“What spirit guides this sacred place?” I ask leading you toward the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. This church stands as a testament to faith art and community in New Farm.
Before 1923 Catholics in New Farm traveled to St Patrick’s in the Valley. Mr and Mrs Dempsey cared for “Wynberg” on Brunswick Street. When Archbishop Duhig moved into Wynberg the Dempseys relocated to a large house. This house became part of the New Farm Church property. The back of this house served as a Mass Centre. Here plans were made for the future Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
St Patrick’s continued to serve the growing community. Father O’Keeffe and Monsignor Lynch oversaw both churches. Miss Fuller prepared children for their First Holy Communion. They attended St Patrick’s the State School or local private schools.
The foundation stone was laid in 1927. On June 1 1930 the Church of the Holy Spirit opened. The Apostolic Delegate Most Rev B Cattaneo blessed the new church. A large crowd filled the church and grounds. A procession went from “Wynberg” to the church. It included the Children of Mary Sodality and St Patrick’s Branch of the Hibernian Society.
The Holy Spirit Catholic Church was a notable addition to Brisbane’s religious buildings. Mr Jack Donoghue designed the architecture. Miss Daphne Mayo designed the Stations of the Cross. She also created the sculpture filling the tympanum above the door. Mr William Bustard painted the large mural of angels and cherubs in the Sanctuary. Local children modeled as cherubs. These included Vera and Leonard Dempsey John Crowley Brian O’Keefe Joan Barrett and Alma O’Dea. Messrs R.S. Exton and Co created the stained glass windows. Mr Williams of Ipswich crafted the marble altar. Mr Martin and his artisans created the fine ceiling. Concrete Constructions built the facade using Benedict Stone.
At the opening Father O’Keeffe presented the financial statement. The building cost was £16241.85. They had paid £13209.32 with a £5000 overdraft. The completed building including the tower would cost £14862. Church furnishings added another £3179. Offerings totaled £9300. The afternoon collection raised over £2500.
Archbishop James Duhig congratulated Father O’Keeffe and the community. He praised their generosity. By September 1930 the spire was complete. The scaffolding came down. The graceful structure rose to 127 feet. Church attendance had doubled since the opening.
Frank Scully a parishioner working for Claude Neon installed a cross. It was illuminated for the first time. The brilliant electrical sign of the Cross was admired from across the city.
Daphne Mayo was a leading Australian sculptor. She created the tympanum at Holy Spirit Church between 1929 and 1930. This symmetrical bas relief depicts “The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles”. It was cast in Benedict stone and measures nine feet high by 36 feet wide. She also sculpted the Stations of the Cross. Archbishop James Duhig commissioned these works.
The Archbishop traditionally served as the parish priest. An administrator managed day-to-day functions. Father Dee served as administrator with Archbishop Duhig. He worked hard to pay off the church’s debt in a working-class area. Funds were always low. He later returned as Monsignor Dee.
Holy Spirit was an active parish from the start. Irish Concerts occurred each year. Young people played a large part in keeping the parish together. Nell Breen was the first singer. Ollie Sheehy played the organ. Mrs Carrington kept the brass gleaming. Andy Lamb boiled water for tea for the parents of First Communicants.
The Holy Name Society filled half the church with men. There were about 30 altar boys. Pentecost Sunday was a special day. There was all day exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Holy Spirit Church holds a unique distinction. It was the first church in the Southern Hemisphere with this name.
Now as we stand before this beautiful church let’s reflect on its history. It is a place of faith art and community a true landmark. What spirit indeed guides this sacred place? It is the spirit of faith hope and love. It binds this community together.