Father Frank Smyth

45 years dedicated to Thebarton Parish

AI created image - Sept 2024

Francis Smyth was born at Alma on March 8, 1884 in the mid north of South. Australia, some 93 kilometres from Adelaide. His parents were James Smyth and Catherine Smyth (nee Mulvanny).
James had followed his brothers John and Edward Smyth from County Westmeath in Ireland. James arrived in South Australia in December of 1864 aboard the ship "Tarquin." In 1877 he and Catherine married in Adelaide.

Francis was the fourth of seven children born to this couple. He was baptised in the Gawler Catholic church. In 1900, at the age of 16, Francis joined the Institute of the Brothers of St John the Baptist, founded by Fr Healy. He later studied for the priesthood at St Patrick's College, Manly, and was ordained in Sydney in 1910. After returning to Adelaide, he worked alongside Fr Healy at Thebarton, eventually succeeding him as Parish Priest of Thebarton in 1921 after Fr Healy's death. In 1922 he was appointed by the State Children's Council as superintendent of the Brooklyn Park reformatory for boys. [1]

Fr Frank as he was known, spent his entire ministry in Thebarton, dedicating 45 years to the parish. He was known for his simplicity, devotion, and tireless work, particularly during the Great Depression when he provided aid to those in need. His contributions included building several schools and support for the parish's charitable efforts.

He died on May 21, 1955, and was remembered as a "great and worthy priest."[2] He was buried in West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide.

Partial view of tombstone

1. 1922 'Personal.', Critic (Adelaide, SA : 1897-1924), 1 February, p. 7. , http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212245134

2. Biography of Francis Smyth https://adelaide.catholic.org.au/view-biography?guid=10354

This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin