st. francis xavier parish

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Acknowledgements should be made to parishioners Lyn Burt, Margaret Lanigan
and Terry O’Brien for their hard work and research in obtaining information
and articles that made this booklet possible.
For the Golden Jubilee celebration there will be a 9:30am Mass on
the 11th November 2012 which will be officiated by the Archbishop
John Dew, Archbishop of Wellington.
Together with our Moderator Father David Dowling and a number of
past Parish Priests as well as Father Stephen Berecz who grew up in
Stokes Valley.
1
“Reference: Article SPARTAN 1980 Page 10”
The First plan of the Hutt Valley, prepared by S.C, Brees in 1843, shows Stokes Valley
divided into 10 sections, Section 68 extended from Richard Grove to Evans Street and the
western side of Stokes Valley Road, and under a New Zealand Company land order was
selected by a Mr. Alzdorf, apparently as an agent. In 1864, Commissioner David Lewis, who
had been appointed to hear and decide land claims, granted Section 68 to A. and A. Short.
In 1874 the section was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. John Walker who already owned Section
69 which was from Evans Street to opposite Kennedy Grove. On the death of the Walkers, the
properties came into the hands of their daughter, Mrs. Mary Gardner, as did a further area
to the south of Section 69, which had belonged to a Mr. Whiteman, a relative of the Walkers.
Most of this block was sold to the Rev. Francis Sherriff in 1896.
At a later stage, Section 68 was sold to George Winders and was purchased from him in 1910
by Dr Prendergast Knight who farmed a large portion of Stokes Valley under the name of
“Fontenaye”. In 1920 he sold the farm to Mr. S. D. Thomson who decided to subdivide, and
by 1927 Section 68 had been divided into 10 blocks and the area which is now the property of
the Roman Catholic Church was purchased by Cecil and Nancy Petherick who built the house
which is now the old Presbytery. They also established a small poultry farm on the land.
While their house was being built, Mrs. Petherick was establishing a flower garden and for
this purpose travelled from Wellington by train to Haywards – now Manor Park – and waded
across the river. She eventually had a very beautiful garden that was her pride and joy and
had the admiration of her neighbours. Some years after her death of her husband Mrs.
Petherick sold the property and left with her son to reside at Melling.
During the early part of the Petherick’s occupancy, on the roadside of the present Church site,
were the letter boxes of the Stokes Valley residents, there being no delivery past that point.
The new owners were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Small. Ralph travelled daily to his work in
Wellington and they farmed a few fowls. In 1946 I painted the house for Mr. Small and I
noticed that as the old Presbytery it has again been repainted. In 1949 Mr. and Mrs. Small
sold the property to the Roman Catholic Church and moved to Auckland.
A Church hall was constructed by voluntary labour on the present site and was opened by
Archbishop McKeefrey on 4th October 1959. In 1975 the hall was moved to the rear of the
property and the present Church, St. Francis Xavier was built, being dedicated and blessed by
Archbishop Delargey on 30 November 1975.
If Nancy Petherick could return to Stokes Valley today she would find her little home tucked
away among Church buildings, and her beautiful garden under concrete.
Within the last few years the Roman Catholic Church has made part of the land available for
pensioner flats and the S. V. Urban Marae.
2
The parish of St. Francis Xavier was established on the 19th January 1962. Prior to that it was
formerly part of St. Peter &Paul’s parish lower Hutt.
The first Mass was celebrated by Father Summers in early January 1947 in the sitting room of
the home of Mr. & Mrs. Small. This home was situated where the Catholic Presbytery now
sits. From the 27th March 1947, Mass was celebrated in the Koroanui Hall, on the 4th Sunday
of every month, with the average attendance was about 10 people. As the numbers increased
Mass was celebrated twice a month. The hall was on the site of the fire station.
In 1951 Father Summers negotiated the purchase of the land where the present church and
Koroanui Marae now occupy. The big step forward in establishing the parish was when the
St. Francis Xavier Hall was built. This was built by voluntary labour, under the guidance of
Monsignor Fletcher, the Parish Priest of Lower Hutt. The Hall was blessed and opened by the
late Cardinal McKeefry in September 1960. Our first Parish Priest was the late Father
Michael Faherty. This church hall served the parish for the next 15 years and is a credit to all
who had a hand in its construction.
The growing number of families in the parish attending Mass necessitated the removal of the
hall to its present site, at the back of the property to make way for the building of the new
more spacious church. The hall will not be forgotten. It is used as part of the Marae for its
educational programme, and it stands as a memorial to the pioneers who helped build this
Catholic Community here in Stokes Valley.
3
Francis Xavier
, born Francisco de Jasso y
Azpilicueta (7 April 1506 – 3 December 1552). The life of St. Francis Xavier is an epic of
supernatural proportions. He was born 7 April 1506 at the family castle of Xavier, in the
Kingdom of Navarre, North Western Spain. He was born to an aristocratic family of the
Kingdom of Navarre, the youngest son of Juan de Jaso, privy counsellor to King John III of
Navarre (Jean d'Albret), and Doña Maria de Azpilcueta y Aznárez, sole heiress of two noble
Navarrese families.
The castle of the Xavier family was later acquired by the Company of Jesus.
When nineteen, he met St. Ignatius at the University of Paris and became one of the first
members of the Society of Jesus. In 1525, Francis went to study at the Collège Sainte-Barbe
in Paris. Together with Ignatius of Loyola and five others, he founded the Society of Jesus:
on 15 August 1534, in a small chapel in Montmartre, they made vows of poverty, chastity
and obedience, and also vowed to convert the Muslims in the Middle East (or, failing this,
carry out the wishes of the Pope).
He was ordained in 1537 and shortly afterwards, he was selected by St. Ignatius to pioneer
new missionary fields in the Far East. He left Lisbon on 7 April 1541 along with two other
Jesuits and the new Viceroy Martim Afonso de Sousa, on board the Santiago. From August
until March 1542 he remained in Mozambique, having reached Goa, then capital of
Portuguese India's on 6 May 1542, and also visiting Vasai. There he was invited to head Saint
Paul's College, a pioneer seminary for the education of secular priests that became the first
jesuit headquarters in Asia, but soon departed, having spent the following three years in
India.
In 1542, he left for his first missionary activity among the Paravars, katesar/kadaiyar
Pattamkattiyars(head of fishery coast) and mukkuvars, pearl fishers along the east coast of
southern India, North of Cape Comorin (or Sup Santaz). He built nearly 40 churches along
the coast with the fund of local headmen and king, out of this St. Stephen's Church
Fired with an extraordinary zeal, he blazed the trail of the gospel far across the sub-continent
of India to the Fishery coast, then down to the East Indies and on to Malacca and the
Moluccas and up the Empire of Japan, which he reached in 1549.
