About the Parish:

This Parish is found on the Eastern part of Small-Farm, Evaton. It is neighbouring Zone 8 Sebokeng, Eastonville and Zone 10. It was established in 1931 and the first Priest was Father Muldoon, 14/06/1931. It was founded under the imperial rule by Britain in South Africa. The ruling political party was the South African Party (SAP) under General J.C. Smuts and J.M.B. Hertzog as the leader of the opposition party. It catered for Catholics in Small-Farms, Eastonville, Parktown, Central Evaton and even further afield as to places such as Meyerton, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.

On the day of Official opening, two families were singled out on that day, Mrs. Francis Adams-Lidgertwood and Father Molenaar. The former donated a piece of land that is occupied by the St. Francis Xavier congregation on 57 Gamdor Road, Small-Farms Evaton. We are here today (that day) because of these two families who were represented by Mr. Michael O’Gorman and his family for Mrs. Adams and Mr. Peter Molenaar and his family for Father Molenaar.

Mrs. Adams offered this piece of land to the church many years ago. She provided accommodation and food to the elderly priests who served the parish and she contributed in no small way to the building of the first church and school.

Father Molenaar is the main reason we are standing here today in this new church. He was the inspiration and one of the large donors to enable us to begin this great work. We are not sure as to how he came to know Mrs. Francis Adams. He was a silent and efficacious supporter of Polokong Children’s Village. On visiting the church here to pray, he saw the need to build something wonderful for God. He encouraged the various priests to get monies on this task up until he departed from this world. His brother, Mr. Peter Molenaar continued the work initiated by his brother and dream well fulfilled. Peter Molenaar was 80 years old on the day of the opening of the new church – a great zest for life that puts many of us who are nearly half his age to shame.

It was not our wish that either Michael O’Gorman or Peter Molenaar will be around for the opening of the fourth cchurch of St Francis Xavier in Evaton. We do not expect there to be a need for such. Mrs. Adams’s grave is part of our St Vincent De Paul’s Children’s Home known as Polokong Children’s Village.

We will always associate Father Molenaar with this new new church and it is our hope that all who enter here will pause, give glory to God for this wonderful building, praise Him for sending us such wonderful messengers and say a little prayer that both may rest in everlasting peace of the Lord.

“Lord we pray that you grant a special peace to Mme Adams and Father Jan Molenaar in Your heavenly home. May we learn from them to be generous in serving You so that one day we may rejoice together with them in your kingdom. We ask these through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen