St Paul's Catholic Church in Reservoir Hills Celebrates 60 Years

St Paul's Catholic Church in Reservoir Hills is celebrating 60 years of faith, perseverance and community spirit. The church's origins date back to the early 1960s, when Indian Catholic families relocated to Reservoir Hills under the Group Areas Act, creating an urgent need for a local place of worship. The vision was championed by the late Father Leo Gabriel, who took the first steps towards establishing the parish.

On August 23, 1962, approximately three acres of land were purchased from Mr K Asari for R8 720. The acquisition was made possible through the intervention of the late Archbishop Denis Hurley, who secured permission from the relevant authorities. This marked the beginning of a long journey towards building a church and community hub for the growing Catholic population in Reservoir Hills.

In July 1966, Father Gabriel convened a meeting of Catholic residents to discuss the growing community's needs. His vision extended beyond a church to include a hall, offices, a library and a priest's residence. On September 25, 1966, Archbishop Hurley blessed the foundation stone before more than 500 people. This event marked a significant milestone in the parish's history.

Parishioners subsequently rallied together through donations, pledges and fundraising initiatives, including cake sales, dances and film shows. The church was officially opened on June 17, 1967, with Archbishop Hurley blessing the building before the congregation celebrated Mass. The community came together to make this vision a reality.

Over the decades, St Paul's became more than a place of worship, with its hall serving as a gathering point for weddings, dances, parties and other community activities. The parish has played a vital role in the lives of its members, providing a sense of community and spiritual guidance. The church's impact extends beyond its walls.

To commemorate its Diamond Jubilee, the parish will host several celebrations over the next 12 months. The Diamond Jubilee Dance, themed The Brilliant Ball, will take place on Saturday, November 7, at St Joseph's Catholic Church Hall in Florida Road, Musgrave. A Diamond Jubilee Confirmation Mass will also be celebrated by Archbishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara, CMM, Archbishop of Durban.

The parish priest, Fr Alfred, CMM, and Parish Pastoral Council secretary, Delene Pillay, invite community members to participate in the celebrations. For more information, contact Fr Alfred on 061-943-5854 or Delene Pillay on 072-171-9499. The community is coming together to honour its history and look towards the future.

Key points

• St Paul's Catholic Church in Reservoir Hills is celebrating 60 years of faith and community spirit.
• The parish was established against the backdrop of apartheid-era forced removals.
• The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will include a dance and a Confirmation Mass.