Mexborough and Swinton Times October 5, 1928

Canon Leteux.
A Notable Anniversary
40 Years a Priest

“The Lion of the West Riding,” as Canon Charles Leteux, the Denaby Catholic priest, is known, on Sunday observes the fortieth anniversary of his ordination. Throughout Yorkshire, Canon Leteux is admired and revered as the ideal priest, and it would be difficult to find a cleric so widely popular. By his great determination and energy he has done great service to the Roman Catholic Church in this part of the country. There is not a part of the extensive, Leeds diocese where he is not known. The anniversary is to be celebrated at a special gathering in the Large Hall, Denaby, on Saturday evening.

Faithful ministry

Canon Leteux was ordained in Sheffield and in the early days did invaluable work in persuading the City Council to abolish much of the terrible slum property and bad conditions prevalent at that time. He organised a vigilance committee which brought to notice many much-needed reforms in the city and was instrumental in procuring better conditions. He always stood out for improved educational facilities and for temperance. Leaving Sheffield, Canon Leteux was for a year at Halifax, and following that went to Hemsworth, where his ministry was greatly blessed. Much of his finest work was done there.

At Denaby.

Canon Leteux succeeded Father Kavanagh at Denaby in 1920. He has been responsible for a remarkable change in the aspect of the parish. When he came the church and the presbytery formed the entire estate of the Parish. With an eye to the social welfare of his flock, the provision of a Parish Hall and Club occupied his attention, and the result is the building near the church, which cost £1,500. The Convent, which cost £2,000, has also come from his labours. Perhaps his most useful work for the Catholics of Denaby has been the building of the day school and the convent.

Kindly Non-Catholics.

” My years in Denaby have been most , happy and I have found everyone exceedingly kind and helpful,” said Canon Leteux to a “Times” reporter, ” particularly the non-Catholics. You hear a lot of bigotry on the platform and in public life, but in everyday life they are most obliging and helpful.

In the matter for the schools we met with much opposition, and it seems so unjust to me. Catholics pay rates and taxes like other people, and it is like one school of thought trying to crush the other out of existence. They must face the fact that Catholic schools are increasing in number; and toleration is said to be the nature of England. I am vice-chairman of the local, education committee and one could not find a nicer set of people to work with.”

Tribute To Miners.

Canon Leteux said that during his 40 years connection with miners he had found them very easy to get on with; generous in good causes and tolerant in their views. Their patience under trials surprised him.

He was glad to say that the membership of his church had increased during his ministry. On his first Sunday at Denaby he had to instruct about 30 children and he now had 500. The attendance at church had increased from 200 to about 2,000. The Sisters of Mercy did a great work in the teaching of the children.