A Short History of the Parish

When Fr. Arthur Bayaert, a Belgian priest, took charge of the parish in 1897 the Catholic population was growing rapidly owing to the opening of coal mines in the area and it was principally on account of this increase that Fr. Matthew Burke was appointed as his curate in 1899. An indication of the growth that was taking place is given by the following statistics compiled from the Baptismal Register:

1882 - 1890 total baptisms 424
1891 - 1900 total baptisms 1000
1901 - 1910 total baptisms 2141

An all-time record was established in year 1908 when 252 baptisms were recorded- a population explosion judging from these figures, it is not surprising to find that a new school extension for infants was built in 1899. As the chapel-school was also becoming too small to accommodate the growing congregation, plans were drawn up
to build a much larger church on a site adjoining the presbytery.

In spite of the fact that financial support was unpredictable in a largely mining community owing to strikes and pit closures at the turn of the century, Fr. Bayaert forged ahead with his plans to build a new church. Encouraged by his zeal and drive the parishioners subscribed faithfully to the Building Fund though their donations were very much limited by their meagre incomes. Conscious of the economic difficulties of his parishioners and the financial burden confronting them, Fr. Bayaert enlisted the financial and material support of his relatives and friends in Belgium. They responded generously to his appeal by providing the High Altar and most of the oak furnishings for the sanctuary; the present Stations-of the Cross were donated by the Bayaert family. It was mainly due to the untiring efforts and enthusiasm of Fr. Bayaert that the old St. John's church, capable of seating 1,000 people, was ready for opening in March 1902.

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