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1860s
1870
The Romish Church stands at the south-east angle of Market and Church streets, and is a very neat structure in stone, with a well-proportioned square tower at the west end, containing three bells. The nave is lighted by nine lancet windows and covered with a good kingpost roof, the bruces of which come down the walls between the windows and finish, on corbel heads. Length, 70 feet; breadth 28 feet2
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1876
5 February 1876
Vandals
A few nights since, some evilly-disposed person chipped, apparently with a hammer, the comers off a large number of the cut abutment stones near the base course of the new Roman Catholic church at present being erected in Mudgee. All one side of the building and a portion of the front has been defaced in this manner. A reward of £20 has been offered for information that may lead to the conviction of the offender3
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1880
30 October 1880
1892
1896
24 October 1896
1899
1905
6 September 1905
The churches of Mudgee are fine edifices, the clergy being as follows: Roman Catholic, Monsignor O'Donovan5
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1910
21 July 1910
TENDERS FOR ST. MARY'S SPIRE.
Messrs. Collyer and Carmichael, contractors of Mudgee, are among the tenderers for the erection of the spire of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mudgee, and will, in all probability, be successful in securing the contract. Their tender is, we understand, £450, and is the lowest6
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1911
2 March 1911
MUDGEE'S COMPLETED CHURCH.
BISHOP DUNNE BLESSES THE NEW SPIRE.
A FESTIVAL OF MEMORIES.
In a spirit of strict justice it may be claimed for St. Mary's Church, Mudgee, that the diocese outside the Cathedral city of Bathurst contains no such splendid monument of the Faith. Indeed, it was stated with conviction by a very high authority on Sunday last that, in the not unlikely event of Mudgee being erected into the headquarters of a new diocese, St. Mary's Church would for many a year to come, stand as a very noble cathedral. Be that as it may, it is certain that the parish which tor over forty years has been so wisely governed by the Right Rev. Monsignor O'Donovan made no attempt to conceal the enthusiasm with which it assisted to celebrate the blessing of the beautiful spire which marks the final stage in the development of an architectural treasure about whose walls are intertwined memories that appeal to the pride and piety of Catholics and to the artistic sentiments of citizens of every creed.
The occasion was one of special rejoicing to the Catholics of the district, inasmuch as it marked not only the completion of the historic church, but the return in the epis copal robes of the High Priest of the ceremonial of a prelate who had forty years ago been the first assistant of the venerable dignitary who has been associated even longer with a district which has had such marvellous development, and with a Church which has kept step in that march.
St. Mary's Church as it stands to-day represents an expenditure of some £15,000; and the spire whose copper sheathing reflects the sunlight above one of the most beautifully ornate towers to be found out of Syd ney involved a recent outlay of over £600. A pleasing fact regarding all this outlay on the House of God is that all but the mere trifle of £70 has been defrayed, and that this last remaining fraction of debt will probably be cleared within the next few weeks.
The church forms the most striking feature of a splendid block of ecclesiastical buildings consisting of church, presbytery, convent, and parochial schools. Within and without the church is a fine example of Gothic architecture, which needed but the spire to make it perfect. It is noteworthy that the sanctuary, built like the whole structure of enduring masonry, remains as a monument of the earlier church-building whose only initial fault was that it was unequal to the unexpected demands of a rapidly-growing population - a fault which was fully recognised in the present fane. The height of the spire from the ground to the ball upon which a cross 6 feet high rests is 117 feet - a total height to the apex of the cross of 123 feet. The structure has been framed in 6 x 6 Oregon pine, lined with hardwood, and covered with sheet copper - all making for lightness, strength, and durability. The architects of the graceful design were Messrs. Eaton and Bates, Sydney; and the contractors Messrs. Milne Brothers, of Sydney, are to be congratulated on the splendid manner in which they executed the work without a single hitch.
SUNDAY'S WELCOME.
When we remember the historic associations of the Bishop with the rise of Mudgee we need hardly wonder that he was anxious to associate himself with its triumphs. What wonder, therefore, that the arrival of a Bishop who had been so associated with the early days of the parish should arouse the enthusiasm it undoubtedly did?
His Lordship was received in the church grounds by a guard of honour made up of the A.H.C. Guild and - almost to a member - of the parishioners.
THE BLESSING.
A procession around the ample grounds led to the sanctuary, where, after the solemn blessing of the new spire, his Lordship celebrated the Mass which inaugurated this new period in Catholic progress. There was a crowded congregation, made up of local residents, swollen by people from the surrounding districts. The church was crowded, and many patient souls were content to say their prayers outside.
The Mass (which was under the conductor ship of Mr. Edward Loneragan, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. R. Loneragan) was Turner's, which was beautifully rendered. The soprano was Miss Holden; alto, Mrs. Muller; tenor, Mr. A. Muller; bass, Mr. E. Loneragan. Miss K. Spies was most effective, both then and at the Vespers at the organ.
THE DEDICATION MASS.
The Bishop not only celebrated the ceremonial Mass, but preached the ceremonial discourse, which in this case was really a historical statement.
