbike from Katanning, the venues being variously, the Mechanic’s Institute, the Shire Hall, a corner room in part of the hotel building or a vacant shop. There followed the Great Depression and the second World War. The end of World War II and the subsequent “New Beginning”, plans were set in motion to build a church.

The Community, led by Fr William Costello, set about fund raising in earnest e.g. fancy dress dances in the Broomehill Hall, barbecues and Square dances at “Kia Ora” wool-shed, and generous donations of wool and grain. The church was finally completed and blessed by Bishop Goody in 1954. Broomehill is a small town with a population of 540 and it serves a mainly farming community. It is part of the Katanning Parish but has its own identity.

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PAST NEWS REPORTS

News reports from various newspapers and journals about the happenings at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.

MOURITZ – FITZGERALD.

Southern Districts Advocate
20 April 1936

On Saturday, 11th. April, at 3 p.m., in the Roman Catholic Church, Katanning, a quiet but very pretty wedding was solemnised, the contracting parties being Miss K. Fitzgerald and Mr H. Mouritz, both of Katanning. The Rev. Father Doddy officiated at the ceremony. The altar had been decorated by the sisters and was literally a mass of blossom.

The bride entered the church on the arm of her father, was charmingly attired in a cream costume, with an embroidered georgette blouse featuring a cowled neckline. A very dainty butterfly hat completed her toilette. She carried a bouquet of white dahlias and maiden hair fern. Miss I. Fitzgerald, sister of the bride, attended as bridesmaid, and looked particularly smart in a blue frock, effectively trimmed with shunk fur. Her hat was of the same shade, and she carried a bouquet of beige shaded dahlias.

Mr C. Fitzgerald ably carried out the duties of best man. Mrs. J. Fraser was at the organ and rendered the “Wedding March,” and during the signing of the register Mr. J. Stapleton sang “My Prayer” which was much appreciated.

Another pleasing little tribute was the presentation of a decorated horseshoe to the bride, as she was leaving the church, by Vivian, the small son of Mr and Mrs J. Norrish.

After the ceremony the guests were received at the “Trocadero” by Mrs Fitzgerald, who was attired in a smart navy frock with hat to match, and Mrs Mouritz, who chose a black ensemble, with a three-quarter coat, and hat to match. Each carried a bouquet of roses and fern. Here a tasty repast had been spread by Mrs Worsley. The tables looked very attractive and the wedding cake was decorated with a miniature bride and streamers. Rev. Father Doddy took the chair and the usual toasts were honoured.

The bride and groom left by car for a tour of the South-West and intend visiting Perth before their return. The bride’s travelling frock was very dainty, being carried out in blue and white tonings, with crepe effect, and accessories to match. The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents.

WEDDINGS
O’Neil – Walton

The WA Record
2 December 1916

A wedding was solemnised by the Rev. Father Reidy at the Catholic Church, Katanning, on Wednesday, the 23rd ult.. the contracting parties being Mr. J. J. O’Neil, of Tambellup, and Miss Selina Walton, of Meapham, Kent, England.

The bride, who was charmingly attired in white silk with a wreath of orange blossom, was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr. C. H. Duncombe. Miss Maggie O’Neil, cousin of the bridegroom, who also wore a pretty costume of white silk, was the bridesmaid, and Mr. A. T. Prior was the best man. After the ceremony the guests were entertained at the King George Hostel, where the wedding breakfast was served.

Amongst the guests were Mrs. A. T. Prior, Miss Marjorie Prior, Pte. P. Francis, Mrs. S. Maslem (Brookton), Mr. and Mrs. M. O’Neil, Messrs. Pat and D. O’Neil, Mrs. Dougan, and Mrs. Schurer. After the usual toasts had been honoured, the remainder of the evening was spent in harmony, Messrs. Prior, Schurer, and others contributing to the programme with Miss Kennedy supplying the accompaniments.

The happy couple left for Perth by the night express. The bride’s travelling dress was a grey silk coat and skirt, and a grey hat trimmed with ostrich feathers. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a gold wristlet watch, and the bride’s to the bridegroom a pair of gold sleeve links. A number of handsome and useful presents were received from the many friends of the couple.

Obituary
THE LATE MR P. GAIREN

Great Southern Herald
2 September, 1936

An old and respected identity of the Katanning district in the person of Mr Patrick Gairen died at the Katanning hospital on Saturday last, at the advanced age of 75 years. About a month ago Mr Gairen was stricken with illness and a fortnight later entered hospital for the first time in his life. His condition gradually became worse and the end came peacefully as stated.

Mr Gairen came to this State in 1888, and some years later joined the W.A. Government Railways in which service he remained for 30 years. His wife predeceased him in 1920 and he retired from his duties six years ago.

He leaves a grown-up family of six daughters and one son: Clara (Mrs. Whitehouse), Maud (Mrs. Bean), Dolly (Mrs. Priest), Rosey (Mrs. Abbott), Carmel (Mrs. Steicke), Lil and Leslie.

The funeral took place in the rites of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday afternoon, the cortege moving to the Katanning General Cemetery where the Rev. Father. Doddy performed the last sad rites. The pallbearers were: Messrs F. M. Bowden, R. Clayton, B. Bolto, A. Batchelor, J. Hall and C. Antonio. Funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr John Squiers.

Wedding.

Southern Districts Advocate
22 August, 1921

A popular wedding was that of Miss Emily Ruth Tanner, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs F. E. Tanner, of Katanning, to Stanley Victor, eldest son of Mr and Mrs E. Dival, of Woodanilling, which took place at the Katanning R.C. church, the Rev Father Reidy officiating.

The bride entered the church on the arm of her father and was given away by him. She was charmingly gowned in ivory crepe-de-chine and georgette, beautifully hand worked in chenille and rose-buds, and also wore a silk net veil, embroidered in beautiful style with true lovers’ knots, and a wreath of orange blossom, kindly lent by Mrs C. E. Leggoe, of  Beaufort” via Wagin.

The sister of the bride, Miss D. Tanner, who was frocked pink crepe-de-chine, hand worked in pink and pale blue forget-me-nots, and Miss A. Graham, frocked in pale pink crepe-de-chine, worked in gold beads, and carrying bouquets of cream carnation and fern, were bridesmaids.

The bridegroom was ably assisted by his brother, Mr C. Dival, who acted in the capacity of best man, and also Mr D. Tanner, brother of the bride, as groomsman.

After the service a large number of guests assembled at the residence of the bride’s parents to partake of the breakfast. The usual toasts were honored, and dancing afterwards indulged in. The bride travelled in a navy blue tailored serge costume and hat to match.

WILSON-HADDLETON.

Western Mail
7 May, 1904

An interesting wedding was celebrated at Katanning, the contracting parties being Nellie, daughter of the late Mr. Thos. Haddleton, of Coompatine, Katanning, and Mr. George A. Wilson, of Woodanilling. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Phelan.

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ABOUT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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The Catholic Church, sometimes referred to as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with approximately 1.3 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of 2017. As the world’s oldest and largest continuously functioning international institution, it has played a prominent role in the history and development of Western civilisation. The church is headed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the pope. Its central administration is the Holy See. Continue reading

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