Introduction

The official Catholic ministry in Nelson Bay began in 1937 with the formation of the parish of Port Stephens, within the Diocese of Maitland.

 The Freeman’s Journal of 7 January 1937, page 18, reported:

‘Several changes have been made in the Diocese of Maitland. Two new parishes have been formed — Wallsend and Port Stephens. Rev. Father Martin O’Connor, of Denman, takes charge of Wallsend, and Rev. Father Alexander McDonnell of Port Stephens. The Port Stephens parish includes Tea Gardens, Karuah, and Nelson’s Bay.’

With no roads connecting the Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay areas, travel for the new parish priest proved difficult. Also, few Catholics resided in the Nelson Bay area at that time.

In 1939, the clerical arrangements within the parish of Port Stephens were then changed. The  responsibility for the Nelson Bay area was given to the parish of Stockton under the direction of the parish priest, Father Edward Jordan.

The first St Michael’s Church was opened at Nelson Bay on 28 December 1947. Prior to the opening of the church, Mass had been celebrated in private homes at Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay and at the HMAS Naval Base.

The new building consisted of a multi-functional hall located in Magnus Street, Nelson Bay, that could be used for both religious services, school classes, and other church affiliated activities.

The Church Hall was built with the prime intention of servicing the spiritual needs of Catholics who flocked to the Port Stephens area during holiday periods, primarily from Newcastle and the mining districts new Maitland and Cessnock. The number of Catholics in the area received a significant boost when the Nelson Bay Migration Hostel was opened in 1948.

The parish of St Michael’s Nelson Bay was officially proclaimed in December 1960. It covered the area of Nelson Bay, Salt Ash and the RAAF Base at Williamtown. Father Vincent Dilley was appointed the first Parish Priest.

This paper traces the development of the Catholic Church in Nelson Bay from 1947 up until the opening of the new St. Michael’s Church in 1978.

Entrance to St Michael’s Church at Nelson Bay today [Author Photo]

FIRST ST MICHAEL’ S CHURCH – MAGNUS STREET NELSON BAY

Father Edward Jordan, parish priest of Stockton ministered to the needs of the Catholic population, of the Nelson Bay area during the years of the Second World. He was also a part-time-time RAAF chaplain.

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 1 November 1946, page 29, reported:

‘During the difficult war years Stockton was being well looked after by the Reverend Father E. Jordan, but the presence of thousands of servicemen in the district greatly added to the work of the priest-in-charge of Stockton, and in addition Father Jordan was a part-time chaplain in the R.A.A.F., with his duties regularly taking him to points as widely separated as Nelson’s Bay and Rathmines. It was with extreme regret that the parishioners of Stockton learned, in the early part of 1945, that overwork had caused a breakdown in Father Jordan’s health, necessitating a long absence from the parish. However, they are now looking forward to his return, and hope that, fully restored to health, he will rejoin them before the close of the Jubilee year.

For the past eighteen months the Reverend Father J. Lavery has been continuing Father Jordan’s good work, and so well has he fitted in, that all agree that the best arrangement after Father Jordan’s return, will be for Stockton to have two priests.’

Land acquired for new Church Hall – 1947

After the War, the need for a church at Nelson Bay was growing due to its popularity as a tourist destination particularly in the summer months. The number of Catholics in the area received a boost when the Nelson Bay Migration Hostel was opened in 1948.

A block of land in Magnus Street at Nelson Bay had been donated to the Church by Miss Dorothy Porter of Newcastle.

Father Jordan then oversaw the development of a new church hall and priest’s cottage.

The Catholic Weekly of 21 August 1947, page 20, reported:

‘A fine block of land has been acquired at that well known holiday resort, Nelson’s Bay (Port Stephens), and every endeavour is being made to secure permission to erect a church-hall there in time for the summer season. This centre is attached to Stockton parish, which is attended by the Rev. Father E. Jordan, rector. On the two Sundays, August 31 and September 7, during the school vacation, Holy Mass will be celebrated at Nelson’s Bay at 7 o’clock. Residents are requested to note the time.’

Donations sought for new Church-hall and Priest’s Cottage – 1947

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 1 December 1947, page 67, carried the following advertisement:

‘After almost insurmountable difficulty in obtaining Government approval, and building, materials, foundations of the new Church Hall at Nelson Bay were commenced on Wednesday, November 4th. The local congregation hardly numbers a dozen: but the presence of thousands of campers over many months has demanded this provision for a long time. Therefore, it is intended almost entirely for visitors, who come from all over the diocese; and it is expected that people from all parts will show willingness to assist at once.