The casual observer who travels abroad (said his Lordship) cannot help noticing the beautiful churches and Catholic institutions which are to be seen, wherever business or pleasure takes him, as well as the extensive ruins close by which are lasting proofs in solid stone of the great religious edifices that existed in bygone ages. At first sight he may find it hard to believe that such exquisite buildings could be erected in comparatively poor surroundings, but enquiry will soon satisfy him, that they are the results of long and persistent efforts, of much labour and sacrifice, and of matchless generosity and determination. Such instances of strong faith and large-hearted liberality are not or rare occurrence - being met with in almost every parish of the dear old land, and invariably in the sight of ivy-clad ruins of the grand buildings of other days. For the sake of illustration we may as well take two or three examples, to show what small congregations can achieve, when eager to do God's work, and when well directed. The parishes to which I allude are only a few miles from my native place, and are not more than four or five miles in total extent, with a population of at most 1000 to 1200, many of whom could not be said by any means to be in easy circumstances. In the nearest of these centres, when I left home about 40 years ago, there was an old church much out of repair, a rented presbytery, and a national school of the primitive kind, for the instruction of the parish children. When I visited the place again about five years ago, what an agreeable picture was apparent. An exceedingly handsome stone church, costing over £10,000, took the place of the old one; a fine presbytery, school and convent, all of stone, and all in a line, made a beautiful group, and represented over £20,000 in value. It seemed to me a veritable new creation, and I have no doubt others would think so too, if, after a lapse of years, they had the privilege of visiting their birthplaces. Some may consider this an isolated case, but it is not so - for four miles farther on stood another church costing £20,000, and yet another four miles and a third church appeared costing £12 000, and because of gratuitous labour and close supervision and direction, worth about £20,000. Examples of this kind could, if required, be vastly multiplied, but I have taken these few with which I am well acquainted, because, with a change of place and people, they are so like the fine religious improvements in the Mudgee community, that one would think we had taken a copy of them for our plan of operations. We do not, it is true, build our churches in the sight of the plundered shrines of our forefathers, nor do we, perhaps, make the rare sacrifices of our brethren of the Green Isle; but making allowances for the heroic deeds of those so happily blessed elsewhere, we are travelling closely on their footprints, and hope in good time to have a share in their great rewards, and to hand down a similar name to those who come after us. This close resemblance to the home people is indeed but natural, because we share with them the same Faith, and, to a large extent, the same extraction, for who were mostly the pioneers in this bright and beautiful country but the priests and people of old Erin transplanted to the South, and bringing with them most of what was good in religion and patriotism? Accordingly, when I became associated with your venerable pastor over 39 years ago, it seemed to me as if I had but exchanged parishes in the Homeland, receiving the same hearty welcome, the same generous and kind ly treatment, and witnessing the same devotion to religion and country, to which I was accustomed from childhood. I found here then one of the neatest and most solid churches I had hitherto seen, occupying the site of this fine building, and though not of very large dimensions, decidedly expensive, for the material of its walls was of dressed stone which had to be brought from a distance of thirty miles or more. So far as it went, it was in character with the present church, for the old sanctuary was permitted to remain, and to become the most sacred part of the new one, and from this you will readily gather that the early pastor and his good flock spared neither cost nor labour in making the edifice worthy of its sacred object. It had only one fault, if fault it could be called - it was becoming too small for the increasing congregation, and with many heartfelt regrets it had to be removed to provide larger accommodation. It seemed really hard for a people who had scarcely finished their handsome and expensive church to be compelled to take it down, and to undertake the erection of another thrice its dimensions. But your zealous pastor - then in the flush of energy and youth - and his faithful flock took up the gigantic task with confidence and determination, brushing aside the many difficulties that blocked the way, feeling assured that the spirit of their forefathers would sustain them in their marvellous efforts, and successfully crown such a heavy undertaking. Many of those who bore a loyal and generous part in the raising of this now completed temple have departed from us, and are, we fondly hope, enjoying the rich and everlasting reward of their arduous labours. Yet the present is perhaps a most suitable occasion to give them honourable mention, and to remember with gratitude their encouragement and assistance. Their faithful companions, who still remain to witness the final ceremony to-day, are no worse for their liberality towards this great monument of religion, and may confidently look forward in seasonable time to an honourable place in God's blessed kingdom. The summary of receipts and expenditure gives a total cost to date of about £15.000, and a small encumbrance of less than £100, which ought to be wiped off on this memorable occasion. Of course, this large outlay covers, in addition to the amounts of the various building contracts, a considerable expense in the way of painting, decorating, and other valuable improvements, and in mentioning these particulars it may be well to suggest - if not at too much trouble - the preparation of a permanent church tablet, containing all useful details and perpetuating the memory of generous benefactors. In considering the generosity of our people in connection with our fine church buildings, it must be borne in mind that, in addition to the support of their clergy and charitable institutions, they have also to bear the cost of the erection and maintenance of their, schools, and that in ordinary parishes it may be safely said - without going into figures and details - that £1000 a year is but a really small estimate to place on the donations of the faithful towards the support of religion and education. No doubt some unthinking writers and over-ready speakers may say, when treating of these matters, that if we pay so dearly for our religious requirements, the fault is entirely our own, for why not build cheaper churches, dispense with separate