Meredith lays claim to being one of the oldest towns in Victoria.
McLeod and Sutherland were prominent settlers who moved into the area around 1837/38.
The majority of the traffic to the gold-fields came through Meredith. Situated midway between the seaport of Geelong and the gold-fields around Ballarat, many travellers made Meredith their overnight stopover, with hotels doing a brisk trade. With the opening of the Geelong to Ballarat railway in 1862, horse-drawn coaches from the nearby gold mining towns of Steiglitz, Bamganie/Yorktown connected with the passenger trains at Meredith, while Wards Livery and Letting Stables advertised saddle horses and buggies for hire. Firewood and wool accounted for the majority of the tonnage consigned by rail, from the railway station. Meredith today is a more peaceful place compared to the boisterous days of the gold rush era. Many travellers continue to break their journey here and the area still retains its reputation as a producer of high quality wool..
The Advocate March 13th, 1875 A NEW MISSION
The Geelong district is well-known to be one of the most extensive in the colony, almost all the places within a radius of 25 miles round having hitherto to be served from that town. His Grace the Archbishop recognizing the difficulties attendant on the service of such a large and important tract of country, formed Meredith, Steiglitz, Anakies, Elaine, Morrison‘s, Ballark, Maude, etc into a separate mission, of which the Rev.J.L.Hegarty is to be the pastor.
The Advocate April 10th, 1875 THE NEW MISSION AT MEREDITH.
A few weeks ago we announced that his Grace the Archbishop had created Steiglitz, Meredith, and the surrounding districts into a separate mission, and that the Rev.J.L.Hegarty was appointed pastor. We now learn that Father Hegarty has selected Meredith as his place of residence. Although Steiglitz is the most important town in the new mission, still Meredith has the advantage of being centrally situated; and this circumstance no doubt weighed with the rev gentleman in choosing it as his place of residence.
The Advocate 1876 April 22nd, Fr.Michael.Mullins from St.Mary‘s Geelong appointed as assistant to Fr.Hegarty.
The Advocate July 12th, 1876
This newly-established mission is making rapid progress under the pastoral care of the Rev.J.L.Hegarty. About sixteen months have elapsed since his Grace the Archbishop formed Meredith and the surrounding district into a separate mission, and the improvement that has been effected during that comparatively short period is evident to all those acquainted with the district. There are now six churches in the mission, situated at Meredith, Anakies, Elaine, Lethbridge, Steiglitz and Darriwill. The schools are four in number, and are situated at Anakies, Darriwill, Elaine, and Lethbridge, the first two mentioned being in receipt of State Aid under the capitation clause, whilst the two latter are supported by local contributions. At Meredith the building of a presbytery has recently been commenced, and the work will, in a short time, be pushed on with vigor. On Sunday last Masses were celebrated by Father Hegarty at Steiglitz and Anakies, and in the latter church the rev gentleman preached an interesting and instructive sermon on devotion to the Blessed Virgin, the day being the Feast of Mount Carmel.
The Advocate November 4th, 1876 THE ARCHBISHOP AT MEREDITH
On Sunday morning the 22nd, October, his Grace celebrated an early Mass at Meredith, assisted by Rev.W.J.Kelly, S.J., in the presence of a large congregation. The Archbishop delivered a brief address in the course of which he referred to the desirability of the Catholics of the district providing their pastor with a suitable residence, and expressed a hope that a determined effort would be made to complete the building of the presbytery.
PRESENTATION
When it became known that the Rev Father Mullins, who for some time past has acted as assistant to the Rev.J.L.Hegarty, Meredith, was about to be transferred to the Gordon‘s mission, it was determined by the Catholics of Meredith, Steiglitz, Anakies, etc not to allow the rev gentleman to depart without presenting him with some token of the estimation in which he was held throughout the district. Accordingly, Father Mullins was invited to Meredith on last Wednesday week, when a number of the leading parishioners waited on him, and Mr.John.Murphy, secretary of the Shire of Meredith, read the following address:-
TO THE REV.MICHAEL MULLINS.
REVEREND DEAR SIR,—On behalf of the people of Meredith mission, we desire to express to you our deep sense of the loss we sustain in your removal from amongst us. During the short period in which this mission was blessed with your ministrations, your edifying devotedness to your duties, your priestly deportment, your genial warm-heartedness and unassuming simplicity, taught us to revere you as our pastor and to love you as our friend. The little ones among us, who each and all cordially reciprocated your Christ-like love for children, feel that they have in your departure a subject of no ordinary sorrow.
Though the language of praise may be displeasing to you, you will not, we hope, grudge us the privilege of proclaiming, as loudly as our weakness will permit, that the bonds which unite the priest and the people are not those of faith and kindred alone, but also those of mutual confidence and sincere affection.
Trusting that you will regard the feelings of the givers rather than the value of the gift, we beg your acceptance of the accompanying trifle as a small token of esteem and affection, and we solicit a remembrance in the Adorable Sacrifice, which we know it is your pious practice daily to offer.
That you may continue more and more closely to resemble the Model and Pastor of pastors until we meet you in His glorious presence, to part no more, is the fervent prayer of your respectful and affectionate friends in the Meredith district.
Mr.John.Wilson then came forward, and handed to Father Mullins a purse containing thirty sovereigns.
Father Mullins, in replying, was much affected. He did not know how to thank them for the kind expression of their feelings towards himself, and for the generous gift accompanying it, which he need hardly say, was wholly unexpected on his part. His residence amongst them had been so comparatively short that he was utterly at a loss to know in what manner he had merited the honour they had conferred upon him. However, he returned them his heartfelt thanks, and begged to assure them that although, since his arrival in Victoria, he had laboured in several missions, yet there was none of which he would retain more pleasing recollections than the Meredith district and its inhabitants.
The Rev.J.L.Hegarty, senior pastor of the district, coincided with the words of the address, and regretted that in Father Mullins‘ removal he had lost a zealous colleague. But they should not forget that their loss was the gain of another mission, and that Father Mullins had been appointed to an extensive and populous district, where the energy and zeal he had displayed during his residence at Meredith would find ample scope for their exercise. He heartily endorsed the sentiments of respect and affection for Father Mullins that had been expressed. It should be mentioned that the address was beautifully engrossed and illuminated by Mr.G.Mercer, of Geelong.
