“£760.” That’s all it cost to open St Joseph’s Church in Belmore back in 1907. It started as a small mission. Priests from Campsie serviced it. The church was located on Wilson Avenue. This marked the humble beginnings of what would become St Joseph’s Parish.
St Joseph’s Parish has a rich history. It reflects the growth of the Catholic community in Belmore. In 1916, additions were made to the church. These additions cost £550.
In December 1919, Fr Denis Conaghan became the first priest in charge. He was officially appointed Parish Priest on January 17, 1919. Fr Conaghan played a huge role in the parish’s development.
He recognized the need for a Catholic school. On February 4, 1920, he wrote to Archbishop Dr M. Kelly. He requested permission to establish a school. Fr Conaghan noted 236 school-aged children lived in the area. He wanted the Sisters of St Joseph to teach at the school.
In 1921, St Joseph’s School began in the church. There were 208 children in three classes. Two classes were held in the main church area. Infants were taught in the choir gallery. The first teachers were Sr Leonard, Sr Brigid, and Sr Scholastica. Mrs Marge O’Brien started school here in 1922.
A new presbytery opened on Wilson Avenue on December 1, 1922. In 1923, a convent was built on Canterbury Road. An old shop on Canterbury Road was used for some classes at this time. A new school opened beside the church in January 1926. Archbishop Kelly opened it at a cost of £3000. That same year, a church was also built in Lakemba. Mrs Myola Mitchell started at the school in 1928.
By 1936, St Joseph’s School had 316 pupils. Another floor was added to the building. The bottom floor then functioned as the second church. In 1937, the sisters and priests swapped residences. The presbytery became the convent, and the convent became the presbytery.
Fr John McCarthy became Parish Priest in May 1939. He served during the Second World War. In the 1950s, he saw the need for a new church. This would also provide extra space for the school. On April 4, 1954, the foundation stone was laid for the new church on Canterbury Road. A new presbytery was built at the same time.
The new church officially opened on October 6, 1957. The old church/school building was renovated. A verandah was added. Classrooms were set up on the bottom floor. On September 10, 1967, a new school opened. It was built on the site of the first church. The first church had been demolished.
In January 1975, Fr John Lyne became Parish Priest. On July 25, 1976, a new primary school was opened. Cardinal Freeman blessed it. The school now had 450 pupils.
Extensive renovations and expansions occurred from 1997. A new administration block was added. The project cost over $2,400,000. The parish received government financial assistance for the building. The new school was opened on August 30, 1998. Cardinal Edward Clancy blessed it.
In 2009, St Joseph’s Primary School joined the Australian Government’s Building the Education Revolution program. St Joseph’s installed water tanks. They completed an ICT upgrade. They improved the garden areas. They built an Early Learning Centre for Year 1.
St Joseph’s Parish stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community spirit. Generations have contributed to its growth. From its humble beginnings in a small church. To its current vibrant parish. St Joseph’s continues to serve the Belmore community.