schools, take things reasonably like the rest, of the community, and be content with general Christianity in educational matters, avoiding those disagreeable divisions in Church and State? An easy answer to this fine, plausible plan for the management of the human family might be that we should take people, not as philosophers would have them, but as we find them, and must receive things, not as they should be, but as they have been handed down to us; for we did not start with the beginning of the world, nor have we got a brief for the reformation of the human, race. The millennium has not yet come, and perfection has not so far dawned upon the world; and we find that for centuries people have differed in matters of religion and morality, even to the loss of life and shedding of blood, each party claim ing wisdom for its particular creed and principles, and denying to others the rights it demands for itself. Under such divergent circumstances, the only feasible way of proceeding peacefully through life would apparently be to satisfy as far as possible the needs of the various sections of our people, without serious injury or injustice to any other; for, without re-casting human nature, things will continue as they have hitherto been, or as the Teacher of Truth Himself has said it. Making allowance for the weakness of fallen human nature, divisions must necessarily be, that the good may be proven, and evil things and persons may be made manifest. If the experience of ages has taught anything, it is that religious and moral training have been considered matters of vital importance, and that as men cannot agree as to their full extent and the methods of imparting a knowledge of them, the safest way of treating them is to leave them to Divine Providence, human prudence, and well-instructed consciences, without prejudice to persons or parties. People who consider religion of little account will have to explain how the Son of God, by a miracle of love and mercy, became Man, suffered and died, to confer this blessing on humanity; why His Apostles and their divinely-commissioned successors laboured and died to propagate Christianity; why torrents of human blood have been shed at various times to hand down to posterity the Gospel and doctrine of Christ in all their purity; why our forefathers parted with property, liberty, and life rather than sacrifice the Faith once delivered to the saints, or prove a stumbling block to their children and brethren by manifesting any weakness in religious matters. This is why the Catholics of the present age cling so closely to the noble example given to us by our predecessors, and in being like them, followers of Christ, we must be true to His teaching, and, beyond all things else, must have our children well grounded in the Christian doctrine. We can afford to lose all that the world prizes highly, and our lives also, but we cannot suffer the loss of our Faith, which enables us to overcome all obstacles in the way to eternal happiness, and forms our union with God both here and hereafter. It is faith that teaches us that, whatever we are and whatever we have are but the gifts, of the Almighty bestowed on us to promote His honour and glory, it is faith that encourages us to use our talents and property and our lives for the advancement of religion and the interest of Christ, so as to amass for ourselves an immense spiritual fortune and reward that cannot be lost of all eternity. It was the spirit of faith that encouraged the pastor and people of this parish to band themselves together for more than thirty years to raise, at such heavy labour and expense, the beautiful temple and its accompanying religious institutions, and that enabled them during the last year to crown their previous magnanimous efforts by planting the Cross of the Redeemer on its summit, proclaiming from aloft to all who desire to see, that the Son of God gave His life for the salvation of mankind. It is faith that assures us that our churches are the home of the Blessed Sacrament and the special residing places of God on earth, and therefore that we cannot do too much to decorate, beautify, and adore them. Yes, we are children of the Faith and believers in the Cross, and like the Apostle of the nations, we are crucified to the world, and the world and its ways are not acceptable to us. God forbid, as the same apostle says, that we should glory in anything else except the Cross of Christ, for in it are redemption and salvation. It was the instrument chosen by the Son of God made man to make satisfaction for the sins of men, and through its humiliation, to acquire from His Heavenly Father a Name that is above all names. It was the glorious Sign of the Cross in the heavens that enabled the Emperor Constantine to put an end to the tyranny and persecution of three hundred years, and vanquish the obstinacy of pagan ism. It was in gratitude for this victory of the Cross that the Empress Helen, after much labour and hardship, raised the True Cross from a dishonourable resting place and had it richly enshrined on our altars and placed in part in the crown of the Roman Emperors. It was to rescue the True Cross from the irreverence and desecration of the pagans, into whose hands ft had fallen, that another emperor, the great Theodosius VIII., employed, all the valour of his armies and the wealth of his empire, and that amidst universal rejoicings he carried the sacred relic on his shoulders to the Church of the Holy Cross erected in memory of its exaltation to the place of honour from which it had been sacrilegiously taken. It was to venerate the Cross and preserve the reverence due to it that our Christian rulers forbade its use henceforth, as an instrument of humiliation and punishment, and ordered that the sign of man's redemption should in future crown our sacred edifices and' religious institutions. It was to exalt the sacred Sign of the Cross that you have finished the fine tower of this beautiful building, and placed on its pinnacle that sign of mercy and love, that will attract from a distance the sinner and the just alike, to the presence of the Almighty, to seek forgiveness and favour from the bountiful Saviour enthroned on our altars. For all the sacrifices, then, that you have hitherto made for His honour and glory, and for the offerings that you are expected to make to-day to bear the last expenses of bringing to perfection a work so beautiful and holy, may the Almighty signally bless your pastor, yourselves, your friends, and your interests, and may He specially grant you a strong and lively faith to secure for you eternal glory, and a great and well-grounded hope in God's goodness and providence, an ardent and a universal charity for God and all who are dear to Him - so that, being ever fortified with these cardinal virtues, and having courageously borne under all difficulties the Cross with Christ through your mortal life, you may have the glorious privilege of wearing the crown of immortality with Him through endless ages hereafter.
THE BANQUET.
