|
|
In the early days Ngatea was known as "The Orchard". The needs of the few Catholic families were cared for from Thames and the area was referred to from there as the Piako Swamp.
Mass was offered in homes, halls and schools, usually once a month, in Turua, Ngatea, Pipiroa, Waitakaruru, Kerepehi and Mangatarata. In 1930 St Patrick's Church was built at Turua.
The Hauraki Plains Parish was formed in 1945, and the first parish priest, Father W. Flynn, lived at Thames.
In 1951 Father L. O'Neil was appointed parish priest, and the following year a presbytery and St Paschal's Church was built at Ngatea.
In 1963 Father J. Caulfield was appointed parish priest and the parish hall was built several years later.
Parish Priests of the Hauraki Plains Parish
| 1945-52 W.
Flynn 1952-63 L. O'Neil 1963-70 John Caulfield | 1970-85 Peter
Battersby 1985-89 B. Munday 1989-91 Bruce Bolland | 1992-93 Chris
Hamblin 1994-96 Jack Agnew |