Government regulations prevented accommodation for the priest in the same building, and a separate small cottage has to be erected.

For both of these structures, cash donations are urgently needed, as well as a long list of furnishings, not necessarily new. Could any of the following be provided or promised within the next few weeks:

FOR THE HALL:

1 Small Altar, 5 Sets Vestments, Albs, Altar Linen, Small Chalice, Small Ciborium Tables, Chairs, Harmonium, Altar Rails (11 feet), Candlesticks, Vases, Cruets, etc.

FOR THE COTTAGE:

Complete Appointments for one Kitchen Complete Furnishing of one Bedroom

Complete Furnishing of one Living Room

Donors will please communicate with —REV. FR. JORDAN, Presbytery, Stockton.’

Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel – 1 December 1947

The Catholic Weekly of 11 December 1947, page 20, also reported:

‘The tourist centre of Nelson’s Bay will have a church-hall for Christmas this year, thus meeting a long-felt need. Commenced only five weeks ago, a suitable structure is nearing completion, and will be opened on Sunday, December 28. It is hoped that the first Mass will be celebrated in the building on Christmas Day.

In the meantime, Mass is being celebrated at the nearby Naval Base. The times for Masses are as follow: Till Christmas, every Sunday at 7 a.m. Christmas Day; Sunday, December 28; New Year’s Day, and Sunday, January 4, Mass at 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. in the new church.

The foundations of the new church-hall at Nelson’s Bay were laid recently. The local congregation in this centre hardly numbers a dozen: but the presence of thousands of campers at various periods of the year necessitated the provision of arrangements for their spiritual needs. Government regulations prevented accommodation for the priest in the same building, and a small cottage has to be erected. For both of these structures cash donations are urgently needed, as well as furnishings, not necessarily new. Many things are needed, such as vestments, chairs, candlesticks, cruets, &c., for the altar, and furnishings for kitchen, one bedroom and one living room. There are many visitors to this centre who may like to help; they can do so by writing to the Rev. Father E. Jordan, Presbytery, Stockton.’

Official opening of St Michael’s Church Hall – 28 December 1947

The first St Michael’s Catholic Church at Nelson Bay was officially blessed and opened on 28 December 1947.

Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel – 25 December 1947

The Catholic Weekly of 22 January 1948, page 20, reported:

‘The blessing and opening of St. Michael’s Church-hall, Nelson Bay, took place recently. Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, is the centre of a fairly busy tourist traffic, and for many years visitors have lamented the absence of a church. This need was supplied with the building of the new hall.

The Right Rev. Monsignor V. F. Peters, P.P., V.G., blessed the building in the presence ot a large crowd of visitors and campers. On the platform were also the Rev. Fathers M. Carlton, E. Jordan and J. P. Kelly, Messrs. James (shire president), J. Callan and F. Warren. Monsignor Peters traced the history of the local arrangements for Holy Mass, which was celebrated in basements, halls, military and naval huts. Sterling work was done by voluntary workers from Stockton each weekend, he said. Father Jordan thanked the donor of the land, Miss Dorothy Porter, and others who assisted.

Father Mark Carlton made the appeal, emphasising that the little settlement has only a dozen resident Catholics. “Visitors,” he said, “must regard themselves as responsible for the debt, almost entirely, because there would be no church were there no visitors. Those who come to the Bay through the year are expected to support the building; and I feel sure that the courage displayed in undertaking this work will be rewarded by the generosity of the many friends of Father Jordan.” Mr. James (shire president), Messrs. John Callan and F. Waren, of Stockton, also spoke.’

‘Grand Carnival’ held in Church Hall and grounds – 1947

To raise funds for the recently completed church hall and associated priest’s cottage, a ‘Grand Carnival’ was held over the tourist season in the hall and grounds.

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 25 December 1947, page 66, carried the following advertisement:

‘St. Michael’s Church NELSON BAY

Grand Carnival IN THE HALL AND GROUNDS

commencing Dec. 20 and continuous throughout the Holiday season.

Goods to be disposed of include hams, Pyrex, large quantity sheets and towels, toys, tinned fruit, refreshments, electric goods, sweets, chocolates.

