The official opening of the Fr Laurie Beath Memorial Garden at St Edwards Primary School.
The St Edward’s school community gathered at last Monday’s Presentation Night to dedicate a beautiful new fountain to the memory of Father Laurie Beath, who passed away earlier this year.
Father Laurie claimed his car number plate – AGP – stood for “Australia’s Greatest Priest”. What started out as a friendly joke between students and the priest, quickly became legend. For the St Edward’s community, Father Laurie will always be remembered as “Australia’s Greatest Priest”, and now it is engraved on a beautiful water feature.
School Captain, Fergus Townsend said, “This water feature in our school will be a fitting tribute to Fr Laurie as he had a great love of gardens. Every town he was sent to as a Bathurst Diocesan Priest, he would turn the Presbytery Garden into a magnificent landscape. Fr Laurie loved having water features as part of his designs, and he had four water features at his home in Cowra. It is fitting today we open this water feature to remember Fr Laurie and the work he did in our school and parish.”
The water feature was unveiled by Nevaeh Duggan representing the students, Mandy Townsend representing the parents and Mrs Fisher representing the staff. Fr Laurie’s brother, Micky Beath and sister-in-law Sandra were present to officially turn Fr Laurie’s water feature on.
Fr Dong officially blessed the water feature and as a sign of connection, brought over some water from Fr Laurie’s favourite water feature in Cowra, to pour into the garden at St Edwards School.
“In the spirit of gratitude and remembrance to dedicate this memorial water feature to the cherished memory of Father Laurie. We are mindful of the love and devotion he poured into his ministry, touching the lives of so many with his grace and compassion.
“A garden now stands as a living tribute to the life and legacy of Father Laurie. May this garden be a source of solace, peace and inspiration for all who visit. A reflection of the beauty and goodness that he brought into our lives.”
The plaque that is set on the memorial water feature reads – Dedicated to the memory, Spirit and Leadership of Father Laurie Beath. 1955-2023. Beloved Priest and friend of the School and Parish of St Edwards Canowindra. 2013-2023. AGP “Australia’s Greatest Priest.”
Congratulations to the St Edward’s P&F for coming up with the idea for this special memorial and fundraising to make it happen