The Advocate November 2nd, 1878 THE MEREDITH MISSION
The new presbytery in course of erection for the pastor of the Meredith mission, the Rev.J.L.Hegarty, is rapidly approaching completion. The walls are nearly up to their full height, and the building, when completed, will certainly be an ornament to the district. It is built of bluestone, with Waurn Ponds freestone facings, and stands on a spacious site about a quarter of a mile from the railway station. The total cost will be about eight hundred pounds, and speaking on the subject, at the nine o‘clock Mass at Meredith, on Sunday last, Father Hegarty stated that the sum required for the completion of the building would be two hundred and fifty pounds.
A meeting of the congregation was held at the conclusion of Mass, and judging by the number and amount of subscriptions handed in, no difficulty will be experienced in obtaining the necessary funds.
The Advocate February 8th, 1879 PRESENTATION
Father Hegarty, who has recently been removed from Meredith to Sale, has made himself very popular amongst all classes in the district where he has laboured for the past three years. On the morning of Wednesday 29th, January, the residents of Meredith and the adjacent townships assembled, prior to his departure, and gave expression to their feelings in the subjoined address:-
Reverend and Dear Sir,- We the undersigned, your parishioners and neighbours for the past three years, having learned with much grief and regret that it has pleased your superior to sever your connection with us, cannot voluntarily submit to this act of obedience without expressing our heartfelt sorrow that this rigid discipline in our case as well as yours deprives us not only of the ministration of a much loved priest, but also of a friend, round whom our dearest affections have been so long and so justly entwined. Knowing also that obedience in our case will be a virtue most esteemed by you, it remains for us to be content, confident that for yourself you only require to be known by your new parishioners to be equally respected and esteemed.
The address was signed by Mr.P.O‘Keefe, president of the Shire of Meredith, Mr.J.Murphy, shire secretary, and by all the leading Catholics of the mission. In reply, Father Hegarty expressed himself as follows:-
Gentlemen,- I feel grateful for the kind sentiments conveyed in the address just presented to me. It cannot but be a source of consolation to a priest to know that, during his stay in those places where obedience appoints his residence, his efforts for advancement of religion, and of peace and happiness, have been charitably regarded. The discipline you call rigid is supremely salutary, and I would doubt of my influence did you fail to estimate it aright. It only remains for me to express my grateful recollection of the unfailing kindness I have received from my own flock, and (what deserves more prominent mention, perhaps) from my neighbours of other communions.
Father Hegarty left Geelong for his new mission on Thursday afternoon, and it is needless to say he carries with him the good wishes of hundreds in this part of the colony.
The Advocate June 14th, 1879 MEREDITH.
This district is to be congratulated on having recently received as a resident a gentleman of truly liberal and enlightened views in the person of Mr.John Matheson, Chairman of the Associated Banks. In the short period that has elapsed since he has established his country residence at Meredith, Mr.Matheson has distinguished himself by his kind and charitable acts bestowed in a manner irrespective of the creed or country of the recipients. The latest instance of his generosity is a donation of five pounds in aid of the building fund of the Catholic Presbytery at Meredith. Acts of this kind deserve to be recorded, in as much as they present a striking contrast to the narrow-minded and bigoted ideas of too many leading Protestant citizens.
The Advocate August 30th, 1890
The ceremony of the dedication of the Roman Catholic Church at Meredith was performed on the Feast of the Assumption by the Ven. Archdeacon.Slattery,D.D.,assisted by the Rev.T.Considine, parish priest, who celebrated Mass, after which the Archdeacon delivered a sermon appropriate to the occasion, and contributed fifty pounds towards paying off the small debt that remains upon the church.
The Steiglitz Miner March 5, 1898 Killed by Lightning AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE.
About 8 o‘clock on Monday morning a boy named Patrick Holt, aged 7 years, son of Mrs.J.Holt, of Meredith, was accompanying his mother to Mass at the local R.C.Church, when he was struck by lightning. The boy, it appears, was but a short distance in front of his mother, on the road at the rear of Cobb and Co‘s, stable, when the lightning struck him on the head, tearing the clothes off his right side and also his boot. On seeing the child fall the mother at once rushed and picked him up. Her screams attracted adjoining neighbors, who had the child removed to Mrs.O‘Neill‘s, and subsequently to his parents residence. It was soon discovered that the boy was dead, and from appearances death must have been instantaneous. One resident states that the lightning after striking the child rolled along the road like a ball of fire for some distance. Mrs.Holt and another member of the family had a miraculous escape, and are still suffering from the shock. Mr.E.Ward, manager for Cobb and Co., at Meredith, had an unpleasant experience the same morning. He was cleaning a horse about 8 o‘clock when a heavy peal of thunder was almost simultaneously accompanied by a flash of lightning, which seemed to pass through the stable. He was thrown against the wall, and though he heard the screams of Mrs.Holt he was unable to stir for about a quarter-of-an-hour. He does not however feel any effects since.
The Steiglitz Miner May 27. 1899 MEREDITH.
The recently completed R.C. presbytery is a very pretty and substantial building. It contains eight rooms; the walls being of wood, the roof iron, and the lining and partitions laths and plaster. The walls are lofty and well ventilated, and a verandah to the front adds materially to the appearance of the building. The edifice is certainly a credit to the members of the church and their highly-respected pastor (Father Considine).
The Steiglitz Miner November 11th, 1899 PRESENTATION TO FATHER CONSIDINE
At the Meredith presbytery on Thursday afternoon the Rev.Father Considine, who was recently transferred to the charge of the Daylesford Mission, was presented with a purse of sovereigns (over 70) subscribed throughout the district. The assemblage included some 20, including representatives from various parts of the district, and Mr.T.Slattery was voted to the chair.
On behalf of the people of the district he expressed the deep regret that was felt at the departure of Father Considine, who had labored in the parish for some 10 years. It was felt that his services as a priest and citizen were deserving of some recognition, and the district was most liberal. He then called upon Mr.Thomas.Kelly to make the presentation.
Mr.Ed.Kenneally, one of the oldest parishioners also bore testimony to the recipients worth, and added that Father Considine had done more than any other previous priest in having kept the school going, and often out of his own pocket. Cr.J.F.Gibney proposed the “Health of Father Considine,” with whom he had been closely connected for several years. To his mind he was in every sense of the word all that a priest should be. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm.
Father Considine, on rising to respond, was noticeably affected. He said words failed him in his efforts to sufficiently thank his friends in his old parish for the kindness and sympathy they had at all times extended to him, and from the bottom of his heart he felt his departure from amongst them. He might make new friends, but he could never forget those he had made in this district. He would like to have remained with them always. For their very liberal gifts and the kind things they had said of him he was thankful, and he would ever remember the years he had labored in the Meredith parish.
