NEWSLETTERS | Classic Clippings

December 1985

The Church of St Stanislaus

The little church at Polish Hill River has become a Mecca for Poles throughout Australia, for it was the first Polish church in the country.

The original Polish settlers were devout Catholics, and just as it suited them to be near a centre of the Church, it also suited the Sevenhill Jesuits to have a strong Catholic population in the district. Unfortunately the Sevenhill Church could offer no service to the Poles in their native language, and it is on record that there were some Poles who had drifted towards Lutheranism.

The settlers approached the Church authorities in Krakow seeking a Polish priest. The response was favourable but subject to the proviso that the community erect its own church. Two acres of land were donated by John Nykiel, work commenced in 1870, and was completed in 1871. The priest was Father Leon Rogalski, reputed to be able to speak seven languages; his mission being to keep the little community Polish. His influence was strong and one of his first results was a reversal of the Lutheran drift. His death at the turn of the century coincided with the breaking up of the community, and many families leaving the district for the plains to the north and west. A school was established in rooms next to the church about 1880, operated by the church for a short period, then taken over by the Government as the Sevenhill East school: it closed in the 1920s.

Sporadic services continued at the church until about 1950; thereafter it served some use as a hayshed for a neighbouring farmer until 1973, when it was purchased by the Adelaide Polish community. The church has now been restored and special services are held several times each year. The adjoining picnic ground also functions as a venue for family reunions and camps.