Grenfell, NSW - St Joseph's Catholic
Year Built: 1906
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Saint: Joseph
Address: Weddin Street, Grenfell, New South Wales, 2810
Architect: J.J. Copeman
Traditional Owners: Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people
Last Updated: 10/03/2024
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History and Architecture:
As early as 1838 when Yass was established as the first Ecclesiastical district in the interior of Australia, the whole area from Yass to Melbourne was served by a solitary dedicated priest. The first of these was Fr Brennan followed in 1839 by Fr Lovatt and in 1847 by Fr Magennis.
In July 1884 Grenfell and Gooloogong were cut off from Young and formed into a separate parish. The new Grenfell Parish adjoined Young and stretched almost to lake Cargelligo. The Foundation stone was laid on 27 May 1906 by the Bishop of Goulburn Reverend John Gallagher. The centenary of the church was held on 28 September 1984.
‘A corrugated iron church was built in 1867, but burnt in 1876. A brick church was opened in 1877, later used as a school. A new brick church was opened in 1906. A resident priest Rev. Michael Quirke came in 1884. The Sisters of Mercy came in 1887, using the church building until 1918 when schoolrooms were opened.’
Clergy:
This list may not contain every serving cleric, past or present, for this church.
Further submissions welcomed.
| Years | Name | Annotation | D.o.B | D.o.D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1838 - 1839 | Father Brennan | Locum | ||
| 1839 - 1847 | Father Lovatt | Locum | ||
| 1847 - | Father Mangennis | |||
| 1884 - | Father Michael Quirke | |||
| 1906 - | Rev John Lane | 1924 | ||
| 1932 - 1933 | Father Patrick O'Riordan | 1879 | 1933 | |
| 2020 - | Father Jiss Sunny |
Organ:
No information currently available. Submissions welcomed.
Contributions:
1. 2024 Simon Saunders for ref from ‘Our Story - Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn‘
Source:
1. Church website