A “mile long” procession on 10 April 1904 brought the then Archbishop of Sydney, His Eminence Cardinal Moran from Windsor by horse-drawn carriage to the St John the Evangelist Church in Riverstone in celebration of the new church.
This was among the amazing historical facts Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv shared with the 600 people who’d gathered at the Riverstone St John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Sunday 17 November for the 120th Anniversary Mass of the laying of the church foundation stone by His Eminence.
Back in 1940, Sydney newspapers had reported that more than 50 vehicles left Windsor for St John’s that morning for the procession.
“About a mile from Riverstone a great crowd of people in vehicles and on horseback were waiting to fall in and they gave ringing cheers as the Cardinal’s drag approached,” papers wrote.
“Such a sight has never been witnessed in Riverstone before.”
The Catholic Press had written that “the fact that the Cardinal was to lay the foundation stone of the new structure made Sunday a gala day as far as the Riverstone district was concerned. The neighbouring towns of Windsor and Richmond turned out to lend éclat to the occasion, and when the Cardinal left Windsor, where he had passed the night, for the scene of the ceremony he was accompanied by a little army of horsemen and an imposing procession of vehicles — a royal guard of honour that contained the most respected Catholics of that part of the famous Hawkesbury district.”
“What a joy it is to come here to celebrate this very significant occasion,” Bishop Vincent said.
While presiding over the special anniversary Mass, he reminded parishioners of St John’s to continue to be the church “where everybody can feel welcomed, loved and encouraged to live out the Gospel.”
So much to remember
Among the gathered faithful was Sister Joanne, a Poor Clare religious sister aged 80 who taught Fifth Grade from 1966 at the nearby St John’s Primary School for 15 years.
In those days, she was known as Sister Evangelist. “I’ve never given up St John the Evangelist because I’m now Joanne,” she said.
St John’s Primary opened on 31 January 1950, and the local sisters would travel by train each day to teach at the school until their convent opened in 1957.
Sr Joanne remembers the “clip-clopping” of hooves as pupils were dropped off at school by their parents by horse and cart.
“I felt sorry for the children; they used to work on the farm before they even came to school,” she said.
“Today, I saw children of parents that were here when I taught,” she added, smiling.
Also present was Josephine Sultana, a parishioner of 50 years and long-time Church pianist.
“We didn’t have as many masses [but] we were still a full church,” Mrs Sultana recalled.
The 71-year-old said she retired her piano fingers at the Parish’s 100th Anniversary Mass. However, she remains active in the choir and volunteers as a reader in the church.
“My faith is what has got me through all my trials,” said Mrs Sultana, who is also a three-time cancer survivor. “This church is my second home. It’s part of me,” she said.
Member for Greenway and Minister for Communications, The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, also attended the Mass.
“It’s great to see the church community continues to grow as more residents continue to move into this growing area,” she said.
For new parents Lorely and Kevin, having their 13-month-old son Luciano recognised by the Bishop as the newest member of the parish on this auspicious occasion was a most touching experience.
“He’s a lucky boy,” Kevin said.
“Today we have a new member of the community; the youngest member,” Bishop Long said as he blessed the infant. “The Christian community welcomes you with great joy Luciano.” This was met by loud applause, as was the heartfelt singing by St John’s Primary School Choir, led by teacher Julia Squardrito on guitar.
“It’s great to see the parish growing; all the families, all the children — it’s alive again!” Mrs Sultana said.
History and growth of the rural church
The town, then known as ‘Riverston’ originally settled in 1803 as part of a government stock farm and is one of the oldest towns in Australia. It is also one of the few rural towns with a remaining railway level crossing complete with boom gates.
“A lot of our parishioners were the cattle farmers who established the cattle industry in Australia,” said Acolyte and parishioner of 33 years, Jerry Teuma.
These days, the town in experiencing a building boom, which has not been since the opening of the Meatworks in the early 1880s. According to latest housing figures, the number of homes in the area is expected to grow from 3,268 in 2021 to 5,323 in 2046.
What’s more, the current estimated population in Riverstone is nearly 16,000 as at 2023. This is a stark contrast to 1901, when only 204 males were registered to vote in the entire district.
Today, St John the Evangelist Riverstone can fit approximately 300 people, but discussions are underway about expanding the size of the church to meet the demands of the burgeoning Catholic population.
“We think serious planning for building a new church will happen within the next five to 10 years,” Mr Teuma said.
Mrs Sultana said she’s holding onto hope that she’ll be around to see the new St John the Evangelist Church built.
View images from the 120 Year Anniversary Mass here or below.