The “Health of Father Lee” was proposed by Mr.Kenneally, and duly acknowledged, and the proceedings closed with the “Health of the Chairman,” proposed by Father Considine.
The Advocate May 25th, 1901 CONFIRMATION
On Sunday His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne visited Meredith for the purpose of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. His Grace celebrated Mass at 8.30 o‘clock; and addressed the congregation. The Rev.M.Murphy celebrated a Missa Cantata at eleven o‘clock. The Archbishop again addressed the people. In the evening at vespers, the Archbishop preached for the third time. After the eleven o‘clock Mass Confirmation was administered to 49 persons, a few being adults.
Meredith Shire Advertiser November 28, 1903
The annual fortnightly meeting of the local C.Y.M.S. was held on Monday evening last, when vice-president Mr.T.Brady occupied the chair. One new member was received, and the Rev.M.Murphy was elected a life honorary member of the society and a unanimous resolution carried that a record of the thanks of the society be made of the way in which the Rev.Father Murphy had entertained the judges, etc, at the recent debate. The syllabus item, “The Production of the Magazine,” accounted for rather a limited number of articles, which after having been read were duly criticised. Nomination of officers for the ensuing term is the business for next evening, and a large attendance is particularly requested.
The Advocate December 2, 1905 OPENING THE NEW HALL
On Monday evening his Grace the Archbishop blessed and opened a fine new hall, which has been erected at a cost of over four hundred pounds. It has been provided for the use of the people of the district, and has club rooms and other conveniences for the societies. The dimensions are 70 feet by 25feet. There is accommodation for over 300. The building was packed on Monday evening on the occasion of the visit of the Archbishop, who was accompanied by the Bishop of Ballarat (Most Rev.Dr.Higgins). In performing the opening ceremony, his Grace congratulated the people on the possession of so convenient a building, which would serve to promote the intellectual and social progress of the district. The Catholic Young Men‘s Society was deserving of thanks for the part they had taken in initiating the erection of the hall.
His Grace, who was accorded an enthusiastic reception, was presented with the following address from the Catholic Young Men‘s Society. The address is illuminated, and enclosed in an elegant morocco case :-
To the Most Rev.T.J.Carr, D.D., Archbishop of Melbourne.
May it please your Grace,-
We, the members of St.Joseph‘s C.Y.M.S., Meredith, beg to tender to your Grace a most cordial welcome to this part of the Archdiocese. Since the last occasion on which you visited Meredith, a branch of the C.Y.M.S. has been established in the parish. Knowing the great interest you take in the welfare of the Catholic young men, this fact, we are assured, will afford you much pleasure. The members of the C.Y.M.S. took the initiative in erecting this hall, which your Grace so kindly opened this evening. You will be pleased to learn that the members of the society received the support of the Catholics of the parish. When the president, last August, obtained permission from your Grace, for the building of this hall, the members, we need not say, were highly grateful to you. They shall never forget how readily permission was given, and also how your Grace showed your practical sympathy with the movement. You will also be glad to know that since its inception the members of our society have worked harmoniously to attain the ends for which the society was founded. We are pleased beyond expression that your Grace is in our midst tonight, and we shall always remember the great honour you have conferred upon us by opening our new Parochial Hall.
Wishing your Grace length of days and good health to rule over the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
We remain, etc (Rev.) M.Murphy, President. J.Toohey, T.Carter, Vice presidents. J.Gargan, Secretary.
In reply his Grace thanked the members of the C.Y.M. Society for their very kind address, and expressed the hope that the facilities afforded by the new hall would tend to promote the welfare of their society. All denominations were welcome to make use of the hall. (Applause.)
The Bishop of Ballarat, who was loudly cheered, delivered a short address. His Lordship felicitated the parishioners and the Young Men‘s Society on the acquisition of so commodious a building, which would be the means of bringing all sections of the people of the district together for social and intellectual purposes. Good-fellowship would thereby be promoted, and a kindly feeling between all sections of the people would reign throughout the district. (Applause.)
A pleasing feature of the function was the presence of a very large number of non-Catholics, who are seconding the efforts to promote the progress of the district. A comedietta was staged, and gave much pleasure and satisfaction to the audience. After the departure of the prelates and clergy, dancing was indulged in till a late hour. The whole district appeared to join in the festivities.
The Advocate May 26, 1906 THE PREMIER VISITS ST. JOSEPH‘S HALL, MEREDITH.
The Hon, the Premier, Mr.T.Bent, accompanied by Mr.G.F.Holden , M.L.A., and Mr.Robertson,M.L.A., visited Meredith on Friday, 18th inst. The Premier and party proceeded by motor to St.Joseph‘s Hall, where he was received by the Rev.Fr.M.Murphy, president, and Mr.J.Toohey, secretary, and conducted over the building. The Premier was extremely pleased with the hall and its appurtenances, and expressed the opinion that it was a superior building to the Mechanics‘ Institute. After the inspection, Fr.Murphy invited the Premier to partake of a little refreshment, when his health was honoured. Fr.Murphy, on behalf of the committee, welcomed Mr.Bent to Meredith, and particularly to St Joseph‘s Hall.
He regarded the visit of the Premier as an honour, and was sure all appreciated it very much. The hall, he said, was erected by the Catholics of the parish without State aid, but it would be available for the public use whenever required. Had it not been for its erection, there would have been no Mechanics‘, and they would not have had the pleasure of honouring the Premier that day. He wished Mr.Bent good health and good luck. Mr.Bent thanked Fr.Murphy very sincerely, and congratulated the Catholic Young Men on the enterprise they had displayed in erecting such a fine building. He was very pleased with the hall. He was sure it would be used for educational as well as amusement purposes, and no doubt there would be competitions, and, if so, he would be pleased to contribute towards them. He thanked them again for the kind way they had received him.
The Advocate September 15, 1906 MEREDITH.
