“1906: A whisper of hope,” imagine those first families arriving in Fern Hill. They yearned for a place to call their own. They wanted a church. Let’s step back in time to when St Paul of the Cross was just a dream. These families, finding themselves in a growing area, had to trek to Marrickville, Canterbury, Lewisham, or Ashfield for Mass.
Driven by their faith, in 1906 they petitioned Cardinal Moran. They asked the Archbishop of Sydney for their own church. Cardinal Moran approved and a local committee formed. Their mission was to find the perfect spot for their new church. A suitable block of land was found on New Canterbury Road.
In April 1907, Cardinal Moran himself laid the foundation stone. This marked the beginning of St Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers from Marrickville were entrusted with the spiritual care of the new community. They chose St Paul of the Cross, their own founder, as the patron saint.
The first Mass was celebrated in August 1908. This simple church building wasn’t just a place of worship. It served as a school during the week. Sisters of St Joseph from Campsie taught an initial class of 80 children.
In December 1908, Father William Hayden was appointed Priest-in-Charge. The parish of Fern Hill was officially established. In 1909, they bought the property next to the church. By 1911, a one-story bungalow was built on the corner of Myra Road. It served as the presbytery.
The school’s growth became a priority. In mid-1909, a property across New Canterbury Road in May Street was purchased. By now, 113 children attended the parish school. At the outbreak of World War, enrollment rose to 212 students with six Sisters teaching. A convent for the nuns was built on the May Street site in 1915.
By 1925, the community had outgrown its original church. Archbishop Michael Kelly laid the foundation stone for a larger church. It stands as a testament to the community’s unwavering faith. The church was finally opened that year.
The architect, Austin McKay, designed St Paul of the Cross in the Romanesque style. This style reflects the architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries. The design incorporates rounded arches and massive forms.
Inside St Paul of the Cross, observe the two stained-glass windows in the apse. They depict the Resurrection and the Ascension. Also note the unusual timber ceiling in the nave.
Look up at the bell tower. The bell inside has an amazing story. It originally came from Christ Church in Bath, England. Mears & Stainbank, Founders, London cast it in 1867. The Keltek Trust provided the bell.
The church’s interior has seen many changes over the years. The original altar was moved from the first church. Marble altars and a pulpit were added later. After the liturgical reforms of the 1960s, changes were made to the sanctuary. In the late 1990s, the church’s orientation was restored. New hand-painted Stations of the Cross were installed.
St Paul of the Cross stands as a spiritual home for many. It has evolved over the years. It continues to be a beacon of faith in the community.