St. Dominic's Church is the first Catholic Church in Lahad Datu but also as serves a great number of out-stations. Do you know the history of St. Dominic's Church? How it began? Who were the priests? The oldest information of a priest who has visited the christian community in Lahad Datu was Rev Fr Aloysius Stotter in February 1915.

The first person baptized in Lahad Datu and noted in the baptismal book, was Agnes Annie Chok Chun Moi. The date is 16th July 1947 by Rev Fr Ben Davis from Sandakan was the visiting priest. In year 1949, regular visits were made from Tawau by Rev Fr Arthur Crowther.

In the beginning of 1952,  Rev Fr Dominic Bekema came and replaced Rev Fr Crowther as a rector in Tawau and he continued to visit Lahad Datu. He helped to put up the first building which is the primary school's library at present. He set up the first stage of the present primary school when the community kept on growing and the number of school children increased.

In 1956, a permanent Parish Priest,  Rev Fr John Clementi was posted in Lahad Datu. He continued to finish the construction of the present primary school building with downstairs classrooms and a small chapel and also quarters for two priests upstairs.

In 1957, Rev Fr Tobias Chi became the first companion and assistant priest of Rev Fr Clementi. Fr. McCarthy took over from Rev Fr Clementi for the period of his long leave. Meanwhile, in year 1960, Rev Fr Tobias Chi left and Rev Fr Peter Ma took his place. Rev Fr Peter Ma stayed in Lahad Datu till the end of 1962 and was replaced by Rev Fr Stan Van Hasselt. During Rev Fr Clementi’s leave in 1965, Rev Fr Frans Frerichs took over his duties and Rev Fr Austin Monaghan replaced Rev Fr Stan Van Hasselt. Rev Fr Clementi returned from leave in January 1966.

Rev Fr Monaghan had to leave Lahad Datu and Sabah in April 1972 as his workpass was no longer extended. Due to the shortage of priests Rev Fr Clementi stayed alone and worked hard for the parish and the school. In the midst of the 70s, the first St. Dominic's Church was built with upstairs as a church and downstairs with meeting rooms and also a gathering place for church activities. The primary school flourished and a secondary school was opened. It was from form one till form three. Then a full secondary school was established. It was a great part due to the work of Rev Fr Clementi and all the staff of helpers that all this could be realised.

Unfortunately, Rev Fr Clementi passed away suddenly on 9^th September 1980. He may truly be called the Founding Father of St. Dominic’s parish and schools.

On 16th January 1981, Rev Fr Gerard Preyde took up his appoinment of successor of Late Rev Fr Clementi. The parish kept on growing, partly due to the growth of the town and the immigrants working in the estates. The first companion of Rev Fr Preyde was Bro Ambrose M Atang who was the first seminarian who was ordained as a deacon in Lahad Datu on April 16, 1989. After that, Bro Bruno Yasun replaced his duties for pastoral works from January 1990 till December 1990. Later, Rev Fr Julius Gitom became the first assistant priest of  Lahad Datu  in 1991. He took a great interest in the youth and visited estates. In 1993, Rev Fr Julius was appointed as a parish priest of St. John’s Tuaran and Rev Fr Ambrose M Atang came to replace him and to continue the good works of Rev Fr Julius. Furthermore, Lahad Datu kept on expanding and the community too.

In 6^th November 1994, the official opening ceremony and blessing of our new church by our Rt Rev Datuk Bishop John Lee took place. It has taken some time to realised plans and the completion of the building construction.

In 1995, Rev Deacon Alex Jimsy accompanied Rev Fr Preyde and Rev Fr Ambrose to serve in Lahad Datu before his priesthood ordination. Then he was appointed to St. John’s Tuaran as a assistant rector. In January 1997, Rev Fr Ambrose M. Atang was appointed as assistant priest in Holy Trinity, Tawau. His place has been taken over by Bro. Simon Kontou in 1997. Bro. Simon was ordained Deacon at Lahad Datu in February 3, 1997 and then as a priest in September 1, 1997 at St. Aloysius Limbanak and was appointed to continue to serve in Lahad Datu with Rev Fr Preyde. He was sent for further study in Rome on July 1999. There is no replacement yet for an assistant Parish Priest.