His missionary life was one of incredible hardships borne with an unfaltering faith. Nowhere
is the tale more graphically told than in his letters, several of which are given here. On the 3rd
December 1552, while waiting permission to enter China, he fell victim to a malignant fever
and died on the island Shangchuan, off Canton.
4
He was first buried on a beach at Shangchuan Island. His incorrupt body was taken from the
island in February 1553 and was temporarily buried in St. Paul's church in Malacca on 22nd
March 1553. An open grave in the church now marks the place of Xavier's burial. On 11th
December 1553, Xavier's body was shipped to Goa. The body is now in the Basilica of Bom
Jesus in Goa, where it was placed in a glass container encased in a silver casket on 2nd
December 1637.
Francis Xavier is a Catholic saint. He was beatified by Paul V on 25th October 1619, and was
canonized by Gregory XV on 12 March 1622, at the same time as Ignatius Loyola. He is
considered to be a patron saint of Roman Catholic missionaries in foreign lands. His feast day
is the 3rd December.
The feast of Saint Francis Xavier is celebrated on 8th December, although it is celebrated
sometimes on 3rd December.
Within weeks his body was disinterred and found to be incorrupt. St. Francis was finally and
fittingly buried at the scene of his fist labours, Goa. He was proclaimed Patron of all Catholic
missions by Pope St. Pius X.
“A more detailed account of his St. Francis’s life and works can be found at this website”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Xavier
ST.FRANCIS XAVIER LETTER 1549
“There are two things which support me against all the threats and preparations of the devil,
who is already threatening hostilities and letting us know clearly enough that he means war
to the knife, in order to frighten us from our course. The first of these is, as I have just said,
the conviction that God knows with perfect clearness the rectitude of my intentions in
undertaking the voyage. The second is, the most certain knowledge of the entire and absolute
dominion of the will of God over all created things, so that no one of them can do anything at
all except by the permission of God. And that his law binds the devils themselves, and that,
however much they may wish to hurt anyone, they cannot do so unless they first obtain leave
from God, is clearly seen in the history of Job. The Sacred Scriptures bears witness, that his
most savage enemy Satan could not in the slightest degree harm that holy man without the
assent and pleasure of God.”
5
The Pilgrimage of Poppy and Milton Watts
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
“Reference: An article taken from the SPARTAN November 1984 written by Poppy & Milton Watts”
Three weeks ago Poppy and I climbed the steps to the top of St. Paul’s Hill in the historic city
of Malacca, in Malaysia. In front of the ruined St. Paul’s church is the statue of St. Francis
Xavier, one of the most famous names connected with the city. As we stood before the statue,
I felt that the story of this Saint would be of interest to more than our Catholic brethren who
attend the St. Francis Xavier Church in Stokes Valley.
St. Francis Xavier’s name and influence have survived the ravages of time. He is venerated in
a thousand different places throughout the world, and in innumerable institutions of charity
and learnings named after him. On a plaque attached to the statue is engraved this inscription:
“This statue was donated by the then Bishop of Malacca on behalf of all the Catholics of
Malaya on the occasion of the fourth centenary celebrations held from March 12th to March
22nd 1953”. It was erected by the Malacca Historical Society in March, 1954.
St. Francis Xavier’s birth coincided with the emergence of a new era in world affairs. His
missionary journeys extended over eleven years, from his time in Lisbon in 1541 to his death
in 1552. In that time he travelled a total of 38,000 mile to spread Christianity from Malacca
to Indonesia, Moloccus Islands, Philippines, Japan and China.
When he died his body was temporarily buried in St. Paul’s Church, where he had first
preached in 1545. Some nine months later it was sent to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa,
India, where it remains to this day. There is an open grave inside the ruins of St. Paul’s
Church, Malacca to mark where the Saint was first buried.
Today Xavier is revered in Malacca, more than 400 years after he lived and worked there, not
only by Catholics of Malacca but also by the thousands of tourists who visit his one time
tomb on St. Paul’s Hill. On the 3rd December if it is a Sunday, or, if it is a weekday, on the
succeeding Sunday, every year large crowds gather on St. Paul’s Hill to renew their
veneration to the saintly man.
6
1962 – 1966
Father Michael Faherty
Parish Priest
1965 – 1967
Father Michael Madden
Assistant
1965
Father Brian Carruthers
Locum Tenes
1967 – 1977
Father Hugh McHale
Parish Priest
1968 – 1977
Father James Davis
Assistant
1968
Father Warren Fowler
Administrator
1968
Father Matthew Griffin
Assistant
1978 – 1980
Father Owen Dolan
Parish Priest
1978
Father John Roberts
Deacon
1981 – 1986
Father Raymond Stachurski
Parish Priest
Feb – May 1987
Father Francis Whittaker
Parish Priest
June 1987 – 1995
Father Joseph Keegan
Parish Priest
Oct – Dec 1990
Monsignor Bernard Tottman
Administrator
Jan – April 1991
Father Michael McCabe
Locum Tenes
1996
Father John Berry
Parish Priest
1997
Father John Greally
Parish Priest
1998 – 2007
Father Desmond Moosman
Parish Priest
2008 – Dec 2011
Father Mike Miers
Parish Priest
2012
Father David Dowling
Parish Priest
7
FATHER MICHAEL FAHERTY
Father Michael Faherty, was our first Parish Priest and was appointed to Stokes Valley when
we were declared an independent parish in February 1962. Father was ordained in Tuam,
Ireland in 1953 and came to New Zealand the following year. Father worked in Newtown and
Waipawa before coming to Stokes Valley.
He experienced some ill health when he first arrived in New Zealand, so it was a big
challenge to take on the development of a new parish in a new community.
Father Michael developed a new planned giving programme to enable him to plan for the
future of the parish.
Father Michael left Stokes Valley in 1966, he then was working in America, before returning
to Tuam, Ireland.
He died in the late 1990’s.
8
FATHER MICHAEL MADDEN
Father Michael Madden was born in Kenmare, Ireland in 1938.
He attened St. Brendan’s College, then St Patrick’s College, Seminar inThurles, Ireland
where he was ordained in Holy Cross Church, Kenmare June 1963. He came to New Zealand
about 1964, served first in Christchurch then came to Stokes Valley in 1965. He was a very
keen sportsman, especially hand-ball, fishing and golf. While at St. Brendan’s College he was
the area champion.
