In early 1920, many Tamil-speaking Catholics from Dharmapuri and other districts of Tamil Nadu in South India migrated to the Labis Estate in Johor. Most of them were recruited by a Catholic couple named Rayappan and Sinnammah. Many of the early Catholics at the estate were relatives of this highly respected couple.
By then, there were several Englishspeaking Catholic staff working at the estate. They used to gather at the Chaah Tamil School for Mass. Fr M. Innocent would conduct Mass for the staff at this centre, while at Hill Church, he would conduct Mass for the Catholics coming from the estates. There were many Malayalam-speaking Indian Catholics, namely the Malayalees from Kerala, working as assistant managers, senior conductors, and field supervisors at the estate.
In 1968, Fr Bernard Binet, MEP, from Singapore was assigned as the first parish priest of the Church of St Anthony. The Frenchman, who served until 1974, spoke fluent English and a little Tamil. He built the parochial house on land purchased by Fr Emile. During Fr Bernard’s tenure, the church became an independent parish, while Hill Church became a chapel.
Fr Philip Kolandaisamy took over as parish priest in 1983. He focused on church-based pastoral and spiritual activities. He also introduced charismatic prayers and played a significant role in forming the Legion of Mary prayer groups. During his ministry, many events took place in the church, especially among the English-speaking Catholics.
The following year, Fr Thomas Santa Maria was posted as the parish priest of Segamat and he looked after the Cha’ah community.
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