At the 11 o‘clock Mass on Sunday last the members of the Meredith branch of the Catholic Young Men‘s Society received Holy Communion. The Communion breakfast was held in St.Joseph‘s Hall, there being 40 members present. The breakfast was generously provided by the Rev.M.Murphy, president and spiritual director of the society. Fr.Murphy‘s generosity was extended to the school children also, who were given a treat at the conclusion of the breakfast, and each child was presented with a memento of the occasion in the shape of a prayer book. A large number of adults and parents were present, and a very happy time was spent by all. Much credit is due to Miss Logue, in whose hands the whole of the catering arrangements were, and to the ladies who generously assisted her. The interior of the hall had been tastefully decorated with evergreens, wattle blossom, pot plants, etc., daffodils and jonquils being plentiful. It was the handiwork of Miss Murphy and other ladies. During the Communion breakfast the following toasts were honoured:- “The Pope and The King,” proposed by Fr.Murphy; “The Clergy and Spiritual Director,” proposed by Mr.Monoghan,V.P., and supported by Mr.John.Gargan, responded to by Rev.Fr.Murphy; “The C.Y.M.S.,” proposed by Mr.W.H.Bennett (Malvern), responded to by Mr.T.Carter; “The Visitors,” by Mr.P.Campion, responded to by Mr.J.Stow; “The Ladies,” by Mr.J.L.Gargan, responded to by Mr.Jas.Byrne; “The Press,” by Mr.Joe Brady V.P., responded to by Mr.J.Toohey; “The Host,” by Mr.T.Brady, responded to by Fr.Murphy. songs and recitations were rendered by the following:- Miss S.Molloy, Miss Dudderidge, Misses McConville, Miss Lunnie, Fr.Murphy, Messrs. R.Dudderidge, T.Brady, Jas.Byrne, D.H.Bennett, and T.Carter.
The Advocate June 7, 1913
His Lordship the Bishop of Ballarat, Most Rev.Dr Higgins, on Sunday last preached the occasional sermon at the opening of a new church at Meredith. An address was also delivered by His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne.
The Advocate January 24, 1914 Church improvements
At St.Joseph‘s Catholic Church Meredith Meredith, a pleasing decorative scheme has been carried out by Mr.Alex Sargeant, jnr, Geelong. The colouring of the alter is white relieved with gold facings and floral work; the sanctuary is in dark red, with a white ceiling. The figure painting is particularly well done.
The Advocate December 22, 1917 MEREDITH MEETING OF THE HIBERNAIN SOCIETY.
There was a splendid attendance at St.Joseph‘s Hall, Meredith, on Monday, 10th inst., when the final meeting of the year of the above society was held. Mr.T.Brady presided, and after the conclusion of general business the secretary (Mr.V.Cleary) set out several suggestions for the club‘s annual New Year night. It was decided that an all night dance be held. Supper will be provided, and a committee of three was appointed to see that the floor will receive special attention, and the best music will be arranged for. Some discussion took place as to the admission charges, which were eventually fixed at the moderate price of 2/- for gentlemen and 1/- for ladies. The following officers were then elected for the ensuing six months:- President. Fr.Vaughan; vice-president, Mr.Tom.Brady; hon.secretary, Mr.V.Cleary; treasurer, Mr.J.Farrar; librarian, Mr.D.Brady; warden, Mr.R.Brady; and committee, Messrs. J.Farrar, J.Mooney,Ter.Brady, J.Bowman, M.Stowe, and M.Gargan.
The chairman, at the conclusion of the meeting, thanked members for the assistance given to him during the year, and wished all present a very happy Yuletide and a bright New Year, and hoped that they would see an early and an honourable peace.
The Advocate January 26,1918 UNVEILING CEREMONY AT MEREDITH.
At St.Joseph‘s Church, Meredith, on Sunday morning the 13th inst, in the presence of a crowded congregation, three statues were unveiled to the memory of John.Thomas.Boxell and the deceased relatives of Miss.Mary.Boxell, former resident of Meredith. The Rev.M.A.Vaughan, a former pastor performed the ceremony, and delivered an impressive discourse on the progress of the Church in Australia. Fr.Vaughan concluded by paying a high tribute to the donor of the statues, and commended her zeal on the decoration of the home of God‘s sacrificial altar.
The Advocate November 4, 1926 MEREDITH
The stirling Catholic spirit of the country people is exemplified by the success of missions that are being conducted by the Rev. Frank Conlon to facilitate the fulfil‘ment of the jubilee conditions by the scattered congregations of his extensive parish. Missions have already been given at Lethbridge and Anakie, a third is in progress at Meredith, and others are to follow at Elaine and Darriwell respectively.
For five consecutive days practically every Catholic in the districts first named was to be found at morning Mass and evening Benediction, some families travelling 12 miles daily in order to make the most of the opportunity. The spirit that kept the Faith alive in penal days is theirs.
On Sunday 48 children from the different townships travelled to Geelong for Confirmation at St.Mary‘s by Archbishop Mannix.
On arrival for Mass it was the custom to hitch the horse up to the church fence. When a new fence was erected in front of the church, Father announced that the practice was to cease. This did not suit Dan Brady, who promptly placed a post of his own on the opposite of the road to the church, to which he hitched his horse. The post became known as Dan Brady‘s post, and remained until reconstruction of the road necessitated its removal.
Some of the Meredith congregation walked six miles from Meredith to attend Mass at Steiglitz when there was no Sunday Mass at Meredith.
The baptismal registers at St.Patrick‘s Cathedral, Ballarat and St.Mary‘s, Geelong record baptisms during the 1850‘s and 60‘s, where Meredith was entered as the place of abode.
Deserving of a special mention in Martha (Pop) Gargan, Head Sacristan for over 53 years.
Pop commenced her long association with St.Joseph‘s, through assisting her Auntie, who was the sacristan at the time. When Auntie left Meredith in 1946, Pop took over and still holds the position, ably assisted by Margaret McCormack, the heir apparent. In 1997 Fr.John Haines presented Pop with a framed certificate and blessing from the Pope, acknowledging her 50 years as sacristan. Pop was housekeeper for the priest for 19 years.
The naive on the eastern side of St.Joseph‘s church where the choir sat, once had a raised floor. The door to the naïve was always referred to as the choir door. The organists who accompanied the 10 member choir, included Mrs.Rose Grant, Mrs. Molly Leverett (Daughter of Rose). More recently, Mary Nolan and Dawn McDonald have presided at the organ. For a time there was a combined choir with the members from the other churches in Meredith. The garden at the presbytery is tended by Mrs Glad Kelynack.
Cardinal Knox is the only Archbishop of Melbourne not to have visited the Parish of Meredith. The parish registers have been signed by all the visiting Archbishops.
Mrs Glad Kelynack and Mr. Bill Middleton are to be congratulated on the neat appearance of the garden and surrounds of St.Joseph‘s church and presbytery.
