The Parish of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cobram will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its ‘new’ church this Sunday, November 9.
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Hundreds of parishioners are expected to attend a special mass conducted by parish priest Fr Junjun Amaya commencing at 11am and it is hoped to see former parish priests and Sisters of Mercy in attendance.
Past bishop Les Tomlinson will attend with Fr Junjun officiating, while a classic Filipino choir from Wodonga will entertain with their beautiful voices.
Fr Junjun travelled to Australia from Cebu in the Philippines 18 years ago to complete his theology training — the first time he had left his birth country. Previously appointed to Wodonga for several years, two years ago Fr Junjun was appointed parish priest at two parishes — Sacred Heart in Yarrawonga and St Joseph’s Parish Cobram, together with Tungamah and Katamatite where he has received wide-ranging support from his many parishioners.
With two hospitals, secondary and primary schools, aged care and nursing homes, and hundreds of parishioners, Fr Junjun is indeed busy and works to a tight schedule; however, he is thoroughly enjoying his work in each community and has embraced life here in Australia.
On Sunday after the mass, attendees are encouraged to enjoy a barbecue in the picturesque outdoor area of the school grounds, where everything will be provided. This offers a special time for many older parishioners to meet with friends and share recollections of days long gone while enjoying special entertainment, including ever-popular dance the tarantala.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church is 40 years old.
The New Church
In 1972 parish priest at the time Fr John Gallagher formed a committee to discuss the building of a new church, as the old original building constructed in 1911 was deemed to be in need of work and unsuitable for the large numbers of parishioners regularly attending. However, the committee decided the time was not right and did not proceed.
In 1984 at a parish meeting a committee was formed comprising Fr Jones, Sister Domenica, RSM Jim Brooks, Don Byrne, Peter Tymensen and Catherine Moar.
Resulting from the meeting, the committee gave the go-ahead for a new church to be built designed by architect Peter Finn of Smith and Tracy. Plans were drawn up, tenders were called and Trevett Constructions approached to undertake the build after contracts were signed.
On November 9, 1985, a new modern St Joseph’s Catholic Church was commemorated with a blessing and special mass.
The Old Church
The original church was built in Cobram in 1911, commencing 114 years of Catholic faith in the town and district.
It was a time when Cobram was part of the Numurkah parish and remained so until 1922, when Fr Peter Ellis became the first parish priest. Cobram and Katamatite were included in the parish of Yarrawonga and Fr Kennedy, the parish priest, could be seen out and about driving a gig or riding a horse to arrive at church on time.
At a meeting held after mass in 1910, it was resolved to construct “a large handsome church worthy of people who have always liberally assisted churches in the district and had waited so long to have their own”.
Twenty-two gentlemen donated 420 pounds (quite a lot of money in those times) towards the project with a further 50 pounds donated by local businesses.
A foundation stone was laid on March 1911 and the builder appointed was J Broderick of Footscray and architect Tobias Kelly. The church was officially opened and blessed on October 29, 1911.
Today, the original church proudly stands 114 years later as a reminder of the years that it provided a haven for those seeking sanctity and in acknowledgement of how the parish has flourished to meet the needs of modern parishioners. Now known as the Parish Hall, it has been refurbished over time and today is used regularly for many different activities by the community.
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