Goondiwindi, QLD - St Mary's Catholic

History and Architecture:

St Mary's Parish was officially erected in 1891, but the first parish priest, Father Hughes, was resident as early as 1885. It was under his direction that the first church was built by Franchi Baker on land donated by Jacob Lowe of 'WeMown'. It is believed that the site was formerly that of the Callandoon Stockyards.

In 1936 Father Herbert engaged J. P. Donoghue to design his new church. This architect was the founder of what is now known as Edward Bisset & Partners of Brisbane. It is of simplified Romanesque style.  

The bell was donated by Tom Hunter, a former alderman. A long-time parishioner, Roily Parish worked on the building with Baker. The wooden church had a shingle roof and even when these shingles were replaced in 1953 they were in good order and still waterproof.

A Foundation stone reads, " A.M.D.G. The Foundation stone of the Parochial Church of St Mary, Goondiwindi was blessed and placed by Right Reverend Monsignor Michael McKenna P.P.VG on May 6th 1937 - Pius XI Reigning Pontiff. James Byrne Bishop of Toowoomba Michael John Herbert P.P. Pentecost Sunday 1937".