McLeod and Sutherland were prominent settlers who moved into the area around 1837/38.
The majority of the traffic to the gold-fields came through Meredith. Situated midway between the seaport of Geelong and the gold-fields around Ballarat, many travellers made Meredith their overnight stopover, with hotels doing a brisk trade. With the opening of the Geelong to Ballarat railway in 1862, horse-drawn coaches from the nearby gold mining towns of Steiglitz, Bamganie/Yorktown connected with the passenger trains at Meredith, while Wards Livery and Letting Stables advertised saddle horses and buggies for hire. Firewood and wool accounted for the majority of the tonnage consigned by rail, from the railway station. Meredith today is a more peaceful place compared to the boisterous days of the gold rush era. Many travellers continue to break their journey here and the area still retains its reputation as a producer of high quality wool..
The Advocate March 13th, 1875 A NEW MISSION
The Geelong district is well-known to be one of the most extensive in the colony, almost all the places within a radius of 25 miles round having hitherto to be served from that town. His Grace the Archbishop recognizing the difficulties attendant on the service of such a large and important tract of country, formed Meredith, Steiglitz, Anakies, Elaine, Morrison‘s, Ballark, Maude, etc into a separate mission, of which the Rev.J.L.Hegarty is to be the pastor.
The Advocate April 10th, 1875 THE NEW MISSION AT MEREDITH.
A few weeks ago we announced that his Grace the Archbishop had created Steiglitz, Meredith, and the surrounding districts into a separate mission, and that the Rev.J.L.Hegarty was appointed pastor. We now learn that Father Hegarty has selected Meredith as his place of residence. Although Steiglitz is the most important town in the new mission, still Meredith has the advantage of being centrally situated; and this circumstance no doubt weighed with the rev gentleman in choosing it as his place of residence.
The Advocate 1876 April 22nd, Fr.Michael.Mullins from St.Mary‘s Geelong appointed as assistant to Fr.Hegarty.
The Advocate July 12th, 1876
This newly-established mission is making rapid progress under the pastoral care of the Rev.J.L.Hegarty. About sixteen months have elapsed since his Grace the Archbishop formed Meredith and the surrounding district into a separate mission, and the improvement that has been effected during that comparatively short period is evident to all those acquainted with the district. There are now six churches in the mission, situated at Meredith, Anakies, Elaine, Lethbridge, Steiglitz and Darriwill. The schools are four in number, and are situated at Anakies, Darriwill, Elaine, and Lethbridge, the first two mentioned being in receipt of State Aid under the capitation clause, whilst the two latter are supported by local contributions. At Meredith the building of a presbytery has recently been commenced, and the work will, in a short time, be pushed on with vigor. On Sunday last Masses were celebrated by Father Hegarty at Steiglitz and Anakies, and in the latter church the rev gentleman preached an interesting and instructive sermon on devotion to the Blessed Virgin, the day being the Feast of Mount Carmel.
The Advocate November 4th, 1876 THE ARCHBISHOP AT MEREDITH
On Sunday morning the 22nd, October, his Grace celebrated an early Mass at Meredith, assisted by Rev.W.J.Kelly, S.J., in the presence of a large congregation. The Archbishop delivered a brief address in the course of which he referred to the desirability of the Catholics of the district providing their pastor with a suitable residence, and expressed a hope that a determined effort would be made to complete the building of the presbytery.
PRESENTATION
When it became known that the Rev Father Mullins, who for some time past has acted as assistant to the Rev.J.L.Hegarty, Meredith, was about to be transferred to the Gordon‘s mission, it was determined by the Catholics of Meredith, Steiglitz, Anakies, etc not to allow the rev gentleman to depart without presenting him with some token of the estimation in which he was held throughout the district. Accordingly, Father Mullins was invited to Meredith on last Wednesday week, when a number of the leading parishioners waited on him, and Mr.John.Murphy, secretary of the Shire of Meredith, read the following address:-
TO THE REV.MICHAEL MULLINS.
REVEREND DEAR SIR,—On behalf of the people of Meredith mission, we desire to express to you our deep sense of the loss we sustain in your removal from amongst us. During the short period in which this mission was blessed with your ministrations, your edifying devotedness to your duties, your priestly deportment, your genial warm-heartedness and unassuming simplicity, taught us to revere you as our pastor and to love you as our friend. The little ones among us, who each and all cordially reciprocated your Christ-like love for children, feel that they have in your departure a subject of no ordinary sorrow.
Though the language of praise may be displeasing to you, you will not, we hope, grudge us the privilege of proclaiming, as loudly as our weakness will permit, that the bonds which unite the priest and the people are not those of faith and kindred alone, but also those of mutual confidence and sincere affection.
Trusting that you will regard the feelings of the givers rather than the value of the gift, we beg your acceptance of the accompanying trifle as a small token of esteem and affection, and we solicit a remembrance in the Adorable Sacrifice, which we know it is your pious practice daily to offer.
That you may continue more and more closely to resemble the Model and Pastor of pastors until we meet you in His glorious presence, to part no more, is the fervent prayer of your respectful and affectionate friends in the Meredith district.
Mr.John.Wilson then came forward, and handed to Father Mullins a purse containing thirty sovereigns.
Father Mullins, in replying, was much affected. He did not know how to thank them for the kind expression of their feelings towards himself, and for the generous gift accompanying it, which he need hardly say, was wholly unexpected on his part. His residence amongst them had been so comparatively short that he was utterly at a loss to know in what manner he had merited the honour they had conferred upon him. However, he returned them his heartfelt thanks, and begged to assure them that although, since his arrival in Victoria, he had laboured in several missions, yet there was none of which he would retain more pleasing recollections than the Meredith district and its inhabitants.
The Rev.J.L.Hegarty, senior pastor of the district, coincided with the words of the address, and regretted that in Father Mullins‘ removal he had lost a zealous colleague. But they should not forget that their loss was the gain of another mission, and that Father Mullins had been appointed to an extensive and populous district, where the energy and zeal he had displayed during his residence at Meredith would find ample scope for their exercise. He heartily endorsed the sentiments of respect and affection for Father Mullins that had been expressed. It should be mentioned that the address was beautifully engrossed and illuminated by Mr.G.Mercer, of Geelong.
