History of St Bernard’s Parish Kojonup, The

The inspiration to write this history arose from the impending Centenary in 2013 of St Bernard’s Church, which is perched high on the hill overlooking the town of Kojonup. From the earliest beginnings of the military settlement in 1837 through to development of the district by farmers, people felt a need for religious care and had to rely on infrequent visits from travelling Catholic priests.The first resident priest was Father Frederick Joseph Chmelicek, who held the first mass in Kojonup on 3rd February 1884. The story begins with the struggles and achievements of this very gifted man from Europe and his lonely and sad demise amid unsubstantiated allegations. It then broadens into the establishment of the parish and the building of a church, which was achieved by the Kojonup people through fund raising and voluntary endeavours.The desire for a school for Catholic children led to the Mercy Nuns of Perth arriving in 1951 and establishing a small convent. School began in the church in 1952 with 55 children enrolled. The children came from diverse backgrounds, including many from war torn Europe. By August 1952, a new school had been built and it has been extended over the years.A tradition of devotion to the Rosary of ‘Our Lady’ was initiated in October 1955 and continues to the present day.A second church in the parish was built at Muradup through the efforts of local residents.It continues with a summarisation of Parish efforts to maintain the Churches, School and Priests culminating in the Centenary celebrations in 2013.