Newry, VIC - St Ita's Catholic

History and Architecture:

The first Mass for the settlers was celebrated at the home of Daniel Bore on March 22 1866. Father P. Kavanagh officiated.

In May of 1890 the Catholic community gathered at the Farmers' Arms hotel and resolved to build a Church. John Boland was elected Chairman and John Rawlings Secretary. Will Lanigan became joint Treasurer with Father O'Leary. Daniel Blore, John Gannon, James English and James Weatherley were committee members.

Plans were obtained of the Yarram Church which it was felt was the style desirable for this area It was resolved that at that point in time a temporary Church would suffice. A fund was opened for building the Church, and was quickly and enthusiastically subscribed. Tenders were called for a construction of a weatherboard Church 45 feet by 25 feet, with chancery, vestry and porch to seat two hundred people It was to have 14 foot ceilings and considerable attention was given to ventilation. There were to be gothic leadlight windows and gothic doorways The successful tenderer was Mr. Wicks of Stratford.