The Advocate November 2nd, 1878 THE MEREDITH MISSION
The new presbytery in course of erection for the pastor of the Meredith mission, the Rev.J.L.Hegarty, is rapidly approaching completion. The walls are nearly up to their full height, and the building, when completed, will certainly be an ornament to the district. It is built of bluestone, with Waurn Ponds freestone facings, and stands on a spacious site about a quarter of a mile from the railway station. The total cost will be about eight hundred pounds, and speaking on the subject, at the nine o‘clock Mass at Meredith, on Sunday last, Father Hegarty stated that the sum required for the completion of the building would be two hundred and fifty pounds.
A meeting of the congregation was held at the conclusion of Mass, and judging by the number and amount of subscriptions handed in, no difficulty will be experienced in obtaining the necessary funds.
The Advocate February 8th, 1879 PRESENTATION
Father Hegarty, who has recently been removed from Meredith to Sale, has made himself very popular amongst all classes in the district where he has laboured for the past three years. On the morning of Wednesday 29th, January, the residents of Meredith and the adjacent townships assembled, prior to his departure, and gave expression to their feelings in the subjoined address:-
Reverend and Dear Sir,- We the undersigned, your parishioners and neighbours for the past three years, having learned with much grief and regret that it has pleased your superior to sever your connection with us, cannot voluntarily submit to this act of obedience without expressing our heartfelt sorrow that this rigid discipline in our case as well as yours deprives us not only of the ministration of a much loved priest, but also of a friend, round whom our dearest affections have been so long and so justly entwined. Knowing also that obedience in our case will be a virtue most esteemed by you, it remains for us to be content, confident that for yourself you only require to be known by your new parishioners to be equally respected and esteemed.
The address was signed by Mr.P.O‘Keefe, president of the Shire of Meredith, Mr.J.Murphy, shire secretary, and by all the leading Catholics of the mission. In reply, Father Hegarty expressed himself as follows:-
Gentlemen,- I feel grateful for the kind sentiments conveyed in the address just presented to me. It cannot but be a source of consolation to a priest to know that, during his stay in those places where obedience appoints his residence, his efforts for advancement of religion, and of peace and happiness, have been charitably regarded. The discipline you call rigid is supremely salutary, and I would doubt of my influence did you fail to estimate it aright. It only remains for me to express my grateful recollection of the unfailing kindness I have received from my own flock, and (what deserves more prominent mention, perhaps) from my neighbours of other communions.
Father Hegarty left Geelong for his new mission on Thursday afternoon, and it is needless to say he carries with him the good wishes of hundreds in this part of the colony.
The Advocate June 14th, 1879 MEREDITH.
This district is to be congratulated on having recently received as a resident a gentleman of truly liberal and enlightened views in the person of Mr.John Matheson, Chairman of the Associated Banks. In the short period that has elapsed since he has established his country residence at Meredith, Mr.Matheson has distinguished himself by his kind and charitable acts bestowed in a manner irrespective of the creed or country of the recipients. The latest instance of his generosity is a donation of five pounds in aid of the building fund of the Catholic Presbytery at Meredith. Acts of this kind deserve to be recorded, in as much as they present a striking contrast to the narrow-minded and bigoted ideas of too many leading Protestant citizens.
The Advocate August 30th, 1890
The ceremony of the dedication of the Roman Catholic Church at Meredith was performed on the Feast of the Assumption by the Ven. Archdeacon.Slattery,D.D.,assisted by the Rev.T.Considine, parish priest, who celebrated Mass, after which the Archdeacon delivered a sermon appropriate to the occasion, and contributed fifty pounds towards paying off the small debt that remains upon the church.
The Steiglitz Miner March 5, 1898 Killed by Lightning AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE.
About 8 o‘clock on Monday morning a boy named Patrick Holt, aged 7 years, son of Mrs.J.Holt, of Meredith, was accompanying his mother to Mass at the local R.C.Church, when he was struck by lightning. The boy, it appears, was but a short distance in front of his mother, on the road at the rear of Cobb and Co‘s, stable, when the lightning struck him on the head, tearing the clothes off his right side and also his boot. On seeing the child fall the mother at once rushed and picked him up. Her screams attracted adjoining neighbors, who had the child removed to Mrs.O‘Neill‘s, and subsequently to his parents residence. It was soon discovered that the boy was dead, and from appearances death must have been instantaneous. One resident states that the lightning after striking the child rolled along the road like a ball of fire for some distance. Mrs.Holt and another member of the family had a miraculous escape, and are still suffering from the shock. Mr.E.Ward, manager for Cobb and Co., at Meredith, had an unpleasant experience the same morning. He was cleaning a horse about 8 o‘clock when a heavy peal of thunder was almost simultaneously accompanied by a flash of lightning, which seemed to pass through the stable. He was thrown against the wall, and though he heard the screams of Mrs.Holt he was unable to stir for about a quarter-of-an-hour. He does not however feel any effects since.
The Steiglitz Miner May 27. 1899 MEREDITH.
The recently completed R.C. presbytery is a very pretty and substantial building. It contains eight rooms; the walls being of wood, the roof iron, and the lining and partitions laths and plaster. The walls are lofty and well ventilated, and a verandah to the front adds materially to the appearance of the building. The edifice is certainly a credit to the members of the church and their highly-respected pastor (Father Considine).
The Steiglitz Miner November 11th, 1899 PRESENTATION TO FATHER CONSIDINE
At the Meredith presbytery on Thursday afternoon the Rev.Father Considine, who was recently transferred to the charge of the Daylesford Mission, was presented with a purse of sovereigns (over 70) subscribed throughout the district. The assemblage included some 20, including representatives from various parts of the district, and Mr.T.Slattery was voted to the chair.
On behalf of the people of the district he expressed the deep regret that was felt at the departure of Father Considine, who had labored in the parish for some 10 years. It was felt that his services as a priest and citizen were deserving of some recognition, and the district was most liberal. He then called upon Mr.Thomas.Kelly to make the presentation.
Mr.Ed.Kenneally, one of the oldest parishioners also bore testimony to the recipients worth, and added that Father Considine had done more than any other previous priest in having kept the school going, and often out of his own pocket. Cr.J.F.Gibney proposed the “Health of Father Considine,” with whom he had been closely connected for several years. To his mind he was in every sense of the word all that a priest should be. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm.
Father Considine, on rising to respond, was noticeably affected. He said words failed him in his efforts to sufficiently thank his friends in his old parish for the kindness and sympathy they had at all times extended to him, and from the bottom of his heart he felt his departure from amongst them. He might make new friends, but he could never forget those he had made in this district. He would like to have remained with them always. For their very liberal gifts and the kind things they had said of him he was thankful, and he would ever remember the years he had labored in the Meredith parish.
