Search Result
174206
Surname: Watkins
First Name: Rev. Father James
Ship: -
Date: 14 August 1933
Place: West Maitland
Source: NMH
Details: St. Josephs Church, East Maitland, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia whose history dates back to 1830 was the scene of a farewell service, the last to be held in the old church. On November 30 1830 the late Mr. Frederick Crew of West Maitland arrived by road from West Maitland. As he drove down the hill at East Maitland, on his way from Newcastle, he saw on his right the unfinished walls of a church and on his left on Stockade Hill a gallows. The church was St. Josephs the foundation stone of which was laid by the pioneer priest Father Therry. The building was completed sufficiently in 1835 to permit of the first resident priest Father James Watkins entering on his work in the settlment. He was the first priest to celebrate Mass in the building. He was followed by Father Christopher Vincent Dowling in the following year. Two years Father Dowling proceeded to Newcastle of which he was the first resident priest
160933
Surname: Watkins
First Name: Rev. James
Ship: -
Date: 1 February 1836
Place: Maitland Quarter Sessions
Source: Maitland Quarter Sessions Feb 1836 - May 36. MF 2409
Details: Michael Toole sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing two watches belonging to Rev. James Watkins. William Calcott sentenced to 14 years in VDL for receiving same. Peter Doyle found not guilty of the crime and discharged