Clunes, VIC - St Thomas Aquinas Catholic (Former)

Year Built: 1872

Denomination: Roman Catholic

Saint: Thomas Aquinas

Address: 90 Bailey Street, Clunes, Victoria, 3370

Architect: Henry Richards Caselli and W. B. Tappin

Traditional Owners: Dja Dja Wurrung people

Last Updated: 18/03/2023

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History and Architecture:

The first Church was erected in 1858. The second Church was opened Sunday July 1st 1866. The Church was made of wood and was 58 foot long by 20 foot wide with the walls rising 12 feet.

The third church was constructed in bluestone and was designed by Henry R. Caselli and W. B. Tappin and was built between 1872 and 1873. It's based on the plans of St Patrick's in Ballarat and the St Patrick's in Port Fairy (both designed by Charles Hansom).

The Church was opened on 9 March 1873 by the Right Reverend J.A. Gould Bishop of Melbourne. The  Church was closed in 2018.

 

Clergy:

This list may not contain every serving cleric, past or present, for this church.
Further submissions welcomed.

Years Name Annotation D.o.B D.o.D
1875 - 1883 Father Robert Scanlan
1883 - 1889 Father Joseph O'Brien
1889 - 1891 Father James Kissane 1909
1891 - Father John Barrett 1933
- Father T. McElligot 1902
1902 - 1912 Father Patrick Kennelly 1947
1912 - 1920 Father Henry O'Kane
1920 - 1930 Father James Brophy 1964
1930 - 1947 Father Peter O'Shannassy 1976
1947 - 1951 Father Robert Gellie 1951
1952 - 1958 Father Vincent Ryan
1958 - 1972 Father O'Bryan
1972 - Father Thomas Kennedy Locum
2015 - Rev Gary Jones

Organ:

The Harmonium organ which was removed when the Chuch closed and is now locaed in he Clunes Museum.

Source:

1. St Thomas Aquinas Church Clunes Centenary Celebrations 1974. LTP 282.94531 C62S