St John's Catholic Church, Campbelltown

The foundation stone of St John's Roman Catholic Church was laid 12 December 1824. The Sydney Gazette dated 16 June 1825 announced that Father Therry acknowledged the gift of two hectares (five acres) of land at Campbelltown from James Bourke for a chapel, schoolhouse and burial ground.[1]

Father John Joseph Therry arrived in Sydney with Father Philip Connolly 5 May 1820 on board the ship Janus. After his ordination to the priesthood in 1815 Father Therry worked in Dublin and it was there that he was prompted to volunteer for the penal colony of New South Wales after experiencing the trials and tribulations of Irish convicts bound for Sydney. In September 1819 Bishop Slater commissioned father Therry and Father Connolly to work throughout the whole of new Holland and Van Dieman's Land. The civil authorities authorised Governor Macquarie to pay both me an allowance of A£100 per annum. The two priests quickly settled areas of influence in the new colony and Father Connolly set sail for Hobart. Father Therry found himself frequently in Parramatta, Liverpool and the district known as Airds.[1]

For the next ten years Campbelltown Catholics struggled to raise funds for the completion of St. John's Church. Early records are dotted with references of meeting to finance the project. The Catholic Community gathered at local public houses such as Cullen's Inn and the Forbes Hotel to mound fundraising campaigns. That part of the Bourke gift devoted to the cemetery was consecrated 27 December 1826.[1]

It was at this time that Father Therry fell foul of the government authorities and Governor Darling withdrew his allowance from 24 June 1826. Funds seemed to be short throughout the Catholic community and little happened in the completion of St. John's Church until early in 1833 when Roger Therry advised Father Therry that some Government financial assistance would be available for the Church completion. Governor Darling had assured Roger Therry that the Home Government was agreeable to advance funds equal to those subscribed by the local community.[1]

It seems that at this time work had progressed on the walls to a height of a single storey. In July 1833 William McNally agreed to complete the stonework on the walls and in December of that year William Broker tendered and was engaged for the shingling and completion of the Church roof. David Lee and Patrick Bleaney agreed to complete the floor, doors, sashes and to glaze the windows for 388 pounds.[1]

In a despatch to Lord Stanley, 30 September 1833, Governor Bourke wrote:[1]

"The sum of 400 pounds has been appropriated to be paid in the next year in aid of similar sum to be raised by private subscription for erecting Roman Catholic Chapels at Maitland and Campbelltown. A chaepl was begun at the latter place as well as at Parramatta some years ago but neither has been completed from want of fund."

— Governor Richard Bourke, to Lord Stanley, 30 September 1833.

Father Therry offered the first Mass in St John's Church, Campbelltown on 27 July 1834.[1]

In 1886 the church was converted into a school by way of a new floor being inserted and various changes made to openings. After the opening of the new St John's Roman Catholic Church at the corner of Lindesay Street and Cordeaux Street, it was converted to St Patrick's Convent for the Good Samaritan Sisters and operated as a boarding school (both boarding and day) until 1970.[1]

In 1980 the Campbelltown Parish requested that consideration be given for St John's Church and Cemetery to be protected under the Heritage Act 1977 and seeking possible funding. On 4 March 1983 a Permanent Conservation Order was placed over the site.[1]

During 1984 and with financial assistance from the Heritage Conservation Fund the Church returned the building largely to its original 1830s form.[1]

On 2 April 1999 it was transferred to the State Heritage Register.[1]

As at 5 December 2007, St John's Roman Catholic Church and Cemetery is of State significance for its associations with the Catholic Parish of Campbelltown, the second oldest parish in Australia. It is associated with the pioneers of the early Australian Catholic church, especially Father John Therry who designed the building. Construction of the masonry building was commenced in 1825 but it was not completed until 1841. It is thought to be the oldest masonry Catholic Church building in Australia. It is associated with James Ruse and Matthew Healy whose graves are located in the cemetery.[1][2]

St John's Roman Catholic Church and Cemetery was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]

• Roman Catholicism in Australia
• List of Roman Catholic churches in Sydney

Media related to St John's Catholic Church, Campbelltown at Wikimedia Commons

• Official website