As is usual in country districts, the ladies had prepared a banquet for the entertainment of his Lordship the Bishop, at which the whole life of the district was represented. The Monsignor presided, having on either hand the Bishop of Bathurst and the Mayor of Mudgee (Alderman Keegan), the Mayor of Cudgegong (Alderman Hughes); Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., Mr. W. H. Hull (Manager A.B.C. Bank), Mr. R. E. Glennie (Manager Commercial Bank), Mr. C. B. Meares (solicitor), Mr. Munroe King (solicitor), Mr. J. J. Dowd (solicitor), Mr. E. J. Scully (Coolah), etc. The committee of ladies who had charge of the arrangements - Mrs. J. A. Holden, Miss Croake, Mrs. Howarth, Mrs. Waus, and Miss B. Holden - together with numerous other ladies who helped to wait upon the company, are to be congratulated on a most successful function.
Monsignor O'Donovan in a brief speech characterised by much tact and taste produced the first toast - 'The Pope and the King.' It was due on an occasion of the kind to honour the authorities who ruled them in the spiritual and the civil order respectively. They respected the King not only as sovereign, but also as the worthy son of a worthy father. But there was nothing contradictory in giving precedence in their toast to a sovereign who governed in the spiritual order over three or four hundred millions of Christians. The sentiment was honoured with much enthusiasm.
The next toast proposed was that of his Lordship the Bishop, which the chairman made the occasion of a reference to the purpose of the Bishop's presence amongst them that day, as well as to his Lordship's association with their parish many years ago. The Church at every period of her chequered career - amid the various vicissitudes of human affairs - had preserved for our benefit the literatures and art of all the centuries - had made architecture the living symbol of celestial aspiration, and in poetry and music had heard and transmitted the authentic voice of Him Who said to the wisest of men: 'I have sanctified this house which thou hast built, to put My name there, and My eyes bind My heart shall be there for ever.' There seemed little or no surprise at the attendant expense and erection of magnificent buildings to the honour of the Supreme Being Who commissioned His Church to organise, erect, and embellish on earth structures worthy of His supremacy and greatness - to create every form of beauty and breathe into them the breath of divine life and hallow them for ever. Influenced by some such consideration, conjoined with hopeful and encouraging words from his Lordship of the diocese, he (the Monsignor) was urged to undertake and bring to a graceful finish what might now be looked upon as an ornament as well as a source of pride and pleasure to the inhabitants of the town and district of Mudgee. With this pardonable digression he proposed to them the toast of his Lordship Dr. Dunne, whose presence at that day's function recalled many things worth remembering. He (the Monsignor) could not forget that more than 40 years ago - at a time when he was a 'lone hand' in the Mudgee mis sion, the then young priest, Father Dunne, was sent to him as his first assistant, and afforded him solace as well as relief. As a bush Bishop, who had a palace in Bathurst which he occupied about three weeks in the year, his Lordship was doing vast good. In I860 - the parish then being under the charge of the late Dean Callaghan McCarthy, whose heroic death while pastor of Burwood many years later would not be forgotten - Mudgee'.s first Confirmation was given by Archbishop Polding, and at various times the same Sacrament had been administered by Bishop Quinn and Bishop Byrne. It was significant of the progress made that even during the few years of his episcopate Bishop Dunne had confirmed more than the three prelates who preceded him, and within two days his Lordship would be confirming nearly 200 juvenile and adult candidates who had been prepared for the Sacrament in Mudgee.
The toast was received with musical honours and sustained applause.
When the cheering had subsided his Lordship rose to respond. His speech was characteristic of the qualities which have won him the affection and devotion of his priests and people. 'As after dinner speeches and toasts are (he said) intended to be entirely complimentary, much serious notice must not be taken of the laudatory remarks just made in regard to the Bishop by the chairman. If the person who is toasted has any good qualities they are sure to be generously introduced; if not, they are made to order for the occasion, while his faults are carefully forgotten. This is specially the case when praises come from friendly quarters, for then the speaker holds the brief of affection to make a hero of his subject. Many of those present know that I was the Monsignor' s first assistant, and masters have usually the kindliest thoughts about their oldest pupils. Well, jokes apart, I am more than pleased to be able to join you in to-day's celebration. Indeed, the completion of such a fine work as St. Mary's Church should win the admiration - if nothing more practical - of most people, for monuments of that kind, besides being ornaments to any town, bespeak a fine religious spirit and much generosity, and citizens are generally all the better by being God-serving and liberal. I hope that at no distant date we may be able to improve the appearance of this venerable old school building, bring it into keeping with the other institutions, and make this fine corner block worthy of the great objects to which it is devoted. I congratulate the pastor, his flock, and his sympathetic friends, on the crowning of their noble work; by the final improvement of a light, graceful, and lasting spire to their beautiful church, and will be happy to assist at similar ceremonies and partake of your great hospitality, as often as you give me such a hearty invitation.'' His Lordship reminded his audience that in the course of another year the Monsignor would attain his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood, and it would be a most fitting monument of his long administration in their midst that the event should be marked by the building of a new school worthy of them and their pastor, as well as a complement to their beautiful church, which he thought had no compeer in any rural parish in this State. Indeed, he thought that, regarding St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, as St. Mary's Major, they might well call their own church St. Mary's Minor, or St. Mary's No. 2.
