A final Mass will be celebrated at St Francis Church, East Cannington, next Sunday 19 February at 2.30pm followed by afternoon tea.
After land was purchased in approximately 1954 and originally part of the parish of Queens Park, work commenced on building the new Church on a self-help basis with designer and sub-contractor Fr J O’Farrell, together with Fr McGrath assisting the builders, Mr W Creemers and Mr Van Esch.
Records show the church was officially blessed by Archbishop Redmond Prendiville on 17 February, 1957, with 2017 marking the 60th anniversary.
The Parish of East Cannington was later officially erected in March 1964, with Fr P Farrelly installed as the first Parish Priest until he was transferred in 1967. He was succeeded by Fr R O’Reilly.
The Sanctuary brickwork was originated and built by Mr Creemers who lives opposite the Church. Additional features of the Church building include the stained-glass windows at the rear of the building, made and donated by Mr Creemers and Mr Van Esch.
A follow up article will appear in next week’s edition of The eRecord