He was assistant to Father Faherty and then to Father McHale. He returned to Ireland to visit
his family in 1967, and when he returned he served in Takapau, Waipawa and then Wairoa.
After serving in New Zealand for 32 years, he returned to his family in Ireland in April 1995
and then died a month later. At his funeral his coffin was draped by a Maori Chiefs cloak,
which had been presented to him by the Maori people of Wairoa. This showed the high
esteem he was held in by the people of that district.
9
FATHER HUGH McHALE
Father Hugh McHale was born in County Mayo, Ireland. He later lived for some years in
Dublin. He was ordained at All-Hallows College Drumcondra, Dublin, which was a
Missionary College in 1949.
He came to New Zealand in 1949 and was appointed at Lower Hutt as an assistant. He was
later appointed in turn to Miramar, Wairoa, Pungarehu (Taranaki), Seddon, Waitara, Stokes
Valley and finally to Upper Hutt. It was while he was at Lower Hutt, that he first celebrated
Mass in Stokes Valley. At that time Mass was held in the old Koraunui Hall which was next
to the fire station. During this time Stokes Valley was part of the Lower Hutt Parish, and he
used to alternate with Fathers J.J. Fletcher – later to become Rt. Rev. Monsignor, and with
Father K. Hyland.
Father Mc.Hale had a gift of understanding those who had any sort of psychological problem,
and would spend hour after hour with such people helping them with delicate understanding.
He was, of course, a deeply religious, sincere and spiritual man. Many will have seen him
pacing alongside the old church hall, each week-day morning, summer and winter, saying his
rosary prior to celebrating 6.30 am Mass. In the summer – early morning sunshine – in the
winter the darkness and gloom.
He followed Father Faherty as parish priest, and was to serve 11 years. His assistant for 7 of
those years was Father Jim Davis. It was during this time of service, that the present church
was built, and opened by Archbishop Delargy on 30.11.1975. It must be looked upon as a
massive goal for the new parish. He was also perhaps responsible during his term, in
initiating a greater church community understanding between the other denominations in the
district.
He celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Ordination in 1974. His Mass of Thanksgiving was
celebrated in the Community Hall, followed by an evening at the Stokes Valley Motor Lodge
organized by the parishioners. His sister and her husband attended, having come over from
Ireland.
Father McHale will be remembered by many in Stokes Valley for the good he did. He arrived
in the district during difficult times in the establishment of a new parish, and he did not have
an easy road to travel. In keeping with his office, he did much good.
A card which was displayed near his office desk read – ‘BE REASONABLE AND DO IT
MY WAY’.
F. J. Tindall
10
FATHER JAMES DAVIS
Father Jim was born in Northern Ireland in 1943.
Father Jim arrived in Stokes Valley in January 1968. He had been appointed to another parish
then plans got changed and he was sent to Stokes Valley. On his first morning after Mass, he
was directed to go and help the men at the working bee. Father didn’t know what a working
bee was. It was the first day of the painting the interior and exterior of the Church. Father was
handed a paint brush and shown where to work. No one knew who he was or where he had
come from. The men thought he was a kind soul who had come to help. He later told us that
back in Ireland, the Priest’s weren’t expected to have to paint their own Churches. After four
weekends of this, Father certainly fitted into our community.
Father Jim was a talented singer and during his time here, we had both an adults and a
children’s choir. We also had many enjoyable social events, where Father would entertain us
with his singing. These were also fundraising events for our new Church.
As plans for the new Church progressed, Father Jim had become interested in Maori culture
and carving. Being self-taught he started on making the various pieces of furniture and art
works that adorn our Church. His first piece was the Tabernacle, followed by the Sanctuary
Lamp and Easter Candle stands, the Lectern, Baptismal Font, St. Francis Xavier’s picture and
the Stations of the Cross. Father was ably assisted by the many talented members of our
parish.
Father Jim left our parish in 1977, when he was appointed to Wairoa where he did more
carvings as they re-furbished a building for the parish there. After Wairoa he served in
Motueka where he celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Ordination.
11
BISHOP OWEN DOLAN
Bishop Owen Dolan was born in Palmerston North on 30th September 1928. He was educated
at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Hawera, St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream, and Hawera
High School. He entered the Holy Name Seminary, Christchurch to begin his priesthood and
then to Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. He was ordained in Hawera on the 21st July 1954.
His first appointment was to 1955 – 59 Sacred Heart Parish, Petone, 1960 – 61 St. Peter’s
Parish,Wairoa, 1962 – 62 St. Patrick’s Parish, Patea, 1964 St. Joseph’s Parish, New
Plymouth, 1965 Sacred Heart Parish, Inglewood, 1966 Our Lady, Help of Christians, Fitzroy,
1967 St. Brigid’s Parish, Fielding, 1968 St. Joseph’s Parish, Upper Hutt and 1970 - 72 St.
Joseph’s Parish, Waitara. Served as a Missionary in Lima and Arequipa, Peru from 1973 to
1977. On returning to New Zealand, he came to Stokes Valley in 1978 to 1980.
He really missed the life in Peru and found life here very quiet. After working with the native
people in Peru, he had a deep understanding of the under-privileged people in our
community.
Father Owen left Stokes Valley in January 1980 and he was appointed to the position of
Vicar General to the Archdiocese of Wellington and was based at St. Joseph Parish,
Wellington until 1991. In 1991 until 1996, he became National Director of Pontifical Mission
Societies.
On 10th December 1995, he was ordained Coadjutor Bishop for Palmerston North at the
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North.
In 2003 Bishop Dolan retired, but still helps out in other parishes.
12
FATHER RAYMOND STACHURSKI
Father Ray was born and grew up rural Taranaki in 1934. He was educated in Taranaki and
the St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream. He started his training for the priesthood at the Holy
Name Seminary, Christchurch and the Holy Cross College, Mosgiel.
After ordination Father Ray served in the Fielding Parish His intention had been to work as a
Parish Priest but while in his first parish he received an approach from the Archbishop for
appointment as Army Chaplain, which he accepted. He was with the army for 9 years and
after working at Waiouru and at Burnham, Father Ray was posted to Terendak Camp,
Malaya, for two years. He requested a tour of duty in Vietnam which he served attached to
Headquarters at Nui Dat base, although he moved around widely among the different units
and worked alongside other Army Chaplains
before going with the forces to Malaysia and then to Vietnam before returning to Burnham.
In 1972, after he had decided to leave the Army, he was posted to Palmerston North where
his duties included Linton Camp.
