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.*