Seven Decades of Service Celebrated

By Phil Pyke
6th August 2008

From small beginnings as a Catholic based library to a large modern store with around 100,000 titles, Credo Books and Gifts in Macquarie St recently celebrated it’s 70th anniversary.

“Initially known as the Catholic Centre Bookshop, the store was first set up in 1938 by Father John Wallis,” says Credo manager, Annie Young. Books were lent at a fee of around threepence as a service to the Catholic faithful.

Fr Wallis also founded the order of the Missionary Sisters of Service to provide pastoral care and religious education for persons in isolated rural communities. From 1957 until February 2003, the Missionary Sisters of Service managed the Catholic Book Centre for the Archdiocese of Hobart.

“Sister Frances McShane managed the store from 1975 until 2003 and we still have people dropping in to ask about her.”

Apart from the three permanent sales staff, the store is also assisted by a number of volunteers – one who has been there for over 30 years.
“The volunteers have been an essential part of the bookshop through-out its 70 year history and it is appropriate that we remember their service on this anniversary,” said Ms Young.

She believes that part of Credo’s success is the service it provides to the wider Tasmanian community. “Often people drop in who are seeking guidance or comfort. They may just want someone to listen or to have some quite time by browsing.”

“Often people drop in who are seeking guidance or comfort. They may just want someone to listen or to have some quiet time by browsing.” Annie Young

Ms Young says the service is provided to more than just the Catholic community – with corporations, other denominations, non-Christian religions and members of the wider community purchasing products, especially candles. “It is this wider level of service to all members of the Tasmanian community which hopefully ensure that Credo Books and Gifts continue for another 70 years.”

Credo Books and Gifts recently celebrated their 70 year anniversary with a Mass celebrated at St Josephs Church and a supper, complete with a cake, at Legacy House. Over 150 people attended, including Archbishop Doyle, Fr Wallis’ niece, Sr Bernardette Wallis of the Missionary Sisters, Sr Francis McShane, and many former and current staff of the book-shop.