Hawker, SA - St Peter and James Catholic

History and Architecture:

An Historical Board at the front of the church reads in part, " Saints Philip and James Catholic Church, built in 1892, is a fine example of a church which reflects a high-quality design, detailing and construction.

Before the Hawker Catholic Church was built local Catholics attended Mass in various private homes, and also in the sampling room at the Wonoka Hotel (closed 1958 and demolished 1980). Services were also provide. by Jesuit Fathers from Sevenhill, south of Clare, who travelled the northern districts living continuously in the saddle, hearing confessions, saying Mass and administering the sacraments.

However, it was eventually decided to build a church. A Land Grant was made by the Governor, Right Hon. Algernon H. Thomond, to the Catholic Diocese of Port Augusta Inc. in consideration of a sum of  £11-10-0 for Lots 81,88, 13 and 114 on July 24,1890. On Sunday, January 31th 1892, the marble foundation stone to the building was laid.

Rev. Father Norton of Petersburg (renamed Peterborough in 1918) designed the church, which was constructed by Quinn and Smerdon of Hamley Bridge. The total cost of the church and grounds was  £817-10-0, and It opened for services on August 14th 1892. The first parish priest was the Rev. Father R. Cleary. It was estimated that the average contribution to the cost of the church from local families was the equivalent of several months wages for each breadwinner. In 1913, the church was enlarged at a cost of  £600 as the congregation continued to grow. When the work was completed it was blessed by Bishop Norton on March 22nd 1914.