Footscray, VIC - St Monica's Catholic

History and Architecture:

The Rev. Dr. McGillicuddy decided a suitable church should be built. So, on 5th July, 1873 was laid the foundation of the present Church performed by Dr. Goold. Mass was celebrated in a tent near by. The church is Fourteenth Century Gothic with a nave 63 ft. by 28 ft. Chancel 18 ft. square with a proposed 108ft spire (never built). Church to be of bluestone with dressings of Geelong freestone. It is proposed to erect at present two bays chacry vestry at a cost of 200. The architect was T.A. Kelly Elizabeth Street and the builders were Hopkins and Goss. It was completed in 1885.

A wall plaque reads,
St Monica’s Church although not documented, tradition has it that in the late 1840's a tent was set up near the river and used as a school for the catholic children of the district. Father Ggeoghegan and Archdeacon Downing also celebrated mass there.
27. 12. 1852 this land was—temporarily" reserved for a church, clergymans' residence and school.
28. 10. 1862 the land was permanently reserved.
5. 7. 1873 foundation stone of first stage of church laid by Dr. Goold.
3. 5. 1874 first mass celebrated by Fr. mc Gillicuddy.
12. 12.1885 Dr. Goold blessed the completed second stage of the church.
25. 3. 1890 St. Monica's made a mission separate from Williamstown.
16. 11. 1950 Dr. Mannix consecrated the church and marble altar.
In 1964 the sacristy was extended; and the church was renovated and remodelled in 1977.