On Sunday a congregation of about 200 people gathered at the historical site for a special ceremony to celebrate 150 years.
Father Brian Carey led the symbolic service, which also marked 73 years since the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the ‘Mass Tree’ and Ms Burrows.
“What we’re celebrating today is a monument, yes, but a living monument, something which has the power to draw people,” Father Carey said.
“They come and reflect not only on the beauty of nature, but also how nature does reflect the creator.”
Present at the service were brothers Adam and Luke Morrisey who are descendants of Margaret Burrows and whose mother, Pauline Nagle, unveiled the Mass Tree plaque in 1946 as a 10-year-old.
“Mum unveiled this particular plaque back in 1946 and so we’ve always known about the history of it. We had newspaper clippings of it growing up and have been up here from Melbourne quite a few times,” Luke said.
“Seeing all the people that have come for the history and being here with my family – it feels special.”
Luke was joined by his daughter in reading Wahgunyah’s Mass Tree Poem, written by M. Riches which was published in the Corowa Free Press in 1947.
Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney spoke towards the end of the mass, reflecting on the significance the tree has for local residents and pilgrims everywhere.
“Back in 1969 when the people from around this region came to mass, they were full of love, faith, hope and charity, and I don’t think anything’s changed in 2019.
“Anytime you feel a bit low, I think you can come to this very special tree, as I’m sure it will make you stronger.”
Margaret Burrows and husband John arrived to Wahgunyah from Ireland in the 1850s.
The pair and their twin sons pitched a tent on the south side of the tree on Short Street where Margaret prepared an altar for the first Mass said in Wahgunyah, conducted by Beechworth Parish Priest, Reverent Dean Tierney.
After Margaret tragically died in 1870, the tree was tended to by her husband who watered, protected and nurtured it.
Catholics in Wahgunyah attended Mass in Corowa as a result of the tragic passing. At a later stage Mass was said at the Wahgunyah Hall until rent was increased. In 1929 the unused Catholic Church at Chiltern Valley was moved to its present site in Wahgunyah.
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