The help of experienced men is required at the Housie and wheels. Campers willing to assist will please register names at the Hall, especially for Boxing Day and Dec. 27th.

DONATIONS FOR BUILDING FUND MAY BE SENT TO PRESBYTERY, STOCKTON.’

Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel, 25 December 1947

Holiday cottage available for lease – 1948

To raise funds for the Nelson Bay Church Hall, the adjacent priest’s cottage, which had been constructed by Father Jordan, was made available for holiday rental.

The following advertisement was published in the Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 1 October 1948:

Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel – 1 October 1948

Nelson Bay Fete – 1948

To raise further funds Church Hall, the adjacent priest’s cottage was again advertised for holiday rental, in addition to a planned fete. The following advertisements were published in the Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 25 December 1948, page 66:

Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel – 25 December 1948

Campers on Church property at Fly Point, Nelson Bay

Prior to the 1970’s, the Maitland Diocese owned a large tract of land in the Fly Point area of Nelson Bay (which had been bequeathed to it), which was used as an unofficial camping area during the peak tourist seasons. In order to avoid health hazards, Father Jordan constructed ablution facilities, that later became subject to complaint by the Port Stephens Shire council. The following report in the Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 13 January 1949, page 3, outlined the issue:

‘The Shire Council at its last meeting discussed a letter from Rev. Father Jordan, The letter stated: In connection with campers on Roman Catholic property at Little Beach Nelson Bay, I submit that we have perhaps contravened the letter of the law by erecting a block of conveniences for the campers without previous permission. We did this inadvertently, yet with the knowledge that anything we did would assist and help the Council by making provision for campers who could not be accommodated in the one camping area in the district.

I am sure the Council will appreciate this, and grant permission for the erection. We are the only ones who are responsible to the Council for payment of rates. We advised campers who went on to our land with our permission to leave all matters concerning the Shire to be dealt directly by us.’ The Health Inspector, (Mr. Conroy), said there were about 40 tents on the area. They were paying 10/. We lost that revenue and condoned the camping there.

Cr. Morgan inquired would the health officer approve of the building. Mr. Conroy said ‘yes’. The conveniences were good buildings. He wanted to know if the Council was going to charge for the building permits. Cr. Richardson thought the Council might make some concession or reduce the charge. Cr. Morgan thought if we take part we may be out of step with our general plan. Cr. Richardson said campers preferred the R. C. area it was a good camping site Mr. Conroy said Father Jordan had offered the ground to Mr. Wickner for his control, but Mr. Wickner could not make arrangements for control in the time.

Cr. Morgan moved that the Council object in principle and suggest that the R. C. Church grant control of the camping area to Mr. Wickner. The motion was carried.’

First wedding of migrants at the St Michael’s Church Hall – 1949

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 16 August 1949, page 2, reported on the first wedding of migrants at the St Michael’s Church Hall. The bride and groom were two Ukrainians residents of the nearby Migrant Hostel:

‘The first marriage of migrants at the Nelson’s Bay hostel was celebrated at the Nelson’s Bay Roman Catholic Church at the weekend. The bride was Miss Iryna Matlock and the bridegroom, Mr. Mykola Kowalsky, both Ukrainians, who met in a displaced persons’ camp in Germany four years ago. The bridegroom from the age of 12 fought as a partisan in his native forests of Ukraine against the Germans. The bride wore a white satin gown with a long train and a cut tulle veil which had a pleated halo and orange blossoms. The bridesmaid was Miss Fenko. The groom was attended by Mr. Iven Koren. The bride’s mother, Mrs. Maria Matlock, came from Yass to attend.’

Parish of St Michael’s Nelson Bay proclaimed – December 1960

The parish of St Michael’s Nelson Bay was officially proclaimed in December 1960. It covered the area of Nelson Bay, Salt Ash and the RAAF Base at Williamtown. [Salt Ash and the RAAF Base were later transferred to the Raymond Terrace parish].

Father Vincent Dilley was appointed as the first parish priest there in December 1960.

He soon commenced preparations to extend the Church Hall and to purchase adjacent land, together with a house, for conversion into a convent for the Sisters of Mercy who conducted school classes in the Church hall.

Enlargement of Church Hall and purchase of a new Convent at Nelson Bay for the Sisters of Mercy

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 1 December 1961, page 44, reported:

‘Those people who frequent the Port Stephens area during the holiday season will be pleased to know that the Church Hall at Nelson Bay has been enlarged. It will be ready for the Christmas-New Year period.’

