Charles Harper (minister)

[1] While being a minister of the church was probably far from his intentions when he set sail for the Swan River Colony in 1837, his family's clerical background and his own disposition suited him well for this vocation.

In 1840 Charles Harper took out a long-term lease on "Nardie",[5] located on the Avon River several miles upstream of the townsite of Toodyay.

[a] While the Harpers lived at Nardie the homestead became known for "the gentle refinement of its mistress and the outspoken concern of its master for the spiritual welfare of his neighbours".

[7] The following year Bishop Augustus Short of Adelaide, accompanied by Archdeacon Matthew Hale[b] came on a visit to assess the needs of the colony.

The disagreement went on for several years, and was finally resolved when recurrent flooding of the Toodyay townsite led to the establishment of the new town of Newcastle upstream.

Harper, who was also responsible for the souls of the convicts by providing daily services, had already acquired land at the Depot site for his future home and parsonage "Braybrook".

In 1856 Raffaele Martelli, a highly intelligent and learned man, was appointed parish priest for the Catholic citizens of the Toodyay district.

He helped to set up the Toodyay Public Library and was elected president of the Newcastle Mechanics' Institute at its inaugural meeting in July 1866,[11] but failing health led to his premature death.