MURRAY DISTRICTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located at the Old Schoolmaster's House, Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
Our volunteers are there to greet you on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, or by appointment.
The aim of the Historical Society is to research, collect, maintain and share stories of the Murray District that stretches from North Dandalup to Coolup, from West Murray to Dwellingup – and including the vibrant town of Pinjarra. We have a well maintained local history library, interesting displays and a large collection of photographs, documents, and display books.
We also have a strong membership of enthusiastic people and are always looking for additional members to join us. If you have a love of history, in particular of the Murray District, or if you have information to share, please visit us. And if you like what you see, consider becoming a member of our group. Our general meetings with a guest speaker are open to visitors. Other events, including bus trips, are usually restricted to members. All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment.
A brief History of St. Augustine’s Church, Pinjarra
A chance meeting in the Murray Library today sparked off a conversation about the History and Locations of St Augustine’s Church.
Over the years when the timber mills in Jarrahdale closed down during the 1930’s Depression, the small Convent there also closed and shifted down to Pinjarra in April 1930. Sisters Anthony, Gervarda and Florentine came down accompanied by eight boarders, an Aboriginal girl named Emma and a dog named Fluff. They took over the old Schoolmaster’s house in Henry Street as they deemed the Forrest Street location was too wet. The house was vacant as a new one was built alongside the new School in McLarty road.
The Nuns quickly set up a primary school and also commenced teaching music. The work of the Sisters and their dedication to the hard life they had chosen impressed an elderly couple, Mr and Mrs Auguste Perret, who gave them 500 pounds in 1932 to purchase a bungalow and a small cottage in James Street. The house was used as a convent and the cottage converted to a two room school.
The Sisters were very successful in getting their older students through the Junior Examination and by 1935 it had become necessary to find larger quarters. Mrs Perret had died, but her husband gave 4,000 pounds for the Sisters to purchase the old Cornish property, “Hamstead” close to the Murray River. A short time later a wooden School Building was put up nearby and later the Church in Forrest Street was dismantled and re-erected on the corner of the property closest to the main part of Town. A Presbytery for the Priest was completed by January 1937 - both had been funded by the generous Mr. Perret.
The Nuns had already endeared themselves to many Pinjarra residents by virtue of the good work they did in the community, and they were therefore far more easily accepted than might have been expected in a traditionally Anglican town.
Photo and text Page 548-550
Murray and Mandurah
R. W. Richards
Published by the Shire of Murray and City of Mandurah
1993
Note: There is more to read on History of St. Augustine’s Church, Pinjarra - this can be
viewed at the Murray Districts Historical Society.
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
Visit us to view our current photographic displays:
- 1834 Massacre – Pinjarra
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
- Rose Garden Edenvale – this display from mid-October
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
And we welcome new members.
For information about the Murray Districts Historical Society, its membership and its activities, please contact
Anne Cubitt – Secretary mdhspinjarra@outlook.com
For assistance with research or general questions about local history, contact Merv Beacham on 0417 986 838, or Val King on 0458 673 608
For more photos and stories of the rich history of the Murray, look at our Website murrayhistory.org.au/home or visit us at the Old Schoolmaster’s House within the Edenvale Heritage Precinct.