The “Health of Father Lee” was proposed by Mr.Kenneally, and duly acknowledged, and the proceedings closed with the “Health of the Chairman,” proposed by Father Considine.
The Advocate May 25th, 1901 CONFIRMATION
On Sunday His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne visited Meredith for the purpose of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. His Grace celebrated Mass at 8.30 o‘clock; and addressed the congregation. The Rev.M.Murphy celebrated a Missa Cantata at eleven o‘clock. The Archbishop again addressed the people. In the evening at vespers, the Archbishop preached for the third time. After the eleven o‘clock Mass Confirmation was administered to 49 persons, a few being adults.
Meredith Shire Advertiser November 28, 1903
The annual fortnightly meeting of the local C.Y.M.S. was held on Monday evening last, when vice-president Mr.T.Brady occupied the chair. One new member was received, and the Rev.M.Murphy was elected a life honorary member of the society and a unanimous resolution carried that a record of the thanks of the society be made of the way in which the Rev.Father Murphy had entertained the judges, etc, at the recent debate. The syllabus item, “The Production of the Magazine,” accounted for rather a limited number of articles, which after having been read were duly criticised. Nomination of officers for the ensuing term is the business for next evening, and a large attendance is particularly requested.
The Advocate December 2, 1905 OPENING THE NEW HALL
On Monday evening his Grace the Archbishop blessed and opened a fine new hall, which has been erected at a cost of over four hundred pounds. It has been provided for the use of the people of the district, and has club rooms and other conveniences for the societies. The dimensions are 70 feet by 25feet. There is accommodation for over 300. The building was packed on Monday evening on the occasion of the visit of the Archbishop, who was accompanied by the Bishop of Ballarat (Most Rev.Dr.Higgins). In performing the opening ceremony, his Grace congratulated the people on the possession of so convenient a building, which would serve to promote the intellectual and social progress of the district. The Catholic Young Men‘s Society was deserving of thanks for the part they had taken in initiating the erection of the hall.
His Grace, who was accorded an enthusiastic reception, was presented with the following address from the Catholic Young Men‘s Society. The address is illuminated, and enclosed in an elegant morocco case :-
To the Most Rev.T.J.Carr, D.D., Archbishop of Melbourne.
May it please your Grace,-
We, the members of St.Joseph‘s C.Y.M.S., Meredith, beg to tender to your Grace a most cordial welcome to this part of the Archdiocese. Since the last occasion on which you visited Meredith, a branch of the C.Y.M.S. has been established in the parish. Knowing the great interest you take in the welfare of the Catholic young men, this fact, we are assured, will afford you much pleasure. The members of the C.Y.M.S. took the initiative in erecting this hall, which your Grace so kindly opened this evening. You will be pleased to learn that the members of the society received the support of the Catholics of the parish. When the president, last August, obtained permission from your Grace, for the building of this hall, the members, we need not say, were highly grateful to you. They shall never forget how readily permission was given, and also how your Grace showed your practical sympathy with the movement. You will also be glad to know that since its inception the members of our society have worked harmoniously to attain the ends for which the society was founded. We are pleased beyond expression that your Grace is in our midst tonight, and we shall always remember the great honour you have conferred upon us by opening our new Parochial Hall.
Wishing your Grace length of days and good health to rule over the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
We remain, etc (Rev.) M.Murphy, President. J.Toohey, T.Carter, Vice presidents. J.Gargan, Secretary.
In reply his Grace thanked the members of the C.Y.M. Society for their very kind address, and expressed the hope that the facilities afforded by the new hall would tend to promote the welfare of their society. All denominations were welcome to make use of the hall. (Applause.)
The Bishop of Ballarat, who was loudly cheered, delivered a short address. His Lordship felicitated the parishioners and the Young Men‘s Society on the acquisition of so commodious a building, which would be the means of bringing all sections of the people of the district together for social and intellectual purposes. Good-fellowship would thereby be promoted, and a kindly feeling between all sections of the people would reign throughout the district. (Applause.)
A pleasing feature of the function was the presence of a very large number of non-Catholics, who are seconding the efforts to promote the progress of the district. A comedietta was staged, and gave much pleasure and satisfaction to the audience. After the departure of the prelates and clergy, dancing was indulged in till a late hour. The whole district appeared to join in the festivities.
The Advocate May 26, 1906 THE PREMIER VISITS ST. JOSEPH‘S HALL, MEREDITH.
The Hon, the Premier, Mr.T.Bent, accompanied by Mr.G.F.Holden , M.L.A., and Mr.Robertson,M.L.A., visited Meredith on Friday, 18th inst. The Premier and party proceeded by motor to St.Joseph‘s Hall, where he was received by the Rev.Fr.M.Murphy, president, and Mr.J.Toohey, secretary, and conducted over the building. The Premier was extremely pleased with the hall and its appurtenances, and expressed the opinion that it was a superior building to the Mechanics‘ Institute. After the inspection, Fr.Murphy invited the Premier to partake of a little refreshment, when his health was honoured. Fr.Murphy, on behalf of the committee, welcomed Mr.Bent to Meredith, and particularly to St Joseph‘s Hall.
He regarded the visit of the Premier as an honour, and was sure all appreciated it very much. The hall, he said, was erected by the Catholics of the parish without State aid, but it would be available for the public use whenever required. Had it not been for its erection, there would have been no Mechanics‘, and they would not have had the pleasure of honouring the Premier that day. He wished Mr.Bent good health and good luck. Mr.Bent thanked Fr.Murphy very sincerely, and congratulated the Catholic Young Men on the enterprise they had displayed in erecting such a fine building. He was very pleased with the hall. He was sure it would be used for educational as well as amusement purposes, and no doubt there would be competitions, and, if so, he would be pleased to contribute towards them. He thanked them again for the kind way they had received him.
The Advocate September 15, 1906 MEREDITH.