He was appointed to St. Patrick’s, Palmerston North, then in 1974 Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, Stoke, Nelsen before coming to Stokes Valley in 1981.
While he was serving in Stokes Valley he was instrumental in developing the Marriage
Encounter Movement and courses for engaged couples.
In 1987 Father Ray was appointed to Wellington Hospital as Chaplain where he is still
serving today.
Father Ray celebrated his Golden Jubilee July 2009.
13
FATHER JOSEPH KEEGAN
Father Joe was born in Taranaki in June 1950, the second of three sons of Agnes and Athol
Keegan.
His primary schooling was at a country school in the Stratford district and his secondary
schooling was at St. Francis Douglas College in New Plymouth. He worked for some time for
the NZED, on linking the cables on the power pylons. He left this dangerous job to enter
Holy Name Seminary in Christchurch and then Holy Cross College in Mosgiel. He was
ordained to the priesthood in 1976.
He served in Upper Hutt and Westport before coming to Stokes Valley in June 1987. He was
known as the “Bikie” priest as his favourite mode of transport was his “Harley Davidson”
motor bike. Through this he had great rapport with those on the fringe of society and did
great work with those in the wider community.
One afternoon in September 1990 after enjoying an afternoon riding quad-bikes with a friend,
on the way home on the Haywards Hill, his bike hit some loose gravel on road works. This
accident resulted in him losing his right leg and multiple abrasions. He was unconscious for a
month in intensive care, first in Wellington Hospital and then in Hutt Hospital. During this
time, members of the wider Stokes Valley community met in the church every night to pray
for Fr. Joe’s recovery. Even his cat Strippie, joined the congregation. Father credits his
amazing recovery to the power of these prayers, along with the amazing medical stall at both
Hospitals. After a month he started to improve, but still had to face many operations of plastic
surgery to repair the many abrasions. Father finally left hospital in December and returned to
the parish in time for Christmas.
While Father Joe was in hospital, Monsignor Bernard Tottman looked after the parish and
then Father Michael McCabe assisted here until April 1991, when Father Joe was able to take
over the parish again.
Once Father was home he was busy planning the transformation of the remains of his bike
into a trike. This he did very successfully and enjoyed having that sense of freedom again.
Also he was soon back on the golf course again, competing in the priests golf tournaments.
Father left Stokes Valley in January 1996, he was appointed to Saint Joseph’s Parish, Picton
where he is still serving today.
14
FATHER DESMOND MOOSMAN
Father Des Moosman was born in Taranaki in 1937. He was educated at St. Joseph’s Primary
School in Stratford, Stratford Memorial College, St. Kevin’s College, Oamaru, Holy Name
Seminary, Christchurch and the at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel.
He was ordained at the Bascilica in Wellington on the 29th June 1962, by Bishop Kavanagh.
He celebrated his first Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Stratford.
Before coming to Stokes Valley in 1998, he was stationed in Our Lady of the Rosary,
Waiwhetu, St. Anne’s, Wanganui East, Catholic Church, Hataitai, St. Joseph’s, Levin and St.
Patrick’s, Kilbirnie.
Father Des worked very hard to clear our crippling debt. An appeal went throughout the
Catholic Community of New Zealand and finally we were debt free and able to plan for the
future.
Father Des left Stokes Valley in January 2008, when he was appointed to Parish Priest at
Titahi Bay’s, St. Puis X parish where he is still serving today.
He celebrated his Golden Jubilee on Sunday 8 July at a 9.30am Mass at St Pius X Church,
Titahi Bay.
15
FATHER DAVID DOWLING
Father David was raised in Kingston, Wellington and received his primary education with the
Marist Brothers in Newtown. His secondary education was at St Patrick's College, Kilbirnie.
For 18 years after leaving school David worked in the New Zealand Customs Service.
David entered Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland in 2001 and was ordained to the priesthood
in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Wellington on 1 September 2007.
Father David's first appointment was to St Mary's in Blenheim. In February 2010 Father
David was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Heretaunga. He was
appointed Moderator of St Francis Xavier Parish in December 2011, while remaining as
Parish Priest at Heretaunga.
16
Fundraising began for the present church in 1972/73, various event were organised including
a music hall evening along with wine and cheese, which proved to be a very social event
bringing parish, family and friends together.
In April 1975 the original church hall was moved to the rear of the property, during this
process the hall became stuck in the mud over the winter/spring period. During this time the
hall could not be used. St. Philip’s Anglican Church kindly allowed us the use of their
church. To mark the opening of the new church St. Philip’s Church presented St. Francis
Xavier with a ciborium, this was presented to Father McHale by Reverend Ray Ladd in
November 1975, and is still used with pride and thanks today.
The final touches to the church were made or donated by many parishioners this included all
the nationalities to reflect the mix of cultures who had settled in the valley over the years.
Father Jim Davis carved a portrait of St. Francis Xavier out of Totara along with the Stations
of the Cross, a Maori motif was painted by Sharon Kelly, a Celtic design was sent by Deidre
O’Donell from Ireland to Jan Gilbert for the church. The tabernacle was designed as a Pataka
this was a Dutch/Swiss construction, the pearl inlay was by Peato Perez a Tokelaun, Paua and
Greenstone ornamentation was supplied by the Tokelaun parishioners, Father Davis carved
Maori panels and made a Celtic cross from Connemara marble, the woven veil made for the
outside was made by the Maori community, these and many more works were completed for
the parish by the able assistance of many parishioners.
Archbishop Delargey, Bishop of Wellington dedicated and blesses the new church on the 30th
November 1975. Some of the Parish priests include Father McHale whose Silver Jubilee was
celebrated with Mass in the community hall followed by a function at the Stokes Valley
Motor Lodge in 1974. Father Owen Dolan was Parish priest from 1978 to 1980 after arriving
back in New Zealand after serving five years as a missionary in Arequipa, Peru. Father Ray
Stachurski had been a chaplain in Malaysia and Vietnam during the war. Father Joe Keegan
fondly known as the “Harley Davidson” riding priest, had a serious motor bike accident while
serving as our Parish Priest he believed that the prayers and support of the parish helped him
pull through.
17
18
ST FRANCIS XAVIER
The wood for this was donated and prepared for use by Bill Hiscock. Carl McCann did the
initial research and due to his diligence the present carving is based on a portrait by a
Japanese artist, which hangs in the museum in Japan. Patricia Bourke did the actual drawing
on wood before the carving commenced. Deirdre O’Donnell forwarded the Celtic design
transfers from Dublin. Janet Gilbert applied these to the wood before carving commenced on
them. Denis Kane was of great assistance in sanding the completed work before varnishing.
