Gisborne, VIC - St Brigid's Catholic

History and Architecture:

In 1855 Father Madden was appointed parish priest of the Blackwood Parish. This consisted of Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan.*

In 1852 the Vicar General applied for a grant of 2 acres on the corner of Aitken and Fishers Strets to be reserved for a church and school. Michael Brady, a local timer merchant assisted in raising the funds and also providing accommodation in his own home to visiting Priests. The first church building cost 300.00 and was most probably the weatherboard building opened as a school in 1858.*

In 1875 the current brick Church was built and when completed was opened on 2 February 1875 by Archbishop Gould. The church cost was 2150.00.*

The Foundation stone was laid on 30 November 1873 by the Right Reverend Dr James Goold D.D. Archbishop of Melbourne. The Architect was Mr Kelly. Construction of the church was given to Mr Grant of Kyneton. The nave was to be 62 feet x 28 feet, the chancel 18 feet x 18 feet and the scarcity 18 feet x 12 feet. A tower was to be built afterwards on the north east angle.*

The dedication service took place on 30 January 1875.*

In 1893 extensive renovations were carried that required the church to close. Architects Kempson, Connelly and Oldham drew the plans for alterations to the roof, tuck pointed brickwork and tie rods to support and strengthen the roof. Further renovations were carried out in 1911.*