At the 11 o‘clock Mass on Sunday last the members of the Meredith branch of the Catholic Young Men‘s Society received Holy Communion. The Communion breakfast was held in St.Joseph‘s Hall, there being 40 members present. The breakfast was generously provided by the Rev.M.Murphy, president and spiritual director of the society. Fr.Murphy‘s generosity was extended to the school children also, who were given a treat at the conclusion of the breakfast, and each child was presented with a memento of the occasion in the shape of a prayer book. A large number of adults and parents were present, and a very happy time was spent by all. Much credit is due to Miss Logue, in whose hands the whole of the catering arrangements were, and to the ladies who generously assisted her. The interior of the hall had been tastefully decorated with evergreens, wattle blossom, pot plants, etc., daffodils and jonquils being plentiful. It was the handiwork of Miss Murphy and other ladies. During the Communion breakfast the following toasts were honoured:- “The Pope and The King,” proposed by Fr.Murphy; “The Clergy and Spiritual Director,” proposed by Mr.Monoghan,V.P., and supported by Mr.John.Gargan, responded to by Rev.Fr.Murphy; “The C.Y.M.S.,” proposed by Mr.W.H.Bennett (Malvern), responded to by Mr.T.Carter; “The Visitors,” by Mr.P.Campion, responded to by Mr.J.Stow; “The Ladies,” by Mr.J.L.Gargan, responded to by Mr.Jas.Byrne; “The Press,” by Mr.Joe Brady V.P., responded to by Mr.J.Toohey; “The Host,” by Mr.T.Brady, responded to by Fr.Murphy. songs and recitations were rendered by the following:- Miss S.Molloy, Miss Dudderidge, Misses McConville, Miss Lunnie, Fr.Murphy, Messrs. R.Dudderidge, T.Brady, Jas.Byrne, D.H.Bennett, and T.Carter.
The Advocate June 7, 1913
His Lordship the Bishop of Ballarat, Most Rev.Dr Higgins, on Sunday last preached the occasional sermon at the opening of a new church at Meredith. An address was also delivered by His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne.
The Advocate January 24, 1914 Church improvements
At St.Joseph‘s Catholic Church Meredith Meredith, a pleasing decorative scheme has been carried out by Mr.Alex Sargeant, jnr, Geelong. The colouring of the alter is white relieved with gold facings and floral work; the sanctuary is in dark red, with a white ceiling. The figure painting is particularly well done.
The Advocate December 22, 1917 MEREDITH MEETING OF THE HIBERNAIN SOCIETY.
There was a splendid attendance at St.Joseph‘s Hall, Meredith, on Monday, 10th inst., when the final meeting of the year of the above society was held. Mr.T.Brady presided, and after the conclusion of general business the secretary (Mr.V.Cleary) set out several suggestions for the club‘s annual New Year night. It was decided that an all night dance be held. Supper will be provided, and a committee of three was appointed to see that the floor will receive special attention, and the best music will be arranged for. Some discussion took place as to the admission charges, which were eventually fixed at the moderate price of 2/- for gentlemen and 1/- for ladies. The following officers were then elected for the ensuing six months:- President. Fr.Vaughan; vice-president, Mr.Tom.Brady; hon.secretary, Mr.V.Cleary; treasurer, Mr.J.Farrar; librarian, Mr.D.Brady; warden, Mr.R.Brady; and committee, Messrs. J.Farrar, J.Mooney,Ter.Brady, J.Bowman, M.Stowe, and M.Gargan.
The chairman, at the conclusion of the meeting, thanked members for the assistance given to him during the year, and wished all present a very happy Yuletide and a bright New Year, and hoped that they would see an early and an honourable peace.
The Advocate January 26,1918 UNVEILING CEREMONY AT MEREDITH.
At St.Joseph‘s Church, Meredith, on Sunday morning the 13th inst, in the presence of a crowded congregation, three statues were unveiled to the memory of John.Thomas.Boxell and the deceased relatives of Miss.Mary.Boxell, former resident of Meredith. The Rev.M.A.Vaughan, a former pastor performed the ceremony, and delivered an impressive discourse on the progress of the Church in Australia. Fr.Vaughan concluded by paying a high tribute to the donor of the statues, and commended her zeal on the decoration of the home of God‘s sacrificial altar.
The Advocate November 4, 1926 MEREDITH
The stirling Catholic spirit of the country people is exemplified by the success of missions that are being conducted by the Rev. Frank Conlon to facilitate the fulfil‘ment of the jubilee conditions by the scattered congregations of his extensive parish. Missions have already been given at Lethbridge and Anakie, a third is in progress at Meredith, and others are to follow at Elaine and Darriwell respectively.
For five consecutive days practically every Catholic in the districts first named was to be found at morning Mass and evening Benediction, some families travelling 12 miles daily in order to make the most of the opportunity. The spirit that kept the Faith alive in penal days is theirs.
On Sunday 48 children from the different townships travelled to Geelong for Confirmation at St.Mary‘s by Archbishop Mannix.
On arrival for Mass it was the custom to hitch the horse up to the church fence. When a new fence was erected in front of the church, Father announced that the practice was to cease. This did not suit Dan Brady, who promptly placed a post of his own on the opposite of the road to the church, to which he hitched his horse. The post became known as Dan Brady‘s post, and remained until reconstruction of the road necessitated its removal.
Some of the Meredith congregation walked six miles from Meredith to attend Mass at Steiglitz when there was no Sunday Mass at Meredith.
The baptismal registers at St.Patrick‘s Cathedral, Ballarat and St.Mary‘s, Geelong record baptisms during the 1850‘s and 60‘s, where Meredith was entered as the place of abode.
Deserving of a special mention in Martha (Pop) Gargan, Head Sacristan for over 53 years.
Pop commenced her long association with St.Joseph‘s, through assisting her Auntie, who was the sacristan at the time. When Auntie left Meredith in 1946, Pop took over and still holds the position, ably assisted by Margaret McCormack, the heir apparent. In 1997 Fr.John Haines presented Pop with a framed certificate and blessing from the Pope, acknowledging her 50 years as sacristan. Pop was housekeeper for the priest for 19 years.
The naive on the eastern side of St.Joseph‘s church where the choir sat, once had a raised floor. The door to the naïve was always referred to as the choir door. The organists who accompanied the 10 member choir, included Mrs.Rose Grant, Mrs. Molly Leverett (Daughter of Rose). More recently, Mary Nolan and Dawn McDonald have presided at the organ. For a time there was a combined choir with the members from the other churches in Meredith. The garden at the presbytery is tended by Mrs Glad Kelynack.
Cardinal Knox is the only Archbishop of Melbourne not to have visited the Parish of Meredith. The parish registers have been signed by all the visiting Archbishops.
Mrs Glad Kelynack and Mr. Bill Middleton are to be congratulated on the neat appearance of the garden and surrounds of St.Joseph‘s church and presbytery.