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| Locus Isle |
Though the earliest historical
records of St Mel’s Catholic Church’s establishment in the main street of Esk may
have become rooted in the past, the tiny wooden Church standing alongside its
humble but precious parish hall, has been, and continues to provide an
important link between Esk’s rural past and its present.
During the early years, it was today’s parish hall
which served the community as the local Catholic School largely staffed by St
Joseph nuns. In the fullness of time, the historic refectory has seen conversions
to accommodate the regular rhythms of community life and religious celebrations,
its old wooden walls echoing the voices of countless church meetings, and the joys
of many social events, including the sounds at the time of the rapidly expanding
Esk Community Choir and its weekly rehearsals.
Over time both Church and hall
have become the beating heart of a thriving catholic community. With the need to preserve these for future generations,
a fundraiser was implemented for the repainting of the hall.
It was fitting therefore, that on
Sunday, September 8th, the sounds
of the now 46-year-old Esk Community Choir, under the direction of its founder
Alexis, reverberated throughout the little Catholic Church during Father Dave
O’Connor’s 10.00am mass bringing the joys of singing to a capacity
congregation, the Choir’s sequel, a concert reawakening many of the songs which
have, on numerous occasions, filled this
space.
Over in the parish hall following
mass, there was a buzz of activity. The joie de vivre of a large band of
volunteer workers including Carmilita and her amazing kitchen co-workers who capably
satisfied the masses of supporters and visitors with a superb two-course lunch. Sean Choat, completely in his element behind
the microphone doling out raffle prizes to worthy winners faster than Edward
Scissorhands and a community delighting in each other’s company, organizers
thrilled to announce the financial success of this fundraising venture.
If a life can be measured by all
these wonderful things rather than in years, this little church and its parish
hall will surely be filled with the joys of new beginnings for generations to
come.
By: Sue Walker
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| Roly Cox and Alexis |
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| Ubi Caritas Roly, Roger, Anna, Ruth & Sue |
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| Anthem from Chess The Men's Ensemble |
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