Longreach, QLD - St Brigid's Catholic

History and Architecture:

The first Catholic Church in Longreach was a humble 15 x 39 foot structure made of iron, and was only meant to be used temporarily. The first purpose built church was overseen by Fr William Hanley. It was consecrated by Bishop Cani on 23 June 1895. The iron building was sold for removal. By the early 1910s, a larger church was required.

A new gothic style church was built next to the existing church. On 23 May 1915 the last Mass was performed in the old church. After a procession across to the new larger building, Bishop Shiel consecrated the new church and the first Mass was sung in the new building by the Very Rev Plormel.

By the end of 1915, the smaller church was moved behind the new church, had verandas added and become known as St Columba's Hall. Unfortunately, on 7 October 1955, the beautiful gothic structure was raised to the ground by a fire that also irrevocably damaged St Columba's Hall and the presbytery. Just one year later, on October 13, 1956 the current Church was consecrated by visiting Apolstolic Delegate to Australia, Archbishop Romolo Carboni assisted by Monsignor English.

The current St Brigid's is the fourth Church in Longreach.

A Foundation stone reads, " St Brigid's War Memorial Church erected to the memory  of all those who lost their lives in the two world wars this foundation stone was blessed and laid by The Most Rev A. Tynan D.D. Bishop of Rockhampton Oct 7 1956 Rt Rev Mgt Byrne PPVF".