From the original four parishes handed over to the Columbans on their arrival they had opened four new parishes by 1964. Fr. Arthur Tierney was the last Columban to set up a parish center. This was at Tamavua in 1969 a couple of years after it was cut off from the parish of Samabula. He began with the erection of a parish hall in which Mass was celebrated at first. Fr. Tierney organized fund-raising dances there at weekends. A parish catechist, Mr Leone Nataradamu recalls:
“He used to fundraise for a proper church by putting a curtain in front of the altar and holding dances in the hall. He was energetic and strong and would throw out any drunks himself who came to the dance… Fr. Tierney was able to inspire the Church members to work hard for new church. He was a very cheerful man and it was easy for the people to feel close to him and work with him.”
Fr. Tierney survived a number of court cases taken by aggrieved neighbors complaining about the late-night noise. He was a keen yaqona drinker and used to have some late-night sessions with members of the men’s club. On one Saturday night he stayed drinking yaqona with them until nearly 5.00a.m. After shower, a shave and some coffee he was back to celebrate the Sunday Mass at 7.00a.m. All went well until he sat down after distributing communion – and fell asleep. The congregation probably thought he was praying with his eyes closed but the altar boys could hear his soft snoring. As the congregation began to get restless for the final blessing the bravest of the altar boys approached Fr. Tierney and tapped on his knee. Fr. Tierney woke suddenly and said “Talo” (serve it – the yaqona)!
The Tamavua residence was built in 1970 as both presbytery for the parish and as a Columban Regional house. The parish church was built by Fr. J.J O’Loughlin eight or nine years later and it was a difficult job because the contractor went broke and could not finish the job. It was finished by the voluntary labor of the parishioners.
Columban Priests that served in St. Joseph’s Tamavua
1969 - 1972: Arthur Tierney up to 22/04/72
1970 - 1971: Vincent Batchelor
April to Oct 72: Peter Malone
1972-1973: Jim Gavigan
1987-1995
1973-1982: John J O’Loughlin
1975 – 1977: John McEvoy
1987 – 1990
1982 – 1983: Dennis Fitzpatrick
1983 – 1985: Eddie McColgan
1985 – 1987: Kevin Holian
1972 – 1973: Jim Gavigan
1987 - 1995
1986 – 2003: Gerry McNicholas
1993 – 1995: Thomas Daly
1996 – 2000: James Rathbun
1999 – 2000: Dan Ahern
(The Turning Wheel)
by Fr. Frank Hoare
