Cowra's St Raphael's Catholic Church is set to honour its history at a special 'Dinner Under the Stars' on Friday, February 28.
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This year the St Raphael's community is celebrating 125 years since its declaration as a parish on July 1, 1889. It is also the 75th anniversary of the current St Raphael's church, which was officially opened on April 19, 1939.
"These events are significant within the Catholic community, but they are also very much a part of the history of our town," St Raphael's Therese Johnson said.
"From its early beginnings in Cowra and surrounding areas the Catholic community formed part of the fabric of life, reflected in the individual histories of the families, as well as the histories of the priests and the nuns who ministered to and educated generations of families with the parish of Cowra."
From the 1830s the Catholics of Cowra were supported in their faith by priests who travelled long distances on horseback to towns and outlying settlements, Ms Johnson explained.
Father John Joseph Therry was the first priest to visit Cowra and he was made welcome by the Grant family and also, it is recorded, by the 'non-Catholic' W.H. Watt of Bumbaldry and Iandra.
When Bathurst was declared a parish in 1839, Upper Lachlan and Lower Lachlan were included in the 26 stations serviced from Bathurst.
From 1847 Cowra was included in the newly declared parish of Carcoar and by 1853 Father Bernard Murphy, who was known as "The Parish Priest of the Lachlan" was stationed there.
In 1854, Father Murphy received a government grant of two acres in Cowra, which overlooked the main street of the original township. This land was fenced and remained a sheep paddock until the laying of the foundation stone for Cowra's first Catholic Church.
Cowra has seen the building of three Catholic churches. The first church, built of granite and opened in 1861 can still be seen as part of the brick buildings facing Lachlan Street. The second church, also of granite and able to seat 300 people, was opened in 1878. It was demolished to make way for the current church.
"The churches may have been the centre of worship for the Catholics of Cowra but priests, religious and parishioners have all been engaged in the wider community and have contributed in many ways to the history and development of Cowra and surrounding areas," Ms Johnson said.
With the celebration of 125 years since the declaration of the parish, we also acknowledge the contribution of Cowra's first Parish Priest, Father Denis O'Kennedy. Father O'Kennedy served the parish of Cowra for over 50 years and was affectionately known as the 'Grand Old Man'.
Cowra's current Parish Priest is Father Laurie Beath. Ms Johnson said Father Laurie and the parishioners of St Raphael's welcome your involvement in their celebrations throughout 2014.
"Everyone is most welcome to attend this special celebration," Ms Johnson said.
"We look forward to seeing you there!"
The adults-only dinner costs $20 for dinner and entertainment, with tickets available after mass, at the presbytery and from Style for Women. BYO drinks and glasses.