The Bishop before resuming his seat proposed the toast of Monsignor O'Donovan, which was the signal for a demonstration of popular esteem.
In responding the Monsignor took occasion to thank non Catholics for their sympathy and assistance in the work whose completion they were then celebrating. Money came from almost everybody, especially from the Church of England people, who were anxious to contribute.
In proposing the toast of 'The Visitors,' Alderman Hughes (Mayor of Cudgegong) said that it added not a little to the pleasure he experienced in being present at their celebration to remember that he was the first child christened by the Monsignor when he rode from Orange to take charge of Mudgee 43 years ago.
In responding, Father O'Donnell, who had motored over from Gulgong after Mass in order to assist at the celebration, said he regarded the spire which put the finishing touch on St. Mary's as a credit to the 'Grand Old Man of Mudgee,' to the generosity of his people, and to the magnificent spirit of the residents. They had great monuments in Mudgee which spoke eloquently of the zealous and strenuous work with which Monsignor O'Donovan's pastorate was associated. In 43 years their pastor had spent about £50,000, and practically no debt remained - a record of which he might well be proud. He was without doubt a fine type of the pioneer priest who had 'blazed the track.'
Mr. King also responded.
Alderman Keegan (Mayor of Mudgee), in proposing the toast of 'The Ladies,' with special reference to their entertainers, spoke of the splendid spirit in which the ladies of the parish had co-operated in the Catholic work of the district. Two names were mentioned with special pride for their splendid generosity - the late Mrs. James Loneragan and the late Mrs. Malone - and he was glad to note the presence that day of another great worker - Mrs. Eugene Daly.
Mr. Dunn, M.L.A., proposed 'The Press,' coupled with the local press and the 'Freeman's Journal.' The representative of the 'Freeman' briefly responded7
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1912
25 April 1912
Word reached Bathurst by telegram yesterday that Monsignor O'Donovan, of Mudgee, had died after a lingering illness, at the age of 76 years. The deceased clergyman was a native of Ireland, and after receiving his education at All Hallows' College was ordained priest. He sailed for Australia about the year 1861. On his arrival in Sydney he was appointed to St. Benedicts, and thence to Orange, where he remained for three or four years. His next departure was for Mudgee, where he was parish priest since 1868. In 1877 he was made Dean, and in 1890 was appointed Monsignor. He was a great worker and was responsible for the erection of the erection of the church in Mudgee, which cost about £20,000, and which is one of the finest in the diocese. This noble edifice was only completed last year, when the spire was installed8
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1921
1925
20 Aug 1925
20 August 1925
Historic Mudgee: A Virile Catholic Centre in the West
Monsignor O' Donovan, the Pioneer of the Cudgegong
RIGHT REV. MONSIGNOR O'DONOVAN.
Within a few minutes' walk of the principal thoroughfare of Mudgee is the old Catholic Cemetery. Glancing at the various tombstones many interesting memories are recalled. On many of them are inscribed the names of the Irish pioneers who settled in the district and, after hard struggles, succeeded in gaining a living from the wild and waste of those days.
One of the most interesting tombs is that erected over the body of Father. James Dunphy, the first priest to die in what is now known as the Bathurst Diocese. Surmounted by a beautiful and well-cut Celtic Cross, his grave serves as a reminder to us of the eternal debt of gratitude we owe to these early pioneering priests who came from Ireland to plant the seed of faith in this young country.
Last Sick Call.
The centre of Father Dunphy 's missionary activities in those days was Hartley. As Mudgee (or as it was then called 'Mudgy') contained a few faithful Catholics, he was often compelled to visit that district. At the time of his death he was engaged on a sick call, and whilst trying to cross the Cudgegong River, a few miles from Mudgee, he was drowned at the early age of 30 years. A contemporary account of his death is contained in a letter sent by the youthful William Bede Dalley to Father Therry dated July 30, 1845:
I am very sorry to state that the Rev. Mr. Dunphy was drowned in the Mudgee River. He was compelled by duty to cross the river on horseback, it being in a flooded state. When about half-way across the river, the under current threw the horse down, and, as the reverend gentleman could not disengage himself, he was drowned. A shepherd on the opposite bank saw the whole of the fatal accident, but could not render the least assistance High Mass was offered up in St. Mary's Church for him on Tuesday, the 29th inst., by his Grace the Archbishop, assisted by the Right Rev. Dr. Epaille, Vicar-Apostolic of Western Oceania.
It was determined to bury him in Mudgee, but as there was no Catholic cemetery there at that time the Catholics were in a quandary. A Protestant hotelkeeper named William Bonwick, however, came to their aid, and presented them with an acre of ground. This ground was used as the cemetery until about 1886.
The people soon built a tombstone for the dead priest and inscribed on it the following simple words:
Good Jesus, Who died on the Cross, Have mercy on the soul of the Revd. James Dunphy, who lost his life, July 17, 1845, in the 30th year of his age.
Mudgee a Parish.
The successor of Father Dunphy, in the wandering mission of salvation to the people of this district was Father, afterwards Dean McCarthy. He carried on this work for five years, but the growing Catholic population soon called for a resident priest, so that Mudgee was made a parish, with the Dean in charge. His first duty was the building of a church. With the help of the warm-hearted laity he soon had the satisfaction of seeing the building blessed. This St. Mary's church served its useful purpose for a number of years, until superseded by the present magnificent edifice.