Gary Simpson donated the paua shell squares. Sharon Kelly designed and executed the
Kowhaiwhai pattern. Fr Jim Davis did the actual carving, executed the celtic design, carved
the Maori surface decoration and applied the finishing touches. This project took about six
months to complete.
19
ALTAR
The main altar was designed by Fr. H. McHale P. P.
It was built and denoted by Bill Hiscock.
It was used for the first time at Fr. McHales’s Silver Jubliee Mass in the Community Centre,
Stokes Valley on the 19th June 1974, having just been completed the day before.
It was then stored in the old church hall and not used again until the 22nd November 1975
when it was reassembled and used for the open-air televised Mass at the Lower Hutt
Recreation grounds on the 23 November 1975.
It was then installed in the new Church ready for the official opening on the 30th November
1975.
20
THE TABERNACLE
Looking around at New Zealand Churches, most of them, with the exception of those around
Taupo and Rotorua, could be anywhere in the world. To make our Church in Stokes Valley
more distinctive and “New Zealand” in style, it was decided to investigate the possibility of
building a special tabernacle. Parishioners of various nationalities and cultures were
approached and asked their advice and assistance.
As a result the finished article has the following story attached to it:
Commencing at the foot of the tabernacle, the base was made and donated by a Swiss
member of our “family” John Scherrer.
The wood for the solid post and the rest of the tabernacle was donated by a Dutch member of
the community Henry Hendriks.
The post was inlaid in Tiwha “Father of Pearl” by Peato Perez who is from Tokelau.
The Paua was donated by Garry Simpson, a New Zealander who also had the greenstone cut
to the correct shape for the tabernacle base. He also donated the greenstone key.
Akenehe Niko and Melehete Tuilava who are Tokelauns did the weaving for the inside of the
tabernacle.
Jan Gilbert who is English made and donated the inside floor covering and inside curtains.
The tabernacle itself was cut, assembled and varnished by Bill Gilbert who is also English.
21
Mai Doherty donated the Celtic Cross, she lives in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Fr Davis donated the greenstone, carved the decorative Maori panels on the front of the
tabernacle, cut and inlaid the paua and also inlaid the greenstone and celtic cross in marble.
Daphne Pewhairangi and her daughter Kathleen Anderson wove the tabernacle veil for the
outside, representing the Maori Community.
The whole concept of this tabernacle is based on the pataka of Maori culture. The pataka is
the Maori food store. Here we use it as a tabernacle to house Christ who is the food of our
souls.
The twelve inlaid pieces of Tiwha (which is a shell used in Tokelau on very special
occasions) six on each side of the post, represent the twelve Apostles. The three centre
“stars” of Tiwha represent the three atoll islands known as the Tokelaus:- Nukunonu, Fakaofo
and Atafu, showing how the Tokelau people came to New Zealand to find a new way of life;
this they did through Christ and the Apostles, Christ being represented by the host and chalice
inlaid in Tiwha.
Moving to the top of the tabernacle we see twelve holes – six on each side. These again
represent the twelve Apostles. The diamond notch carving represents all the people who
were brought into the Church through the Apostles and Passion and Death of Christ on the
Cross, represented by the Celtic Cross in marble at the apex.
The uprights or “Amo” of any Maori meeting house always told the ancestry of the person to
whom the place belonged. Seeing as Christ will live in the tabernacle, his ancestry is the
Alpha and the Omega -–the beginning and the end, inlaid in the amo in paua shell. Also as
Christ lives in the tabernacle the Trinity must also be present and is represented by the
traditional idea of three equal circles, here done in the greenstone – to represent the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
Inside there are five crosses incorporated into the Tokelau weaving – each cross standing for
a letter of the word ALOHA which means love and God is love.
The black edging along both sides of the tabernacle veil represent sin in the world. The green
cross is the traditional colour of mourning. The red background shows how Christ shed his
blood for the redemption of the world and the two white Kotuku feathers symbolise the peace
that Christ’s redemption brings to the world.
PRESENTATION
The tabernacle was presented to Father H. McHale on the Wednesday before Easter Sunday
1973 to be used in the new Church in Stokes Valley. The tabernacle was used for the first
time on Holy Thursday as the Tabernacle of Repose 1973. It was used again for the same
purpose in 1974. It was taken to the Community Centre on 19 June 1974 for Father
McHale’s Jubilee Mass. From then it was used in the oratory in the back room of the
Presbytery while the new Church was being built.
It took almost two and a half years to complete the tabernacle.
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SANTURY LAMP STAND & PASCAL CANDLE STAND
These were made from “Kanava” (Kanava wood (Cordia subcordata) is almost always used for
canoe building) wood specially imported from Tokelau by Joe Perez. The wood was cut and
assembled by Bill Hiscock and he also donated the wood for the base of each. Bill became
seriously ill at this stage of the work and so the base for each was assembled by John
Scherrer. Pat Brosnan put the two pieces together and varnished them. Denis Kane did the
electrical wiring for the Santuary lamp. Peato Perez inlaid the work with Tiwha (Decorate
carving with paua shell) shell. The design on the Santuary lamp stand represents the ten
commandments with the Trinity represented by the cross and two small pieces of Tiwha
shell.
The shelves for the flowers on either side of the tabernacle were donated and installed by
John Scherrer. The vases for these were picked and donated by his wife Theresa Scherrer.
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CARVINGS
The carvings in oak of the Sacred Heart and Madonna and Child were done by A. Schroeder.
These were donated to the Parish by the Heythuysen family, the Martens family and Matthew
Martens. They were brought to New Zealand by the Ramakers family.
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THE LECTURNS
The three small lecterns were made and donated by Bill Hiscock.
The two large lecturns; the wood for these was donated by the Knox and Creighton families.
The first one was made by Brent Rea to a detailed design drawn by Bill Gilbert. It was
varnished by Ray Falleni. The Maori woven panel on the front was drawn by Roland
Anderson. It was woven by Daphne Pewhairangi and her two daughters Kathleen Anderson
and Ramona Pewhairangi who also donated the materials.
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As the scriptures will be read from this lectern, the dove on the Maori panel shows that they
are the inspired word of God. At the bottom left hand corner there is the traditional
“Poutama”, which is the stairways to heaven – the three steps represent the three wise men,
the twelve steps represent the twelve apostles, the fourteen steps represent the fourteen
stations of the cross. This “Poutama” is like a quick rule of thumb which we gleam from the
scriptures, or like a mini Bible in signs.
