The early history and the history of the old church building Holy Cross Toboh Parish, begin with the arrival of two English priests namely Rev. Fr. John Leo Quinn and Rev. Fr. Martin Conolly. Rev. Fr. John Leo Quinn was assigned as the Rector of the Toboh Parish, while Fr. Martin Conolly remained in St. Theresa Tambunan.
Since the people around the village were interested to practice the Catholic religion, Rev. Fr. Quinn has called the people to build a Catholic church. The first small church, which was made of bamboo, built in 1932.This particular church was build by the villagers. Buffaloes were used as transportation to carry the bamboo. After the church was completed, it was named as St. John Church (as referred to the founder’s name, Rev. Fr. John Quinn).
A new church was built due to dilapidated of the old church building and the increasing number of people in the Catholic Toboh Parish. The Church was made of boards, zinc and cement without changing it’s name. Priest at that time was Rev. Fr. Lampe. The number of people who attended the Holy Mass, was about 100 people. All the priests who serve at this parish stayed at priest house (currently it is under construction in rebuilding for new administration building).
During the Japanese invasion, the St. John church had a lot of damages due to fire bullets by the Japanese military. Between 1965 to 1969, another new church building was built to replace the previous church, St. John. After the new church was completed, it has been named as the Church of the Holy Cross Toboh, by Rev. Fr. Anthony Putman who served in the parish at that time. The number of people who came to attend the Holy Mass is between 400 to 500 people.
Then in 1991, another new church was built to replace the old Holy Cross Toboh church building. This new church was completed in 1993.
Generally, the Holy Cross Parish Toboh church has been rebuilt for four times since the arrival of the early founders, and Catholic religious in Tambunan district. The number of people who attend the Holy Mass was increased from time to time.
Sources:
1. Mr. Didymus Kosong- Gagaraon
2. Pn. Kosong Miasam - Toboh
( Adapted from ‘Kapambalakatan Om Kopongukaban Panambayangan’ souvenir book)
A great insight to the building of the Toboh church and it's founder Fr John Quinn for your records Fr John arrived in Tambunan in 1925 and his first posting was at St Teresa's and Fr Martin arrived in 1927, the Mission Church and Mission School had both been named St John's. I have wrote lots on my relative Fr John and some things I have yet to publish because I need to cross referance them first but I am getting there with the help of the people of Toboh and those that knew Fr John. Good blog and long may the Mission Church and School go on serving the people as Fr John would have wanted. Keep The Dream A Live - Keep The Your Faith.
ReplyDeleteI have posted a link form your blog on my blog and google buzz and twitter and put a link via your youtube video to my blog ! I have all my blogs /Facebook pages/
ReplyDeletegoogle buzz/youtube/twitter/and much more connected to each other so I can see everything from one page and updates in real time ! Keep the dream
Thanks. Would be glad to look forward
ReplyDeleteGreat info...miss my hometown already :)
ReplyDeletehello there!
ReplyDeletewe're currently doing a study on some of the buildings built around sabah. and this church is one of it! we're so glad to stumble upon this blog!
would really love to know more on what were your thoughts about the new building when it was built in 1993 and how has it been holding up after 30 years of use.
would be glad if we are able to touch base and speak more of this.
hope to receive your reply!