With the large number of Irish settlers in the Pekina area, St Patrick Day was celebrated each year. In 1879 there was a procession,
started in front of St Catherine's Church, winding its way to M. Clark's paddock where a picnic was held catered for by J.R. Opie. This was followed
by a ball at the Pekina Hotel where the dancing was kept up until the early hours. Proceeds of the day went towards the purchasing of a bell for the church.

The foundation stone of the Pekina St. Catherine Catholic church was laid on 6 October 1875. It was looked after by Father Nevin from Port Augusta
who took up permanent residence in Pekina in 1876. From 1881 Father James Maher, who was consecrated Bishop in 1896 remained at Pekina for the next
twenty-four years until his death on 20 December 1905.

Several of the early settlers and some of the clergy are buried at the local cemetery.
notes from Flinders Ranges Research.

We thought the church looked a lot neater than the last time we came here, maybe it
is still in operation!