The Dean 's successor in Mudgee was Monsignor John O'Donovan, one of the most outstanding figures in Catholic progress in the West. Born in Ireland in 1836, he evidenced a very strong vocation for the priesthood in his early youth. When he had reached a suitable age his parents placed him in the great missionary college of All Hallows, where he was ordained priest. Hearing of the wonderful scope offering in Australia for his priestly ministration, he determined to go to this young country. He sailed for Sydney about 1861, and on his arrival was appointed to St. Benedict's, and after a time was sent to Orange, where he did excellent work for three or four years. In 1868 he was transferred to Mudgee, where he lived and laboured for the cause of Catholicity for 45 years.
Quickly noticing that the Catholic population was rapidly increasing in the district, the Monsignor determined to build a church that would meet the increasing needs of the Catholics, and at the same time would serve as a worthy home for Our Lord. Like Dean Grant when building the Cathedral of SS. Michael and John's in Bathurst, the Monsignor did not spare himself. Entertainments of every description were organised, and carried to a successful conclusion. The laity helped him in every way, so that it was not long before the old church was replaced by the present magnificent structure. The architect of the building was Mr. E. Gell, father of the present parish priest of Ryde. Many fine buildings, scattered throughout the West, stand as fitting memorials to his exquisite skill and conscientious workmanship. The stone used in the building was obtained locally. The building cost about £20,000 to complete, so that we are able to form some idea of the lion-hearted courage of the man and his flock, when they would commit themselves to such an ambitious project. The Monsignor, however, was never discouraged, for he had the fullest confidence in his flock and the progress of the Catholic faith.
A Happy Hour.
After many years of hard work the church was at length completed, with the exception of the spire, which was not added until 1911. As this was the golden jubilee year of the Monsignor's ordination; his cup of happiness was filled to overflowing. Realising that this church required furnishing in accordance with the beautiful exterior, the Monsignor devoted the same energy to this purpose as he did to the building, so that to-day it stands pre eminent as the handsomest church outside the metropolitan area, and not excelled by any within that centre. It would only be fitting therefore to give some idea of the outstanding beauties of its fittings. The sanctuary is a revelation to all those who are aesthetically inclined. The altar, which is 16ft. high and 11ft. wide, is constructed chiefly of white 'Ulam' marble, whilst the more delicate parts are of Sicilian marble, and the carvings of white Carrara. The columns under the white marble altar table are of Swedish mother of pearl granite, and the panelling of red Borenore marble. The Terrazzo floor of the sanctuary and the marble steps add to the beauty of an exquisitely finished and artistic piece of work. Vying with the sanctuary in pride of outstanding beauty are the Stations of the Cross, erected in memory of the Monsignor by his niece, Miss Anne Halley. In connection with the painting of these an interesting story is told. Miss Halley, in deciding to erect this memorial, determined to make them as artistic and as beautiful as she could. With this end in view she commissioned De Pyro, a famous painter, to do them. He had already executed a similar set of the Stations of the Cross for Father Andrew Horan's church at Ipswich, which had earned the highest of eulogies. As he was in England when the commission was entrusted to him, and as he had not seen the Mudgee church, he thought he would have to refuse. Undaunted Miss Halley sent him the necessary measurements of the church on which to proportion his canvas, with the result that he executed a series of paintings that are a marvel of beauty and harmonious proportion. Many of them are copies of famous European paintings, and so faithfully has he reproduced them that we marvel at his artistic genius. One of them - a copy of Dore's famous painting of 'Christ Leaving the Praetoriuin' - is exceptionally fine.
Rigid Discipline.
The Monsignor, like many of those early men who 'blazed the track,' was very strong-willed, and set himself a very high standard of discipline. He demanded, as a rule, the same high standard from his flock, with the result that sometimes a certain amount of friction was caused. This was soon dispelled, however, when the persons concerned had an opportunity of reflecting on the high principles that prompted him. Possessed of a magnetic personality, and blessed with vigorous health, he was able to do outstanding work for the Church in Mudgee and the western district. He counted all men his friends, and his presbytery door was always opened to those, irrespective of creed or class, who sought consolation or advice. As an orator he occupied a unique position, and there are many to-day who recall his magnificent sermons and lectures. His orations were rich in wealth and dignity of imagination, in depth and grandeur of thought, and in the magic and mastery of the English language. Amongst the many occasions on which he distinguished himself in this sphere, his magnificent sermon preached at the consecration of the Right Rev. Dr. O'Connor in SS. Mary and Joseph's Cathedral, Armidale, stands out preeminent. In spite of the weight of advancing years and his ever increasing parish, he laboured onwards, retaining to the last his indomitable fighting spirit.
A Worthy Successor.
He went to his eternal reward on April 24, 1912, at the age of 75, after five weeks of patient suffering. During these weeks the Bishop of Bathurst (Dr. Dunne) was in constant attendance, and on his death preached the funeral oration. To the last the Catholic ideals of charity and education were always present in his thoughts, so that it was no surprise to find in his will that he had bequeathed £200 to the Bathurst Orphanage, and a similar amount to the Catholic school fund. He was accorded to the last the highest respect of the people of Mudgee, and according to a con temporary account, 'the funeral procession was the largest and most representative ever seen in Mudgee, and preceeded through the principal streets, thousands lining the route.' The remains were interred in the church he had loved so well. A wonderful labourer in the 'vineyard of the Lord,' his achievements are blazoned in gold in the scroll of Catholic progress in western New South Wales.
