“Did you know that Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Woodridge started with a mission that stretched all the way to the New South Wales border?” That’s right. Let’s step back in time and uncover the story of this vibrant church. Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Woodridge stands as a testament to faith community and growth in Logan City.
The story of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Woodridge begins in 1865. The area was part of the “Mission To Logan.” This vast parish reached from Brisbane to the New South Wales border. The first church was the Church of the Assumption. It stood on Logan Reserve Road. Over time, the parish evolved. It became part of Beaudesert, Yeronga, Mt. Gravatt and Sunnybank parishes.
Older residents hold precious memories. Chris Kenny recalls a single Mass each month at Waterford. Bill Grose remembers Masses every two weeks in the Progress Hall in the 1930s. After a cyclone destroyed the hall in 1935, services moved to the state school. He also recounts Fr. Steele’s visits from Yeronga. Children would sit on the running board of Fr. Steele’s car for catechism lessons. Mrs. Clay, who lived where the library now stands, hosted morning teas after Mass.
Ivan Dwyer’s arrival in 1952 marked a significant chapter. He was a speaker when Archbishop Duhig opened the first Catholic Church in Railway Parade in 1954. The following year, Woodridge joined Sunnybank Parish. Ivan chaired the Parish Council. He also led the P & F and Finance Committee. Ivan is best remembered for his work with St. Vincent de Paul. A blue cross atop the church stands in his memory.
By 1968, the small church in Railway Parade became too crowded. A double-storey brick building was built on this very site at a cost of $64000. The top floor had three classrooms. The downstairs area served as a chapel. It could hold 300 people.
The Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in 1969. They took charge of the school. They travelled from Sunnybank and Annerley. In 1975 a residence was acquired for them in Jean Street, Woodridge. In 1969, the school had 55 children. By 1981, enrolment soared to 720 pupils. Parishioners worked tirelessly. They raised money for more buildings.
In September 1973, the Montfort Fathers arrived. Fr. Irvine Leclerc became Parish Priest. In 1978, Fr. Louis Catterall recognized the need for a dedicated church. The sale of the Railway Parade land funded the construction of this beautiful church. It opened in 1981.
In 1983, the Christian Brothers and Presentation Sisters started a school for long-term truants. The Marist Sisters also joined the parish family.
In July 1989, Fr. Frank O’Dea became the first diocesan priest in Woodridge. In August 1990, the parish held its first “parish gathering.” This gathering reviewed past achievements. It also addressed future needs. Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Woodridge continues to be a welcoming community. It embraces many cultures and backgrounds. It strives to live the Gospel. It responds to the needs of Logan City.
Today, Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Woodridge stands as a beacon of faith. It reflects the dedication of its members. It embodies the spirit of community. It’s a place where all are welcome.