from the special collections of the Fryer Library
Monsignor Michale Potter 1857-1944

The first of Fryer Library’s manuscript collections is the Michael Potter papers. Received by the library interfiled with items from Father Edward Leo Hayes of Oakey, this collection of personal effects & correspondence tells the story of one of Queensland’s early Catholic priests. Monsignor Michael Potter left behind more than memories of someone who cared greatly for his community. He was also the man behind the decision to build a new St Mary’s Church, Warwick that was designed with old country charm and the grandeur of a cathedral.

Potter was born in Cloontagh, Clonmacnoice, Ireland on 8 January 1857. He was educated first in Brisbane, then in Bathurst, NSW. Later, he returned to Dublin following the completion of his secondary schooling, where he undertook further study that lead to his ordination in 1887.

Father (later Monsignor) Potter returned to Queensland to take up his ministerial postings first at Ipswich for four years, then westwards to Warwick in 1891. He became the Parish Priest in 1905 and remained in the role until his death on 1 February 1944. During the intervening years, he oversaw the continuation of his predecessors’ work through the building of local churches in the surrounding townships and stations. In addition to this, Father Potter was also involved in the openings of the Catholic Young Men’s Society Hall (C.Y.M.S); Warwick’s Christian Brothers College in 1912; the early opening of St Mary’s Church in 1926; and St Mary’s Primary School in 1931.
Father Murphy (2005) described Potter as someone who had a keen interest in a variety of sport and "bred greyhounds for the hunt" (p29). He also mentions Potter’s use of a bicycle to get about town, though train tickets were found among the effects indicating the Monsignor used the train when travelling great distances.

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Among the notebooks and handwritten letters are pieces of realia. There is the traveller’s desk with a plaque engraved with the words ’Presented to Rev Michael Potter by the Teachers and Children of the Allora Catechism Class, Christmas 1900’ used to write letters presumably while on long distance trips, and church vestments that are packaged separately, accompanied by tokens that include an Irish harp.

 

zoom image   At Left: Writing slope presented to Rev. Potter, 1900

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Courtney Moran, Fryer Library

References:

Murphy, P. Fr. (2005) Warwick and the Irish. Toowoomba: Diocese of Toowoomba.

Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba (2004) A Brief History of St Mary’s Parish (Warwick) Retrieved June 7, 2010, from http://www.twb.catholic.org.au/hstmaryswarwick.htm

O’Brien, K. M. (1988). "Potter, Norah Mary (1849-1927)", Australian Dictionary of Biography: Online Edition. Retrieved June 7, 2010 from http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A110272b.htm

The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) (2006) St Mary’s Church: Site Detail. Retrieved June 7, 2010 from http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/chims/placeDetail.html?siteId=15734

 
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