For 94 years it stood in Tweed Heads as a place for education, but rather than being demolished the old school building has been given a new home and a new function.
The historic building from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Tweed Heads has been moved and is now the new chapel at the Tweed Valley Cemetery at Eviron.
Tweed Mayor, Councillor Kevin Skinner said through cooperation between the Catholic Diocese of Lismore, St Joseph’s Primary School, Tweed Heads and Tweed Shire Council the old building had not only been saved but would still be serving the community.
“It’s a great result for everyone concerned, as the relocated building will be a wonderful asset for the Tweed Valley Cemetery and the community, while preserving and enhancing an historic Tweed Heads building,” Councillor Skinner said.
The building was constructed in 1917 when St Joseph’s Primary School was established at Tweed Heads by the Ursuline sisters.
Tweed historian Peter Winter, who attended St Joseph’s Primary School from 1934 to 1944, said he was overjoyed to see the building restored to all its glory at the cemetery.
“I nearly cried when I saw it because I thought we were going to lose this building,” the Banora Point resident said.
“The people who organised this have shown wonderful foresight to preserve a building that means a heck of a lot, not only to me but the whole community.”
The building’s main original purpose was for schooling and seven classes were taught in and underneath it. Secondary classes began in 1925 in a small room at one end of the building. The hall area was partitioned between 1937 and 1938 to provide distinct spaces.
Apart from school use, the building supported farming families by providing accommodation underneath when they travelled to the coast for holidays. It also boosted parish fundraising by hosting bingo and regular euchre party and dances.
After a long and productive school life, the building was facing demolition in October 2010 because it was set to make way for new Commonwealth-funded school buildings. Council was approached to see if a way could be found to save the historic building.
The move to the new site at Eviron was far from smooth, with poor soil conditions at the new location and weather delays due to Cyclone Yasi sorely testing the tight schedule for removal. The additional requirement of upgrading the building structure to meet current building standards also added to the challenge.
The school building has now been converted into a chapel suitable for multi-denominational and multi-faith use.
Local artist Louise McMillan was commissioned to replicate the original stain glass window which was retained by St Joseph’s and incorporated into their new hall. The circular framing and installation was undertaken by the Tweed Valley Wood Crafters Association.
“The objective of the project was to preserve the character of the building as much as possible, while ensuring its use for funeral ceremonies and other occasions could be conducted in a professional and sensitive manner,” Councillor Skinner said.
