Wonthaggi, VIC - St Joseph's Catholic

History and Architecture:

The first Catholic Church in what is now the Parish of Wonthaggi was built on land near the junction of Heslop's Road and the main road to Melbourne. Prior to this priests would travel from Dandenong to say mass and minister to Catholic settlers in homes or other shelters. In 1911 plans were produced for the first church by Mr C.J. Rice of Melbourne. Tenders were then called and a building of cruciform shape capable of seating 600 persons was commenced. It was to be built of fibrous cement and it was estimated to cost £ 1,000. Seats and furniture would cost about £150 more.

In December 1968 when the State Coal Mine closed the Mine Manager's residence, a solid brick mansion with a big park surrounding it came up for sale. The Catholic community purchased it at auction for $35,000.

Opened on 11 December 1977 by the Most Reverend A.F. Fox D.D. Bishop of Sale. The Architect was A.A. Klimas B. Arch and the Builder was Coldon Homes Pty Ltd.

The current Church design, is based along designs laid down by the Pastoral Directory of the Episcopal Liturgical Commission of Ireland, 'Building and Re-Organisation of Churches'.