St James Catholic Church (Peak Hill)

St James Catholic Church is a Heritage-listed church located in the town of Peak Hill, New South Wales.

History
The Catholic community in Peak Hill has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Prior to the establishment of Peak Hill as a town, Catholic services were held at the home of Denis McAuliffe on his grazing property at Bulgandramine.

The official formation of the Catholic community in Peak Hill was recorded on October 22, 1889. Father Doran from Dubbo Parish visited Peak Hill and celebrated Holy Mass in Ring's Hall, which was located near the present site of the Commercial Gardens on Caswell Street.

Services continued to be held at Ring's Hall until 1894 when a timber building was erected in south-west Derribong Street where the current Central School Agricultural gardens are located. In 1895, a convent was built next to the church on Derribong Street, and the Sisters of St. Joseph (Perthville) took charge of teaching the children in the church and providing accommodation for girl boarders in the convent.

The school was led by Sister Fabian, assisted by Sisters Jerome, Leonard, and Alorpius. During a visit by Bishop Byrne of Bathurst in 1895, the convent was blessed. The bishop was welcomed into the town by a large crowd in a procession led by the Town Band.

For several years, Peak Hill was served by priests from Parkes, specifically Fathers O'Donnel and Campion, as it was attached to the Parkes Mission.

In 1912, the first resident priest, Father Michael Heath, was appointed to Peak Hill. Father Heath served the parish until his death in 1953. He was not only a priest but also a capable architect who initiated various building projects in Peak Hill, benefitting both the Catholic community and the town as a whole.

In 1913, Father Heath built the presbytery on Caswell Street, which was later incorporated into a convent in 1957 and is currently a private residence. He also constructed St. Mary's Church in Alectown in 1913 and St. Joseph's Church in Tomingley in 1914.

In 1916, St. Joseph's School was built with two brick rooms facing Caswell Street. Recognizing the need for a suitable parish hall, Father Heath undertook the construction of the Southern Cross Hall, which was completed in 1922.

One of the significant milestones in the history of the parish was the construction of the Church of St. James in 1935 at a cost of £5000. The foundation stone was laid on the 16th of June 1935 by Bishop Fox. The church was consecrated by Bishop Fox on 10 December 1936 and became the first consecrated church in the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese. The church was first used officially on the 13th December 1936. The church continues to be admired by both the townspeople and passersby on the highway.

After Father Heath's death, Father T.W. Brady was appointed as the parish priest in 1954. He recognized the need for a new convent and purchased an old private home in Caswell Street, which became the presbytery. A partially new convent was built on the site of the first presbytery and was opened in 1957. The Sisters of Mercy resided there until 1972.

The decline in religious vocations led to the departure of the Sisters of Mercy from Peak Hill in 1971. St. Joseph's School then began employing lay teachers, which was unique at the time for Catholic schools in New South Wales. Mrs. Madge O'Leary became the new principal and served for nine years. During her tenure, an administration block and an arts and craft room were added to the school.

In 1976, Father Harper was appointed as the parish priest, coming from Condobolin. During his administration, several additions were made to the parish buildings and grounds to enhance parish life.

Due to improved road infrastructure and people's ability to travel to St. James Church in Peak Hill, the churches in Tomingley and Alectown were closed around 1965. These buildings were subsequently sold and converted into private homes. The Southern Cross Hall was also sold around the same time due to the cost of maintenance and the availability of newer halls in the town.

To unify parish life and buildings, Father Harper had a new presbytery built adjacent to the church. The old presbytery across the highway was sold, and a parish center called Boatswain House was constructed between the presbytery and the school. It served as a meeting place and catechetical center, named in recognition of Roy Boatswain's loyal and faithful service to the parish.

Heritage listing
St. James' Roman Catholic Church in Peak Hill is a remarkable testament to German architectural influence in a twentieth-century building. It stands out for its unique stylistic features, which deviate from the typical architectural trends of the 1930s. The church showcases excellent craftsmanship, both in its interior and exterior, and remains remarkably well-preserved. Situated on the main road and southern approach to the town center, it stands as one of the most visually prominent and architecturally significant structures in Peak Hill.

The construction of St. James' Church commemorates the significant contributions made by early Catholics to the growth and development of Peak Hill. It holds great importance for the Roman Catholic Diocese and the local community, serving as a central gathering point for Catholic worship and activities. The church's prominent location at the town entrance adds to its high aesthetic value, further enhancing its visual impact.

In the local government area of Parkes, St. James' Church represents a rare architectural style and type, standing out among other buildings in the region. It remains fully intact, preserving its original features and architectural integrity.

The church itself features a terracotta tiled roof with two steeple bell towers, adorned with copper-clad louvres. Its interior boasts stunning stained glass windows, while a concrete fence with memorial plates surrounds the perimeter. The building exhibits many windows and concrete crosses adorning the roof peaks at both ends, adding to its distinctive character.

Adjacent to the church is St. Joseph's Primary School, a brick structure with six gables and an iron roof. The front of the school showcases eight colored square glass windows with small awnings, while ten wooden posts support a skillion verandah. Each gable peak is adorned with a concrete cross, contributing to the architectural coherence of the church and school complex.

St. James' Church is constructed of rendered brick, featuring a Marseilles pattern tile roof. Simple brick buttresses provide structural support, while colored glass lancet windows with margin-patterned frames adorn the exterior. Timber mouldings accentuate the windows, adding a touch of elegance. The western facade boasts a large stained glass window and a gable parapet adorned with a statue of Jesus. Flanking this central feature are two dominant towers with exposed rafters, corbelled eaves, and double-pitched spires clad in metal.

Upon entering the church, visitors are greeted by a sparse yet well-lit interior, evoking a sense of "Lutheran" simplicity. The barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling features patterned main and secondary ribs that follow the pilaster and window openings. The Romanesque chancel arch showcases simple classical detailing, while the sanctuary is adorned with a marble reredos and unique side-lighting.

St. James' Church stands in excellent condition, with all its architectural details and features meticulously preserved. Its enduring state serves as a testament to the dedication of those who have cared for and maintained this significant heritage building over the years.

In recognition of its architectural significance and historical value, St. James' Roman Catholic Church was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2012. This designation acknowledges the church's outstanding contribution to the cultural heritage of the region and its importance as a well-preserved example of German-influenced architecture in the twentieth century.