Roman Catholic Church
The Sacred Heart Church, September 2010
Early Masses in Bencubbin
In the early days, around 1910 when land was first released for purchase, among the newcomers to the community were a small number of Catholic settlers. At this time the area was part of the parish of the Benedictine Abbey of New Norcia. During this time Mr Ted Pergande, an early Bencubbin settler, was known to ride his horse and cart to Masses at Trayning or Kununoppin, over 25 miles from his farm at Wyacubbing Rock.
In 1914 a Mr Gudgeon wrote to the Lord Abbot of New Norcia requesting that a priest be sent to Bencubbin to say Mass. In 1915 the first Mass was offered in Mr Gudgeon’s home by Fr Castinares OSB. On the 20th March 1916 the first Mass was celebrated at ‘Wyacubbing’, the home of Mr Pergande. From this time on Masses were held approximately every three months and said by Fr Ubach of New Norcia. Masses continued in Bencubbin in private homes and in the Town Hall. As the Catholic community grew, the need for a church in Bencubbin became apparent. The prospect of achieving this goal was fulfilled by the guarantee of £250 for building materials being offered by Mr Pergande.
The building of the church
The church was built by Mr Charlie Webster for the price of £451. Berry Bros., who also made the seating for fifty persons, donated building plans and a new altar. Statues and altar furnishings were donated by the Brand, Cargeeg, Carthew, O’Neil, Pergande and Sachse families. Mrs Cargeeg was very active in organising fundraising events to support the church and pay off the building debt. A major fund raising event was the annual St Patrick’s Ball. Other families active in the parish at this time were Messrs Cassidy, Charlie Collins, Flynn, Gibson, Grant, McCrann and Potts.
The Blessing and Opening of the church
The Opening of the Sacred Heart Church on 15th December 1935. Mr Ted Peregande stands to the right of Abbot Catalan
A large crowd of over 300 people attended the Blessing and Opening of The Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, 15th December 1935. The Right Rev Abbot Catalan celebrated the Mass, assisted by Frs. Ubach and Peter OSB. Forty-four parishioners received the Sacrament of Confirmation on the day of the opening. After the ceremonies the gathered assembly adjourned to the Town Hall for a sumptuous and grand banquet.
The priests who have served Bencubbin
Serving at Trayning
14.8.1925 – 1928 Fr William Giminez OSB - First parish priest of Trayning
1928 - 1931 Fr Isidore Ruiz OSB
1931 - 1949 Fr Benedict Baranco OSB
1949 - 1951 Fr Philip Ros OSB
1951 - 1952 Fr Wilfred Spenz OSB
1952 - 1967 Fr Placid Sesma OSB
Serving at Bencubbin
1961 - 1962 Fr HJ (Bert) Rutherford - Curate to Fr Placid.
1967 – 1968 Fr Justin Bruce OSB
1968 - 1973 Fr Lancelot Caldwell
1974– 1982 Fr Thomas O’Prey
1982 - 1984 Fr Peter Bianchini
1985 - Fr Anthony Pires
1985 - Fr Gordon Howell
1985 - 1988 Fr Nino Vinciguerra
1989 – 1992 Fr Greg Donovan
1993 - 1996 Fr Benedict Quadros
1997 - Fr Anthony Fernando
1997 - Fr Douglas Hoare
1998 - 1999 Fr Edward San Thein
2000 - Fr Larry Reitmeyer
2001 - Fr Jerome Tibon
2002 - Fr Richard Tomelty
2003 - Fr Giosue Marini
2004 - Fr Sagayaraj Arokiyadoss
2005 - Fr Francis Huy Nguyen
2006 – Fr Chien Quyet Nguyen
The church today (2011)
The church is the place of worship for a small but dedicated faith community. The Presbytery is situated in the same precinct and is the home of a resident priest. The parish, named Lord of the Harvest, comprises of five towns; Beacon, Bencubbin, Koorda, Mukinbudin and Trayning. Mass is celebrated at each centre on four weekends out of five on a roster basis. Weekday Mass is also celebrated in Koorda, Bencubbin and Mukinbudin once a week.
The stained glass windows, installed for the 50th anniversary in 1985.
The grotto built by Fr Chien Quyet Nguyen. Dedicated and blessed in December 2007.
The Stations of the Cross, sculpted by Fr Chien Quyet Nguyen.
Blessed and Opened on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, 1st July 2011.