This lectern was first used at the Community Centre 19 June 1974 on the occasion of Father
H. McHale’s Silver Jubilee Mass.
The second lectern was also made by Brent Rea. Both of these lecterns were slightly altered
on the front by John Scherrer so that the Maori woven panels could be properly attached.
They were given final coats of varnish by Pat Brosnan and Peter Van Schaik.
Christian art has for centuring seen the four winged creatures of Ezechial’s vision (Ezech 1
v.10) as symbols of the four evangelists. The man is Mathew whose Gospel opens with the
human geneology of Christ. The limb is Mark whose opening verses speak of the Baptist as
the “voice of me crying in the desert; the ox is Luke who begins his Gospel with an account
of Lachariah’s sacrifice in the temple; the eagle is John whose whole Gospel soars to
heavenly heights in speaking of the divinity of Christ.
The two-edged sword down the centre of this panel refers to the passage in Hebrews 4 V.12,
“The word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword. It
penetrates to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow and discerns the thoughts
and intentions of the heart”.
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CRUCIFIX
When the Dominican Sisters closed their Priory in Dunedin they donated our Parish Church
their crucifix which had been carved in wood in Oberammergau.
As it was one of the Sisters treasures they asked that the crucifix be placed in the Church
only.
The crucifix was in need of restoration and this was done by Sister Mary of the Little
Company of Mary.
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STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA & ST. JOSEPH
The Dominican Sisters of Dunedin gave our Parish Church their statue of Our Lady of Fatima
which had been carbed in wood by Guilherme F. Thedim, of Matosinhos, Portugal in 1930.
The statue was in need of repair and repainting and this was done by Sister Mary of the Little
Company of March.
As the statue had been treasured by the Sisters, they asked that it be placed in the Church
only.
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BAPTISMAL FONT
This was made and donated by John Scherrer. The bowl in the font itself was designed,
potted and donated by Ivan Gannaway.
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THE WALL HANGING OF THE ‘BAPTISM OF CHRIST IN THE JORDAN’
The design for this wall hanging was done by Nicholas Bengree under the direction of Fr Jim
Davis. After the initial sketch and drawing had been completed Nicholas Bengree then ‘blew
up’ the design to the required size and drew it on the canvas.
The canvas itself was donated and sewn together by Githa Falleni.
Evelyn Boyle provided a donation from which the carpet hooks and needles were bought.
Linda and Gordon Holmes provided all the wool required to complete the entire project.
Mark Falleni made temporary ‘holding frame’ while the Holy Spirit was being sewn into
place. This particular feature was done entirely by Githa Falleni.
The design itself represents the scriptural passage from Mark 1 vv9-11 – the Baptism of
Christ in the Jordan, where the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, descended on him and the
voice from the Father (represented by the Alpha and Omega) saying:
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“This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
Linda Holmes helped choose the final colours. Peg Scullian taught the technique of rug
makaing.
The entire project from the time the first stitch was put in took approximately six weeks.
The following people worked on the project:
Nicholas Bengree, Fr Jim Davis Linda Holmes, Peg Scullion, Marie Knox, Kath Bengree,
Cynthia Simpson, Thereas Scherrer, Maria Knight, Cath Grant, Trish Coupe, Margaret
Bentley, Angela Capes, Adrienne Zuppicich, Celine Ryan, Louise Ryan, Tom Ryan, Ann
Heythusen, Moira & Maureen Mee, Monica McCann, Jeanette Russell, Mark & Githa
Falleni, Nicola & Jan Gilbert, Claude Berecz, Maureen Wagg, Kathleen & Joyce Rose, Pat
O’Grady, Christine & Shona McGirr, Colleen & Lynda Coleman, Nan O’Neil, Rikki, Anton,
Paul, Judy Van Dorrestein, Rangi McAlister, Maureen Wharton, Lois Wogan, Pat Alsford,
Lorraine Staples, Norma Harris, Pauline Fowler & Anita McLaughlan.
THE PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR
This chair and four smaller ones to match were made and donated by Kerry Burt. The
padding and upholstery of the presidential chair was done by Jack Burt (Sr.) The carving on
the presidential chair was done by Fr Jim Davis. All were sanded and varnished by Peter Van
Schaik, Pat Brosnan and Gary Simpson.
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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
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THE ORGAN
The organ was bought on the 23 December 1973. This was a gift from a couple within the
Parish who wish to remain anonymous.
THE PRIE-DIEUS
The wood for three of these was donated by John Scherrer. This was cut, shaped and
assembled by Joe Lannigan, then all were then upholstered by Jack Burt (Sr). The materials
for the upholstery work were donated by John Burns – a local upholsterer.
THE SOUND SYSTEM
The Youth Forum organised a mini gala. The proceeds from this were used to buy the sound
system in early 1974. It was installed in the new Church by Denis Kane the week prior to the
opening 30 November 1975.
SIDE ALTAR
The side altar was made and donated by Bill Hiscock as a token of thanksgiving when his
daughter entered the order.
With the advent of the Vatican Council and Liturgical Reform the altar was redesigned and
converted for “Mass facing the people” by Peter Zwart.
A couple of weeks prior to the opening of the new Church it was redisgned to accommodate a
crib and also change back to its original form to act as “Altar of Repose”. This work was
done by Bill Hiscock and Fr. Jim Davis. It was then given a ‘face-lift’, sanded down and revarnished by Peter Van Schaik, Gary Smpson, Mark Falleni and Pat Brosnan. The Tabernacle
and side shelves were screwed back into position by John Burt and John Scherrer.
The side altar was converted into a semi-permanent crib by Bill Hiscock and Father Jim
Davis. The wood for the inside lining was donated by Bill Hiscock and draw-knifed by Father
Jim Davis. The wood for the outside frame was left overs from the beams and sarking of the
new church and adzed by Fr Jim Davis. The paua shell set in resin was donated by Gary
Simpson. The letters were designed by Jeanette Russell and cut out by Mark Falleni and also
set into the wood. The wood was sanded down by the following members of the youth
forum.
T. Burt, C. Candy, R. Marwick, J. Mooney, V. Adamson, E. Adamson, F. Knight, M. Knight,
M. McCann, M. Jackson, B. McCann, P. Wood, C. Alsford, M. Van Schaik, G. Hoffman, L.
Marino, J. MacNeil, P. MacNeil, S. Manville, T. Scherrer, P. Kelley, R. Metson and
M. Wogan.
The stain for the wood was donated by Peter Van Schaik. It was given it’s final coat of stain
by Peter Van Schaik and Fr Jim Davis. The lighting was installed by Denis Kane.
