Catholic Church seeks new home

-Zelia Mullins-

I would like to recall the words written by Winnie Graham in “A business deal that turned into a labour of love” from “Paths less travelled”, published in Worldwide in October 2007….

“There is a little church on a hill in the Karoo village of Prince Albert that was built by a layman. In fact, I know of no other church in this country that was built by a man in response to a deal he perceived as a blessing – but which anyone else would have seen as a normal business transaction. Eddie Gleeson is a joiner who runs a business in the village. A few years ago the wife of a friend asked him to find something for her husband to do. The couple had lost their farm in Zimbabwe and Don Erasmus was at a loose end. Eddie says the two men decided to buy a stand and build a house. “However, before we got started we received an offer for the land at double the price we had paid. We decided we had to do something in thanksgiving and settled on a small Catholic church for the village” Eddie estimated it would cost about R12 000. In fact, it cost R22 000 – but he and Don were to be overwhelmed by support from local Catholics and friends. One couple from the UK who come to the village each summer made a substantial contribution. So did a friend from Ireland. Cash donations rolled in. Then Eddie had a happy surprise. Father Kevin Reynolds who had been at school with him at CBC in Pretoria, happened to visit Prince Albert. He learned by chance that Eddie Gleeson lived there. When the friends were reunited, Fr Kevin contributed a glass picture of Christ for the main window in memory of his mother. Fr Fidgeon, parish priest of St Charles in Victory Park, Johannesburg, sent a crucifix. Joyce Gleeson designed the stained glass windows. Another friend donated statues of angels and a bell. Fr Brian Williams, the priest who travels nearly 100 kms every second week to celebrate mass with the small community provided pews that seat 30 “at a squeeze”. All manner of people contributed. In the end, Eddie says, he and Don gave their labour but the church didn’t cost them a cent. It was named St Albert’s by Fr Brian. “It wasn’t my choice.” Eddie admits ruefully. “I first thought St Anthony’s, my patron saint. Then one Sunday, when I was working on the roof I couldn’t get down because a snake had curled up at the base of the ladder. I decided it should be named after St Patrick who chased the snakes from Ireland. But Fr Brian had made up his mind.”

St Albert’s Church celebrated its third anniversary in October 2008, a landmark of love that stands out against the mountains behind Eddie’s workshop.

It seems that another business deal will now leave the Catholic community of Prince Albert without a permanent place to worship - the land on which the church stands has been sold and the new owner, who is due to take possession towards the end of May 2009, has indicated that we will not be allowed to hold services in our quaint little church any longer. We have been asked to remove all contents from the church as soon as possible but have been denied our request to remove and replace the stained glass windows, which hold sentimental value to us as Catholics, with clear glass. The exquisitely crafted picture window of Christ which holds place of honour behind the altar and was designed by Leo Theron, from Oudtshoorn in 1985 in memory of Father Kevin’s mother, may also not be removed.

We once again appeal to the generous spirit of Prince Albert to assist us in finding a new home. If anyone knows of a place that we could use as a church please contact Zelia Mullins on 072 108 1987 or 023 541-1102. Please also remember to keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this time of tribulation.

“Oh Lord, fill them with your Holy Spirit to guide them into understanding and respecting that You are the Author and Master of all creation, Saint Albert, pray for us. Amen.”

Chapel on the Hill

-Zelia Mullins-

Prince Albert is home to a small congregation of Roman Catholics who feel passionate about having their own place of worship. For several years, parishioners celebrated Mass twice a month in various homes throughout the village.

However, in March 2005, Eddie and Joyce Gleeson decided to make their dream come true and started building the Chapel, which was given the name of “All Saints” on its completion later that year.

Eddie and Joyce received a lot of support and donations – monetary and in kind - from locals and visitors alike, Catholics, as well as non-Catholics. The Chapel is a perfect example of what can be achieved if everyone works together for the greater glory of God. Eddie, when interviewed, exclaimed “Do you know how many people helped to build the Chapel! There won’t be enough space in the Friend to list all their names!”

Eddie, assisted by the late Don Erasmus, did most of the building himself. The pews were found in a storeroom at St Conrad’s in Dysselsdorp, as was the beautifully carved wooden altar. The “Stations of the Cross”, which grace the walls, were painstakingly made by an old priest also from Dysselsdorp.

The picture window of Christ which holds place of honour above the altar was donated by Father Kevin Reynolds, a regular visitor to Prince Albert. Father Kevin and Eddie have been friends since their school days in Pretoria. The window was made in 1985 in memory of Father Kevin’s mother by Leo Theron of Oudtshoorn. The exquisite stained-glass windows were made by Joyce and add the final spiritual touch. More recently, Peter McEwan, our very own choir master, donated a keyboard to keep the congregation on the right note!

Eddie Scheffler, a retired DRC Missionary, landscaped the Chapel’s surrounds and donated the wood for the cross which hangs above the Chapel’s door. Eddie Scheffler also hung the cross on the dam at the Koppie. Interestingly, both crosses are made from the wood of the same tree, which originated in Gutu, Zimbabwe. And this is where destiny starts to play a wonderful role in this story. Eddie Gleeson’s father was a Missionary - in Gutu. Eddie served in the BSA Police - in Gutu. Don Erasmus had a farm - in Gutu and Mrs Hannah Burger, also of Prince Albert, farmed and had a weavery - in Gutu.

Bishop Edward Adams dedicated the Chapel on 15 October 2005. However, all this time and effort would have been in vain were it not for the commitment and love of Father Brian Williams who travels twice a month from Dysselsdorp to minister to the small congregation.

During its short existence, All Saints has hosted a memorial service for Don Erasmus; and wedding services for Dirk and Loreta Jacobsz and for Vanessa and Danie Bothma. A First Holy Communion Mass was celebrated on 25 November 2006 when Christopher Mullins received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. More recently, the Chapel witnessed the renewal of nuptial vows between Eddie and Joyce Gleeson after 40 years of wedded bliss!

Holy Mass is celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of every month at 11:00 and everyone is most welcome to attend. Why not come along and give thanks to God in our Chapel on the Hill (in the Industrial Area, Magrieta Prinsloo St) with a view of the majestic Swartberg Mountains, which God created for us all.