A Brief History on Christ the King Parish
(adapted from 2003 compilation by former parishioner Elizabeth Minns)
Sketch of former church on Fairview Road
In the spring of 1931 the first Mass was celebrated in the home of Mortimer Sebastian (Paddy) Kelleher by Father W.J. Cullinan, a young oblate priest. Ten people took part in that historic occasion.
The congregation grew rapidly in numbers and a much larger accommodation was needed. In the spring of 1934 three lots were purchased on Fairview Road (across from the present post office).
In May 1934, the first new little church was ready for occupancy and free of debt. In the following years, the local congregation kept growing at a steady rate prompting the need for a bigger church. In 1947 the church was extended and in 1948 the front was brought out and two towers added. On the same property a hall was built and opened on May 3rd, 1949. Here all the social and fund raising events were held.
As the years went by, the catholic community in Oliver kept growing in numbers. Also it was evident that time had taken its toll on our restructured church building. There was a definite need for a new and more adequate place of worship. In I996, the parish purchased our current present 2.5 acre property off of Spartan Street. From then onwards there was a big push in the parish towards the fulfilling of our dream for a new church.
The fundraising efforts brought in amounts of money sufficient enough to seek permission from Bishop Eugene Cooney, to start the building project. On September 8th, 2002, Bishop Eugene Cooney presided over the ground breaking ceremony. Construction began a month later.
On May 1st, 2003 - the old church building was sold and subsequently converted into a multi-unit commercial building that currently houses a popular gelataria. The last Mass was held in the Fairview Road church on Sunday, April 27th, 2003. For the past 32 years this church has served us well but now it was time to move on, and to move into the beautiful new church located on Spartan Street.
During the early years, resident pastors lived in a lean-to room at the back of the sacristy. In 1945 the parish bought a small house, which was renovated and furnished for Fr. Downey.
In September of 1975, work on a new rectory began, and by April 1, 1976 Fr. Clement was able to move into the new house and call it his home. Today’s rectory on Saint Martin’s Place was purchased in 2008. The former rectory was sold a year later and is currently used by Interior Health Authority as an adult residence and daycare facility.
The congregation grew rapidly in numbers and a much larger accommodation was needed. In the spring of 1934 three lots were purchased on Fairview Road (across from the present post office).
In May 1934, the first new little church was ready for occupancy and free of debt. In the following years, the local congregation kept growing at a steady rate prompting the need for a bigger church. In 1947 the church was extended and in 1948 the front was brought out and two towers added. On the same property a hall was built and opened on May 3rd, 1949. Here all the social and fund raising events were held.
As the years went by, the catholic community in Oliver kept growing in numbers. Also it was evident that time had taken its toll on our restructured church building. There was a definite need for a new and more adequate place of worship. In I996, the parish purchased our current present 2.5 acre property off of Spartan Street. From then onwards there was a big push in the parish towards the fulfilling of our dream for a new church.
The fundraising efforts brought in amounts of money sufficient enough to seek permission from Bishop Eugene Cooney, to start the building project. On September 8th, 2002, Bishop Eugene Cooney presided over the ground breaking ceremony. Construction began a month later.
On May 1st, 2003 - the old church building was sold and subsequently converted into a multi-unit commercial building that currently houses a popular gelataria. The last Mass was held in the Fairview Road church on Sunday, April 27th, 2003. For the past 32 years this church has served us well but now it was time to move on, and to move into the beautiful new church located on Spartan Street.
During the early years, resident pastors lived in a lean-to room at the back of the sacristy. In 1945 the parish bought a small house, which was renovated and furnished for Fr. Downey.
In September of 1975, work on a new rectory began, and by April 1, 1976 Fr. Clement was able to move into the new house and call it his home. Today’s rectory on Saint Martin’s Place was purchased in 2008. The former rectory was sold a year later and is currently used by Interior Health Authority as an adult residence and daycare facility.
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Priests assigned to serve Christ the King Parish:
1931-1934 – Fr. W.J. Cullinan 1934-1937 – Fr. P. J. Collins 1937-1938 – Fr. A. J. Mcintyre 1938-1939 – Fr. Edward A. Brophy 1939-1945 – Fr. F. 0. Labrake 1945-1967 – Fr. C. W. Downey 1967-1975 – Fr. Dermot Cullen 1976-1985 – Fr. Clement St. Jacques 1985-1986 – Fr. McDonald 1986-1987 – Fr. Paul Pornbacher 1987-1999 – Fr. Martin Bettin 1999-2005 – Fr. Dave De Souza 2005-2008 – Fr. Garry Igot 2008-2009 – Fr. Gabriel Chinnaperiannan 2009-2011 – Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura 2011-2012 – Br. Gerald Craig 2013-2017 – Fr. Neil Lustado 2017-2019 – Fr. Dominique Trinh Do 2019-present – Fr. Thomas Kakkaniyil |
Interested in more History?
Click here to check out the history of our Altars at Christ the king Church |