The figures for the crib were made and assembled by Leigh Penman. The wood for these was
donated by Bill Hiscock, Leigh Penman and Father Jim Davis. The crooks for the shepherds
and the halo for the child Jesus were donated by G. Heberley. Initial research for the shape of
the figures was done by Sr Margaret, Presentation Sisters, Taita. The final coats of varnish
were applied by Father Jim Davis.
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35
Reference: “NZ Tablet 4th October 1959”
A PIONEER effort by the Catholic families of Stokes Valley, a semi-isolated suburb
of Lower Hutt, reached through the Taita Gorge, has produced by voluntary labour the
nucleus of yet another Hutt Valley parish.
In three and a half years of Saturday work the parishioners have saved an estimated 3,500
pounds by building their own church-hall, bringing to an end a ten year period during which
Mass has been celebrated each Sunday in the former fire brigade hall or the state school.
Stokes Valley remained in SS Peter and Paul’s parish after the new parishes of St.
Bernadette’s, NaeNae, and St. Michael’s, Taita, were established in 1948 and 1952. The hall
now completed is erected on a ten-acre property bought in 1947 and situated in the middle of
the valley, with frontage on the main Stokes Valley road. The property, extending back to the
hills, is being separated into two parts by a new road which will provide access to many
building sections being opened up by the Hutt Valley City Council. There is adequate space
on the property for the eventual erection of school, church, convent and presbytery.
The hall has been dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, one of the patrons of New Zealand.
Estimated at the time it was designed nearly four years ago to cost 8,000 pounds if built by
contract, it has been erected through the efforts of parishioners for an expenditure, up to the
end of September, of pounds 4,020.13s.6d and is expected to cost about 4,500 pounds when
the finishing touches have been put to it.
“This is a very happy day for the Catholics of Stokes Valley, who have at least reached the
point where they have at least one building they can call their own,” said Rev. J. J. Fletcher,
parish priest. He paid tributes to all who had assisted, particularly the architect, Mr. Russell,
who had taken charge of administration and ordering, as well as working Saturday after
Saturday, Mr. George Pearce was called in at the end to supervise the finishing touches, Mr.
Jim Walker, who had worked at weekends almost all the 3.1/2 years, Mr. and Mrs. J. McKay
and Mr. W. Hiscock.
“I might add I have done a few things myself,” said Father Fletcher, who suggested he was
still not a tradesman as his apprenticeship had lasted only 3.1/2 years. The effort of voluntary
labour had been well worth while; no parishioner had received a penny in wages and a great
contribution had also been made by the women, who had not complained though there were
many jobs for their menfolk around their homes.
The Mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr. P. Dowse said he had lost count of the number of times he
had been present at Catholic opening ceremonies in the city. The council was opening up
many sections in the area surrounding the church property and he predicted that the Stokes
Valley population, now 4,500 would reach 8,000 in “three or four years.” The new hall would
be a valuable focal point for Christian family life, itself the basis of national life.
“This is only the first step in establishing a parish,” commented Mr. W. J. Scullion, chairman
of the hall committee, who predicted that it wouldn’t be long before it would be necessary to
think about further building. The Valley’s Catholic community was fortunate in having the
necessary central and convenient property to develop, thanks to the foresight shown in the
purchase immediately after World War 11.
“Many have helped on this job though they have been building their own homes at the same
time,” he said. Along with building activity had gone social activity to raise funds, and homes
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had been lent freely. Stokes Valley tradespeople had never once said “no” to requests for
donations, display of notices and help in the sale of tickets, and the local branch of the R.S.A.
and the Stokes Valley Rugby Club had helped also.
“A real inspiration to parishioners” had been Father Fletcher, said Mr. Scullion. “Only last
week we saw him on the end of a shovel, mixing concrete for the driveway, and he has taken
a part right through, from the boxing for the foundations to installing the roof beams.”
Many from Lower Hutt itself had also driven up to Stokes Valley to assist, particularly with
the final painting.
“I hope that this spirit of unity and community effort referred to by Mr. Dowse and Mr.
Scullion will live on, and that the Catholic people here will always maintain their spirit of
generosity, sacrifice, loyalty and unity,” said His Grace Archbishop McKeefry. The sincerest
thanks of the archdiocese were due for the effort put into providing a centre of Catholic life,
such as it was difficult to visualize when he had come to Stokes Valley with Father Summers
one day 12 years ago and made the decision to purchase the property. The priests of Lower
Hutt had displayed great foresight and their work had been of great spiritual and practical
worth.
The Stokes Valley Catholic Women’s Club provided afternoon tea for a large number of
visitors who also took the opportunity to inspect the new hall, which incorporated small, side
rooms which make it convenient for social occasions as well as for concerts. At the back of
the low stage, sliding doors can be thrown back, revealing an arrangement of hinged
platforms and behind them the altar. A room at the side of the stage can be used as the
sacristy.
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“Reference: Article October 1959”
Sunday, October 4, marked a new era in the valley for the Catholic community with the
opening of the St. Francis Xavier Church hall.
Officiating at the ceremony Archbishop McKeefrey congratulated the congregation and
expressed his best wishes for the ultimate goal of a full parish in the valley. The Reverend
Father Fletcher paid tripute to the loyal working bees who had been on the job for nearly four
years and thanked the designer, Mr. Russell, the electrician, Mr. Footer and Mr. Jim Walker,
Mr. Pearce, Mr. Jim McKay and Mr. Bill Hiscock for their outstanding contribution to the
work. The Mayor, Mr. Dowse, added his congratulations and commended the value of the
Catholic contribution to Christian family life in the community and the nation.
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“Reference: Article November 1975”
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It was the second gesture of friendship by the Anglicans to the Roman Catholics. For a period
while the Church was being built and the old hall was out of commission, St. Philip’s Church
was made available for Roman Catholic worship. Members of St. Philip’s Church gave to
ciborium-a vessel to contain the bread at Mass-to St. Xavier’s to mark the opening of the new
church. The vessel was presented by St. Philip’s vicar, the Rev. Ray Ladd, at a morning
service attended by both Anglicans and Roman Catholics in St. Xavier’s hall.
“Gestures of this nature are a step in the right direction towards unity, peace and harmony,”
said Fr McHale, in accepting the ciborium. “For many years now everything I have done has
been to promote these – unity, peace and harmony.
This occasion is historic and unique. I have made inquires to see if anything similar has
happened in New Zealand. I do not know of its happening before. This is the first time such a
presentation has taken place in New Zealand. So you are witnessing an historic occasion.“On
behalf of the Catholic community, I express a sincere and warm thank you,” Fr McHale said.