Monsignor O'Donovan was succeeded by the present rector, Very Rev. Father E. J. Flanagan, P.P., V.F., who is steadily carrying on the fine traditions of one of the most notable Catholic centres in the west.
M. V. SHEEHAN, St. Stanislaus' College, Bathurst12
.
1931
7 May 1931
Some interesting statistics concerning the amount of cash spent in the Mudgee district from April, 1868, to March, 1885, appear in the old paper in its issue of March 28, as follows: -
'St. Mary's Church, Mudgee, including additions to schoolroom and materials for building, cost £11,556; St. Matthew's Convent, £1667; St. Malachi's Church, Rylstone, £685; Gulgong Church Convent and School, £1829; Wollar Church, £202; Stoney Creek Church, £78; Talbragar Church, £125; Two Mile Church, £110; Gulgong Church School, £158; Home Rule Church, £172; enlarging, furnishing and repairing Mudgee Presbytery, £380; Bathurst' Seminary, £459; temporary Convent, furniture, etc., £626; Boys' School, salaries, repairs, etc., £454; Hargraves Church, repairs £29; Windeyer Church, vestments, £12.' To these were added: 'State of indebtedness to date of Mudgee Church, £737; St. Malachi Church, Rylstone, £250; St. Matthew Convent, £910, showing an expenditure of £20,345.' These figures were published by Very Rev. Dean. O'Donovan prior to his departure on a health trip to Ireland13
.
1934
12 April 1934
LOOKING BACKWARDS.
OUR CATHOLIC LIFE OF LONG AGO.
NOTES FROM OUR FILES OF 1890.
The list of Peter's Pence of the Archdiocese of Sydney for this year under review totalled £411.
The church at Mittagong was enriched in October by the presentation of a very beautiful tabernacle, the gift of Mrs. (Judge) Murray, who was also the donor of the handsome set of altar panels.
Prior to the departure of Rev. Father Moylan, who had spent eighteen months at Orange, the parishioners presented him with an address and purse of sovereigns.
Rev. Father Pierce Burke, who had been resident priest at Tumut for nine years, died in October at the age of 65 years. He had been about 16 years in the colony, and was Professor at St. Patrick's College, Goulburn, and for a time in charge of Crookwell.
In this year, Rev. Father E. M. O'Callaghan was in charge of St. Mary's Parish, Macdonaldtown, and we read that he opened a fancy fair in aid of the church in September. The stall-holders were: - No. 1: Mesdames English and Hardman. No. 2: Mrs. Rafferty. No. 3: Mes dames L. Le Breton and Neville. No. 4 and Flower Stall: Mesdames Bryan, Cooper and Ruby. No. 5: Mesdames Russell, Fleming, Alson and Anson.
St. Joseph's Church, Balmain West, benefited by an entertainment held in September, when the prizes of the Art Union were drawn under the direction of Rev. Father, now Monsignor, J. P. Moynagh, assisted by Mr. M. Condon, who is happily live in retirement a couple of miles from Bankstown, after doing great work in church affairs at Balmain West and Belmore. Mr. Nelligan was the other assistant. Those who contributed to the concert were Miss M. O'Sullivan, Miss O'Halloran, J. Barrett, J. Clarke, Mr. Finn, Mr. Spellacy.
There was much sorrow in the ranks of the Sisters of Charity and the Catholic people generally at the death of Sister Mary Veronica O'Brien, who died at St. Vincent's Convent, Pott's Point, Sydney, in September. For three and forty years she had worn the habit of the Sisters of Charity. Mother Mary Veronica as a child came to Sydney with her parents in 1839. Her sister, Margaret O'Brien, entered the Convent of the Sisters of Charity, Sydney - it was the first and then the only convent in all Australia, and she was the first nun received and professed under the Southern Cross and became known as Sister Mary Joseph. Following her sister's example, the later Mother Veronica took the veil in 1847.
Tamworth parishioners realised £325 as the result of a bazaar held there in October, when Mr. H. Levien, M.L.A., opened the function. There were two stalls - Advance Tamworth in charge of Mesdames J. Allen, J. O'Keeffe, and J. Hughes, also the Children of Mary in charge of Miss M. Cleary and Miss Feeney.
The generosity of Dalton Brothers, of Orange, one of the best-known Catholic families in the West, was referred to by his Lordship Dr. Byrne when at a meeting to reduce the debt on the Orange Church the Bishop mentioned that the Dalton Brothers gave him the residence of the Brothers and the valuable piece of land attached. Donations were also given for the use of the Brothers. His Lordship mentioned that the value of the deeds placed in his hands was £600.