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 1 February 1962, page 80, further reported:

‘Those people who spend their holidays on the Nelson Bay side of Port Stephens will be very glad to know that the Church Hall at Nelson Bay has been enlarged and renovated. Rev. Father V, Dilley, priest-in-charge of the parish, said this week that the St. Michael’s Hall can now comfortably accommodate over 400 people. New seating has been provided as well as kneelers.

A fine brick cottage has recently been purchased and is being prepared for use as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy who will take up residence next year [1962]. They are to open a new Catholic school at the beginning of the next scholastic year [1962]. The school will be conducted in the enlarged hall until the new school is erected….’

St. Michael’s Church Hall Looking from the Altar [Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel – 1 February 1962]

New Convent at Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay [Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel – 1 February 1962]

Extension of Church Hall and New Convent Blessed.

The Port Stephens Times of 18 January 1962 reported:

‘On Sunday last the Bishop of Maitland, Most Rev. Dr. John Toohey, visited Nelson Bay and conducted the Blessing Service. More than fifty Sisters of Mercy attended the function. Almost £600 was donated. Extensions to the hall cost £3,000; the new seating accommodation has cost £1,300. The hall will now accommodate 420 adults, comfortably seated. The total attendance on the last Sunday of last year (New Year’s Eve) at the four Masses was 1,032: of these 448 being present at the 7.30 a.m. Mass.

“When the holiday season is over the hall will be partitioned off to make two large classrooms. The remaining space will be permanently set up as a church, with accommodation for 256, which figure is adequate for most of the year. Upwards of fifty children will be taught in the classrooms until a new school has been erected.” The initial enrolment was 38 pupils.’

Clerical changes at Nelson Bay – 1962

On 1 February 1962, Father Vincent Dilley was appointed of Rector of St. Pius X College, Adamstown.

Father David Gooud became administrator at St Michael’s.

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel of 1 February 1962, page 75, reported:

‘The following additional clerical changes have been announced from the Bishop’s House: Rev. Father V. F. Dilley of Nelson Bay-Williamtown, becomes the Rector of St. Pius X College, Adamstown; Rev. Father David Gooud, formerly assistant priest at the parish of St. Therese at New Lambton, becomes Administrator of the parochial district of Nelson Bay – Williamtown.’

Father David Gooud was subsequently appointed parish priest of Nelson Bay in September 1963.  He was instrumental in purchasing over five acres of land in Wahgunyah Road, Nelson Bay, on for the building of a new church, primary school and presbytery.

The new St Michael’s Catholic Primary school was built on the land and officially opened in 1969.

New Parish Priest Appointed – 1971

Father Thomas Kennedy arrived as the new parish priest on 7 June 1971, having been transferred from the Charlestown parish.

His was the task of overseeing the building of a new church and presbytery on the Wahgunyah Road site.

The church was built by F. N. Compton and Sons Pty. Ltd, from Maitland and was designed to hold 1,000 people at peak holiday times. It was completed in 1978 and fronts onto Sproule Street (on the Wahgunyah Road site).

The cost of the new church and presbytery was funded by the sale of the surplus church land and buildings in Magnus Street, Nelson Bay to the Maitland Diocese, which later resold the land.

NEW ST MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH NELSON BAY – 1978

The new church for the Catholic parish of St Michael’s Nelson Bay was opened and blessed by the Bishop of Maitland, Most Rev. Dr. Leo Clarke, on 7 June 1978.

The new presbytery adjacent to the church was completed soon after.

Official Opening of the new St Michael’s Church, Nelson Bay by the Bishop of Maitland, Most Rev. Dr. Leo Clarke, on 7 June 1978 [Newcastle Library]

New Parish Priest Appointed – 1982

Rev Father Lewis Fenton was appointed as the new parish priest of Nelson Bay in January 1982.

The Parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1985 and the Golden Jubilee in 2010.

The following plaques are found in the entrance foyer of the Church.

Plaque commemorating the Silver Jubilee of the Parish Foundation [Author photo]

[Addendum: It is noted that Father Thomas Kennedy was Parish Priest when the new Church was opened in June 1978. Father Vincent Dilley was the Parish Priest when the extensions to the first Church were blessed in January 1962].

Plaque commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Parish Foundation [Author photo]

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

December 2023