“I hope that in the future we can do something for you.”
Presenting the ciborium, Mr. Ladd said this was an important function.
“The Anglicans of Stokes Valley desire to celebrate with you the dedication of your new
church,” he said. “It affects not just the Catholic community. It affects the whole of Stokes
Valley. It is a reminder that God is alive and active in the community. I present this ciborium
with prayers and good wishes.”
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PENSIONER FLATS
“Reference: HUTT NEWS 30 April 1985”
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MONSIGNOR OWEN DOLAN
“Reference: Article Evening Post 16 August 1986”
“Reference: Article 9 August 1990”
Bishops Meet
“Reference: Article 9 December 1995”
All but one of New Zealand’s nine Catholic Bishops will attend an ancient ceremony
tomorrow at Palmerston North’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in which Monsignor Owen
Dolan will be ordained coadjutor bishop for the Palmerston North diocese. Monsignor Dolan
will help Palmerston North’s bishop Peter Cullinane and have automatic right of succession
to Bishop Cullinane.
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FATHER JOHN BERRY
“Reference: Article 1996
42
Reference: Article “Stokes Valley Times Page 10 1997”
He has come to us from the inner city ministry of the Cathedral in Hill Street, Wellington, but
says he loves the Parish Ministry.
“It is nice to be here in a local community where the heart lies.”
“Everyone has been so welcoming, especially as I am coming in here on my own.”
He is keen to get about and “keep building on the community spirit in the Parish here”,
encouraging them to enjoy God.
“I want to encourage everyone that God does make a difference – in very ordinary sorts of
ways. He is not out of reach and can help in people’s lives.”
Father John is currently getting to know his parishioners, to find out how they each need
support and to provide that help.
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“I believe we must have open doors – show what we are about – encourage people in to
deepen their faith, spirituality, and show them how God is going to make a difference in all
our lives.”
On a more sobering note, the local community has some debts which have to be turned
around, but he is confident this will happen.
About 250 attend Mass regularly and he is sure there are many other Catholics in the Valley
he is keen to attract back to the regular congregation. Anyone who wants to get in touch with
him can ring the Church House (563 8901) or call at 152 Stokes Valley Road.
Father John is also keen to meet the wider Stokes Valley community and work together
ecumenically with other congregations – as well as forging strong links with his “back
neighbour” the Koraunui Marae.
In the wider church community Father John is the Diocesan Director of Liturgy, responsible
to the 48 parishes for offering, training and advice on matters liturgical.
He is also a member of the national Liturgical Commission. “Which is great – I meet so many
people around the area and I enjoy it.”
While he has not much spare time at at since he came to Stokes Valley, Father John loves
flying and was able to take to the air after being given some lessons as a present. There is
nothing he enjoys more than catching up with a few good friends and a special pride is his
two-year-old niece, the daughter of his twin sister. His parents still live in Paparangi.
Father John reminds all parishioners that St. Francis Xavier has weekly Masses at 7pm on
Saturday nights, 9.30am on Sundays and weekday Masses every morning at 9.30am. He
invites everyone to come along and say hullo and sharing the liturgy with them.
Liturgically he says he likes to give people scope to use whatever prayers suit their particular
lifestyle.
“The whole point is for them to learn of the great love of God and learn also to love one
another.”
When helping plan liturgy he feels it is good to be flexible, to use different forms of prayer –
but says it is also important not to forget the traditional. The power of prayer can have such a
wonderful effect on people’s lives, he says.
With a soft Irish burr in his voice which acknowledges his birthplace was Dublin, Ireland.
Father John came to New Zealand as a three-year-old and grew up in Paparangi, (Newlands)
Wellington.
He’s been back to Ireland twice, once on his kiwi OE and then on a study trip in 1993. He
worked at the Bank of New Zealand, for several years before training for the priesthood at
Holy Cross College in Mosgiel from 1983-88.
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Recounted by Mr. Jim Walker of 58 Ruakawa St, Stokes Valley, 1945 – 1999. He gave the
sharing below on Saturday 23rd October 1999. This was the day Mr. Walker now aged 89, left
Stokes Valley to live in Hawkes Bay.
Mr. Walker lived with wife, Noreen, and daughters Dorothy and Helen, old girls of Sacred
Heart, at Raukawa Street. During the Second World War, Mr. Walker seeing the destruction
of various churches, and especially the one at Tobruk, resolved to come back to New Zealand
and build a church. He returned and built his home in Stokes Valley in 1946.
The Catholics of Stokes Valley at that time were serviced from Lower Hutt Parish, or
sometimes the Marist Priests from Silverstream College. Mass was held in a local hall [cf
attached Tablet article] or in various private homes. Word would go around that “Mass this
Sunday was at …’s home”. Noreen and Jim Walker provided one of those homes. Some
people were not keen to be having Mass in the building they had watched pictures in the
previous night, so were keen to build their own church.
So workers came on a voluntary basis to build, usually on Saturday afternoons. Most people
had to work Saturday mornings to get a worthwhile wage. Often people would not get a job,
especially in the local car firms, unless they were prepared to word Saturday mornings and
Monday and Tuesday nights as well. That freed builders on Monday and Tuesday nights, as
car workers did not like builders working over them lest something dropped on them.
When the building of the church got under way on those nights, they would set up lights
inside. A lead was run from a garage next to the church property.
Mr. Walker was able to work on Saturday mornings as well. Despite this, it was decided to
get a builder in to finish things off, it was taking so long. The building took from 1955 to
1959.
The ‘rose window’ above the altar is not quite plumb. Jim and his wife were working on the
scaffold from outside and it was hard to get it exact. When he came inside, Jim noticed it was
not quite centre. However, Monsignor Fletcher, who often worked with Jim, said to leave it
as it is.
Monsignor Fletcher came up from the Hutt to help. He had to leave early, though, to go back
to the Hutt for Confessions.
Mr. Jim Walker inspected the building on 23rd October 1999 in the presence of Te Waireka
Puhia, kaumatua of the Koraunui Marae. The Marae now care for the building, on its new site
on the property behind the present Church. Jim was pleased at the way it had lasted (over 50
years_ and that the main joints had not opened up. He hoped maintenance and painting would
continue. It was good to see the building in good use within the Marae complex thus provide
a living memory for Jim.
A photo of Jim Walker and Ted Puhia on the steps of the building was taken. [cc with those
marked * below]
Philip Cody SM 23/10/99
Copies: Mr Jim Walker*; St. Francis Zavier Parish*; Koraunui Marae*; Marist Archives.
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