St Leonards Catholic Church and School

Naremburns first Catholic Church and School was founded in 1894 in Market St alongside the first Church of England on lots 38 & 39. On Sundays the school became a Church Hall. A new school/Church was built in 1904. However a building for exclusive use as a church was required and a site on the corner of Willoughby and Donnelly Roads was selected. This was part of the Alexander Dodds Estate, section of the original grant of JS Ryan in 1849 and popularly known as Dodd’s Picnic Grounds. The central section of the Church, capable of seating 600 was designed by JT McCarthy, builders, Messers Brown & Haynes of Marrickville and was completed in 1913.

It was placed under the patronage of St Leonard of Port Maurice (Feast Day 26 November). A Francescan Friar born in Genoa, Italy. Plans included twin spire towers but these were changed to a single spire which was ultimately completed in 1955 and stands as a landmark for our district.

The present school was built in 1932. Most of the materials were recycled from the Market St building, including 39,000 briicks. The school closed in 1996. Currently there are meeting with Members of Willoughby Council, representatives of the Catholic and State Education Offices, the NPA and local concerned residents. Naremburn looks forward to its own school.

St Leonards was the last parish to welcome the World Youth Day (July 2008) Cross and Icon and played host to 600 Dutch Pilgrims who gathered there for special instruction and worship.