Warracknabeal, VIC - St Mary's Catholic

History and Architecture:

Prior to 1875 Priests from Ararat serviced this part of Victoria as there was no established Catholic Church. Services were held in Scots Wool Shed and the local Court House.*

On 21 st November, 1885, an advertisement appeared in the Warracknabeal Newspaper inviting "Tenders for builders for erection of brick Catholic Church".* On 4 December 1887 the church was Officially opened.

The Architect of the Gothic inspired church was Mr M Ryan and the Builder was W Gardiner. The inside measurements were 35ft x 20 ft x 15ft. The Sanctuary was built by Messrs J. Reed and Co. By June 1898 the church was destroyed by fire and by 1899 it had been re built.*

The Church was consecrated on 16 October 1900 by the Bishop of Ballarat Right Rev D. Moore. By 1966 it was decided to build a new church and this was opened on 25 June 1967. The foundation stone from the original church was included on the new church.*

A Foundation stone reads, " Dedicated by Dean Hoyne V.G. Dec 4th 1887 Rev J. Hogan P.P. enlarged by Rev D. Devane P.P. after damage by fire 1898. Rededicated by Bishop Moore Oct 14 1900".

A further stone reads, " The stone set into this plaque was removed from the original + St Mary's Church before demolition The last Mass + was celebrated in the Church on 10 July 1966". A final Foundation stone reads, " On the Twenty Fifth day of June 1967 the Most Reverend J.P. O'Collins D.D. Bishop of Ballarat in the presence of Reverend Father P. O'Shanassy Parish Priest and the many faithful here assembled blessed and dedicated this new St Mary's Memorial Church".