Monsignor Hawes was born in England and became an architect, making his reputation in fine church buildings. Initially an Anglican, he converted to Catholicism early in the century and was eventually ordained a priest. A meeting with Bishop Kelly, of the Geraldton Diocese, in Rome, led to an invitation to work in the diocese. Hawes arrived in 1915 and remained until 1939. During the period he both designed and built, literally with his own hands, 21 churches and convents. They remain an exceptionally fine collection, architecturally and historically. The lasting friendship between Monsignor Hawes and Mrs Arnold stemmed from the death of Mrs Arnold's son, by drowning, one Christmas when Hawes was on hand in Mullewa. Monsignor Hawes continued to write Mrs Arnold over a long period, mainly under his adopted name of Father Jerome.
From the description of Papers. 1919-1956. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 221935659
