George Henry Backhaus (1811-1882) was born in Prussia. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1836 and began his missionary work in India. In 1846 he came to Australia, first ministering in Sydney and then Adelaide. With the discovery of gold in Victoria, Backhaus believed he was called to become a missionary on the goldfields. His first Bendigo mass was celebrated 2/5/1852. He travelled extensively throughout the goldfields eventually establishing a tent church on the site of St Killians in 1852. In 1853 this was replaced by a slab-walled and canvas-roofed church.. The site also included a Catholic school. In 1863 he returned to Germany but came back to Bendigo in 1867. He retired from parish work in 1881 and moved to Melbourne but as his health declined he returned to Bendigo in 1882 to die.The age from 08/01/1966. Article titled: A Prussian priest gave Bendigo his heart, Churches of history - 9 by John Hetherington. The article details the life of Dr. Henry Backhaus, the first Catholic priest in Bendigo.In blue pen "The Age" 8-1-66bendigo churches, backhaus, st.killian

BHS CollectionEvents, Marist Brother's College, Annual Break-up Concert, December 14th,1915 St.Killian's Hall.Musical Director: Mr.E.Allan Bindley, Hon .Accompanists: Miss M. Foster Mus.B; Mr.F.Cavagna. Commence 8 p.m. On the inside is the name M. Cooke.The back cover has the names of exam. Records for the past six years.Bolton Bros, Printers, Bendigoevent, entertainment, marist bros college