Says the 'Journal,' October 25: 'The Catholics of the Maclean district are taking steps towards the erection of a new church building at Maclean. The plans have been prepared and forwarded to the Bishop for approval. The building will be of stone and it is to cost £2000, and when completed will be the largest church in the district. Already £600 has been collected including a. donation of £200 from Father Cassidy.' Rev. Father J. (later Monsignor) Collins, of Mount Carmel, Waterloo; had a bit of luck on the occasion of the opening of his presbytery in September, 1890. The heavy rain almost necessitated a postponement, but when the Cardinal arrived the weather was fine enough to go on with the ceremonies. The A.H.C. Guild was under the direction of Mr. McKenna, Bursar Hickey, Mr. Vaughan, of St. Benedict's, Mr. O'Rourke, and Mr. Augustus, of St. Patrick's, and Mr. Ryan, of the Sacred Heart. Judging from our reports, the present-day designation of Brother was not so common in those days. Father Collins had been a good organiser, as his brother, the late Mr. N. Collins, mentioned at the public meeting that, during the previous eight years, the pastor had expended over £10,000 on church property, the presbytery costing £1000. For many years Monsignor Collins presided over the destinies of the Mount Carmel parish. The presbytery, church and school command a remarkable view of the whole of the Illawarra area extending many miles down the coast. Some say the climb up is worth the view, while others would like a lift. Be that as it may, the panorama is certainly magnificent. Around the old place are woven many historic memories. It is now some years since the diamond jubilee of the parish was celebrated, when Monsignor Collins had great religious ceremonies and a banquet in the local Town Hall, which was rushed by enthusiastic admirers who forgot to book their seats at the table. When the rightful owners arrived, in a breathless condition, it took some engineering to please all. However, the competent committee managed to smooth over all troubles.
His Lordship Dr. Higgins, the last Sunday in September, blessed the foundation stone of a commodious convent at Bega, the contract price for which was £2743. The Bishop made an appeal for funds, and £700 was handed in. The following Sunday his Lordship blessed the foundation of the new Convent at Bombala. We will have something to say about the functions in a later issue.
The boys of Kincumber Orphanage came in for some special praise during September when, assisted by some Sydney friends, they gave a delightful concert in Gosford. Tribute was paid in the 'Freeman' to the splendid work done by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Kincumber, in which it is stated that, in time, it would become the principal establishment of its kind in the colony - a prophecy which had good foundation. The boys gave evidence of careful training. Mr. Fred Leston came from Sydney and Miss M. Osborne acted as accompanist, while Mr. Hugh Mahon thanked the audience on behalf of the Sisters and paid a high tribute to the great work they were doing in our midst.
Among the donations received by his Lordship Dr. O'Reily, of Port Augusta, in connection with his diocesan appeal in October were sundry articles, some of which were somewhat bulky and at the same time not easily convertible into cash, which the Bishop had to deposit with some reluctance into other people's keeping. One of these was a three-furrow plough.
During the last week in September the Cardinal drove to St. Andrew's Cathedral and had a card left at the official registry for the Anglican Primate, who later had a card sent to St. Mary's Cathedral. At a function on the Tuesday before the arrival of the Governor, Lord Carrington, the Cardinal and the Primate had a long conversation.
The Cardinal was a great supporter and advocate of temperance and thus we find the Children's League of the Cross in procession during October, when about 8000 children marched from their parishes, when they could, to St. Mary's Cathedral, where they took the pledge. At Benediction his Eminence was assisted by Rev. Father P. L. Coonan (now Monsignor), and Rev. Father E. F. O'Connor. Somehow or other the League did not flourish and we hear little of its activities these days.
The friends of the Good Samaritan Sisters in Sydney noted with interest the establishment of a community from the House of Port Pirie in the diocese of Port Augusta. Progress marked the stay of the nuns, as we read that a Sunday in October witnessed the solemn blessing of the new portion of St. John's School at Port Pirie. So large has the increase of scholars been that the old building which originally served as a church needed additions, and these were blessed by his Lordship Dr. O'Reily, when £120 was collected.
In October his Lordship Dr. Byrne was welcomed in Parkes from Cowra, having been driven by Rev. Father Doran. On the Sunday, his Lordship, assisted by Rev. Father Dowling, of St. Stanislaus' College, and Rev. Fathers Brophy and Doran, blessed the new Church of St. Columba. At the conclusion of the sermon his Lordship read a financial statement showing that the church was £1700 in debt. The collections totalled £130. In the evening the parishioners having learned that Father Doran was being transferred to Cowra, a meeting of some of the parishioners was held and £25 was handed the departing priest by Mr. E. McGee on behalf of the committee.
The raising of the bank interest on the Mudgee Church property from 6 to 7 per cent, raised the ire of the parishioners, so much so that a determined effort was made at a meeting held in October under the direction of Very Rev. Dean O'Donovan, to reduce the debt of £1562. As the church had negotiated through the bank a sum of about £35,000 during the past twenty-eight years, it was felt that the raising of the interest was not warranted. At the meeting, apart from the chairman, speeches were made by Messrs. B. Daly, Rheinberger, Malone and Sullivan. The following donations were handed in: - Very Rev. Dean O'Donovan £20, S. Malone £10, E. Daly £10, C. Lyons £10, J. McGrath £5, D. Doyle £5, P. Rheinberger £5, J. Muller £5, P. Kirby £5, M. Rehr £5, J. Carew £5, C. Lyons £5, P. Heany £5, J. Peoples £5, M. Nash £5, W. O'Brien £5, W. English £5, M. Greelish £5, P. Schneider £5, J. O'Sullivan £5, G. Merrin £514
.
1952
2 June 1952