Ashburton, VIC - St Michael's Catholic
Year Built: 1955
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Saint: Michael
Address: 270 High Street, Ashburton, Victoria, 3147
Architect: Unknown
Traditional Owners: Wurundjeri people
Last Updated: 22/05/2023
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History and Architecture:
The first Mass was conducted by Father Patrick Loughnan on Sunday 11 December 1927 at the Ashburton Hall located on the corner of High Street and Johnston Street, just west of the shopping centre. On 26 April 1946 Ashburton was created a parish, entrusted to the care of Father John Ryan who had been an army chaplain. As the parish grew he had to buy more land from the government to meet the growing demands.
Fr Ryan oversaw the building of the present church, but tragically, 2 months before its completion he suffered a sudden heart attack.
A Foundation stone reads, "His Grace Most Rev D Mannix D.D. L.L.D. blessed and opened this memorial Church erected for the creator Glory of God and in Honour of St Michael 15th May 1955".
Clergy:
These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.
| Years | Name | Annotation | D.o.B | D.o.D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 - | Father Patrick Loughnan | 1958 | ||
| 1946 - 1955 | Father John Ryan | 1955 | ||
| 1955 - 1972 | Father John Connellan | 1987 | ||
| 1957 - | Father J. G. Fitzpatrick | Asst | ||
| 1962 - | Father J. Doyle | Asst | ||
| 1962 - | Father R. McGuire | Asst | ||
| 1964 - | Father W. Cox | |||
| 1968 - | Father B. Caldwell | Asst | ||
| 1969 - | Father J. Barker | Asst | ||
| 1971 - | Father E. Burns | Asst | ||
| 1972 - | Father Phillip Smith | |||
| 1974 - | Father M. Wilson | Asst | ||
| 1977 - | Father M. Coleridge | Asst | ||
| 1980 - | Father D. Moloney | Asst | ||
| 1998 - | Father Bill Attard |
Organ:
The Organ was built in 1869 by George Fincham for Henry Kemmis of Warrnambool. Installed in 1876 at St Barnabas' Anglican Church, Balwyn. Installed present location c.1960 by Harry Marriner. Tonal alteration 1970 Laurie Pipe Organs (Fifteenth in place of Keraulophon). Renovated 1976 Laurie Pipe Organs. It has 1 manual, 6 speaking stops, 1 coupler, tracker action.
For a full description and photos click here.
Source:
1. 2003 MDHC
2. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.