Parkes, NSW - Holy Family Catholic

History and Architecture:

The first recorded Mass was held in 1869 by Father Nugent. The foundation stone of the current Church was laid in 1941, by the then Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes, The Most Rev. T.M. Fox D.D. and it was consecrated and opened in November 1942. The Architects were Messrs J. T. Powell, McClurcan and Mansfield. The site of the Church was the old site of St Jarlaths erected in 1889.

The local newspaper the Parkes Champion Post recorded the opening as follows, " The Rev. Mons. Moran lit the torch for the new building and it has been carried by many faithful workers, with the result that the £24,500 Church is one of which every citizen, no matter of what denomination, should be proud. On Wednesday, November 11, the Church was solemnly consecrated and Pontifical High Mass, official opening and Pontifical Benedication were held on Sunday, November 15, when each ceremony was attended by hundreds of adherents and friends from other Churches.

The Church celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2017.