2005

Friday 25th November 2005
Tighes Hill community celebrates church's 50th anniversary
This weekend the Catholic community of Tighes Hil is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of its church. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (Corner of Union Street and Tighes Terrace, Tighes Hill) was blessed and opened by Bishop John Toohey on 27th November 1955.

According to Mr Lawrie Hallinan, a member of the Tighes Hill Church Anniversary Committee, “we hope that everyone in the community will join in the celebrations; not only the Catholic community, but past and present residents of the Tighes Hill area, or anyone who has a connection with it”.

Tonight (25th November) the Tighes Hill faith community is hosting an evening of Songs and Stories from the Past 50 Years.

“We hope to have an evening of great fun, with hymn singing and story telling. We'll be singing hymns from every decade - from traditional favourites like Faith of Our Fathers through to popular hymns of more recent years,” Mr Hallinan said.

“It's also an opportunity for people to share their memories and stories of Tighes Hill. We hope everyone who comes will get swept up in the nostalgia and share a story.”

Celebrations continue tomorrow (26th November) with historic displays, guided tours of the church, and free afternoon tea.

"We're hoping tomorrow's activities will be of interest to those who grew up in Catholicism, those who grew out of Catholicism, and for the curious,” Mr Hallinan said.

In the first half of the 20th century, the Tighes Hill area of Newcastle was a largely Catholic, densely populated and socially close community.

Families of the parish resided in Islington, Mayfield East, Maryville and Tighes Hill.

According to Mr Hallinan, “At this time, there was no television, no disposable income and no cafés and nightlife. The Church's religious, sporting and social activities met the needs of most parishioners. They worshipped in a simply constructed, temporary timber building which was used until the current church was opened in 1955."

“In 2005, the Tighes Hill Catholic community is smaller and, on average, older than the community that built the 1955 church. The church building and the actions of this little community show that we live the love of the God who loves us,” Mr Hallinan said.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Friday 25th November 2005 - “Songs and Stories from the past 50 years”
Victor Peters Suite, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West, 7:00 pm

Saturday 26th November 2005 - Open House Historic displays, guided tours and free afternoon tea
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Cnr Union Street and Tighes Terrace, Tighes Hill, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Sunday 27th November 2005 - Celebration Mass
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Tighes Hill. 11:00 am

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