Died, The Argus, Melbourne, 21 April 1854, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4806156:
On the 20th inst., at Sandridge, in the 48th year of his age, the Rev. Charles Clarke, of Elfin, Ireland, and late Catholic Pastor of Kilmore. During the period of his ministry in this colony he earned the esteem of all classes, and is now deservedly regretted.

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Funeral of the Reverend Mr. Clarke, Sydney Morning Herald, 28 April 1854, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12956907:
The funeral obsequies for this much-respected member of the Roman Catholic clergy were celebrated at St. Francis' Church, on Friday. The reverend gentleman has been for some time past the officiating clergyman at Kilmore, and had only recently removed to Sandridge, where he died on Thursday last. He formerly resided at Elfin, Ireland, and since he has been in the colony he has gained the esteem and affection of a large circle of friends. He was in his forty-eighth year when he died. On Thursday evening, the body was conveyed to Melbourne, and placed in St. Francis's Church, in front of the altar. On the following morning, at half-past nine o'clock, a "Requiem Mass" was offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased. The Very Rev. D. Geogeghan, assisted by the Revs. Messrs. Madden and O'Hea, officiated, several other clergymen being in attendance. At about twelve o'clock, a procession having been formed, the funeral train proceeded to the New Cemetery. A large number of persons in carriages and on foot accompanied the corpse to the gates of the cemetery. Here the service for the dead was read by the Very Reverend Dr. Geogeghan, and as the coffin was borne to the grave, the clergy in attendance united in chanting a hymn. The last sad duty done, the assembled crowd, many of whom were much affected by the solemnity of the services they had witnessed, returned to town.

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Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 45-46:

Clarke, Charles, Irish
First Priest to Die in Melbourne and Victoria
(This biography has been generously contributed by F.D. Minogue, Secretary MDHC)
Interest in the first priest to die in Victoria, and why his remains were not transferred to the Mortuary Chapel in the Melbourne General Cemetery, when the other three priests to die in the 50s were exhumed and transferred, is revived by the article of Father Keaney, 'Forgotten Burial Ground', in the October issue.

Little is known of Clarke before he came to Australia. Nor is it clear why he left Kilmore in 1854. Records show that he was a native of the Diocese of Elphin. There was a Father Charles Clarke stationed at the Bishop's house at Sligo in 1840, but there is no mention of him in succeeding years. What he did or where he worked between 1840 and his coming to Victoria is unknown, although one claim is that he worked in New Zealand. Melbourne Herald, 22.3.1849, reports that he arrived from Adelaide on the 'Palmyra' and is to be located at Kilmore. He performed a baptism at St. Francis' on the 1st of April, the recipient being a child from Brighton. On the following day he preached at a ceremony at St. Francis', presided over by Dr. Goold.

Kilmore correspondent of the Melbourne Herald supplies a continuing story: "The only topic just now is the expected arrival of Father Clarke who will be welcomed by all, even by those who differ from him in form of faith ... I am sure they will extend a liberal hand in assisting to erect a house, in which the ordinances of religion will be dispensed ... Bigotry is unknown here". (4.4.1849). The same chronicler records the arrival of Father Clarke and Dean Coffey on the 22nd of April ... They are engaged in administering the consolations of religion to their numerous flock ... There will be many baptisms and at least one wedding during their stay ..." Again on the 30th April: "The Catholic population appear to be well satisfied with their clergyman who, on his part, is well fitted to win his flock's esteem. Divine Service is, at present, celebrated at Skehan's barn until a fitting place can be erected".

Dr. Goold applied for a church reservation in December '49. It comprised two acres, forming allotment 11 at the north-east corner of allotment 10. The authorities suggested that he make a selection in the Government Township, but the applicant stressed his preference for the one originally selected. This was granted in August 1850; with Goold, Clarke and John Skehan as trustees. But before this time a place of worship must have been found and schools were in existence. A month before Clarke's arrival (March '49) Dr. Goold applied for government aid for a "school conducted by Mr. Cummins" Probably this was Michael Cummins, a former student for the priesthood, who had a private school in Melbourne in 1840. Probably the school was a rented building in Sydney Street, measuring 36 feet by 11. This may well have been the Mass chapel used by Father Clarke. Succeeding teachers were Peter Kemble and James Shadwell. A private school for girls was established in 1851, taught by Mrs Anne Fahey, and also situated in Sydney Street. The primitive state of these buildings leads to the conjecture: what did Father Clarke do with the monies collected during his stay of over four years? Did he expend it on his mission? Certainly he bought up no less than twenty allotments in his own name. Probably this prompted Dr. Goold to recall Clarke in late 1853, and to replace him with a recent arrival from New Zealand, Father Timothy O'Rourke. Clarke came to live in Sandridge (now Port Melbourne) until his death in April of the following year. Some three months before he advertised his house in Kilmore for private sale, along with 18 acres of land. In the Clarke Will, obtained by Father Keaney from the Probate Office, mention is made of the sale of nine pieces of land around the Catholic site in Kilmore in February '54, for £2,400. This was the same as the value of his estate passed for probate. Beneficiaries were Patrick Dillon Clarke of Anne St., Dublin, and Laurence Kelly, a settler of Kilmore.

Father O'Rourke had to literally start from the beginning in raising funds and procuring a residence at the cost of £85. In March he had it removed to the nearest church reserve, erecting as well a temporary chapel house. Charles Clarke died on 20 April 1854, a day on which Dr. Goold was proceeding to Geelong. Probably he did not know of the death of a priest, with whom there had been some kind of difference; and so the funeral service was held at St. Francis' Church, with the Vicar General, Dr. Geoghegan officiating.
(Footprints, Vol. 2, No. 5)
Ref.: MDHC File, Torquay.