'Something special' as Yeoval celebrates church's 40th anniversary

The descendants of the late Dr Michael Coolican, who in 1955 donated the land the church now stands on to the Bathurst diocese, have been contacted by organisers of the church’s June 22 event.

Margaret Vaughan, congregation member and one of the organisers, said invitations had been sent to Dr Coolican’s daughters and former parishioners who have since moved away, and hopes many will be able to return.

“We have replies from people coming from Port Macquarie, Wellington, Stuart Town and Orange,” Mrs Vaughan said.

“We really hope Dr Coolican’s daughters can come. It would really be something special.”

Construction of the church did not begin until 1973, almost 20 years after the land was donated, when the Yeoval community raised enough money to fund the $65,000 building.

At the time of opening, there was a debt of $4000 which was soon paid off though an appeal.

Over 800 people from across the Bathurst diocese attended the opening in 1974 by the then Bishop Albert Reuben Edward Thomas.

The church is dedicated to the “memory of those who died in defence of freedom in two world wars.”

While weddings and baptisms are few and far between these days and many young people in the Yeoval Catholic community have moved away, Mrs Vaughan said she considered churches to be important to the well-being of small communities.

“Socially and spiritually we’re connected. As a small community we know each other and we’re all friends,” she said. “The community looks after each other here.”

Organisers of the ruby anniversary are hoping around 130 people will attend the special 10am mass at the church on June 22, followed by lunch at the Yeoval Bowling Club at noon, which will cost $10 for adults but will be free for children.

People wanting to attend are asked to contact Mrs Vaughan by June 10 by calling 6846 4253 or emailing margvaughan@activ8.net.au. Alternatively you can contact Geraldine Gough on 6846 4067 or email belmoreagco@bigpond.com.