Stirling East Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic church
Foundation stone 23 Oct 1881 by Bishop Christopher Reynolds, architect Michael McMullen, freestone, opened 21 May 1882, dedicated 20 Jan 1884, minor damage in earthquake 1954, restored 1957, renovated after vandalism fire 1999.
“Bishop Reynolds blessed and laid the foundation-stone of a new Catholic Church at Stirling East, it being the first church in Australia which has been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary. His Lordship was met at Crafers by a number of horsemen and people in traps, who, after according him a hearty welcome, accompanied him to Stirling East.
“The first portion of the New Catholic Church at Stirling East will be solemnly dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary by Dr. Reynolds (Bishop of Adelaide) on Sunday, January 20. The portion of the Church which is already built consists of the nave — 45ft. x 22ft.— and this is lighted by fifteen memorial windows, all tastefully filled in with stained glass. It is intended at some future time to add a transept and chancel so as to complete the design of the Church, which is of the gothic stylo of architecture, the ground plan being cruciform.” [Mount Barker Courier 11 Jan 1884]
Stirling East Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic church
Foundation stone 23 Oct 1881 by Bishop Christopher Reynolds, architect Michael McMullen, freestone, opened 21 May 1882, dedicated 20 Jan 1884, minor damage in earthquake 1954, restored 1957, renovated after vandalism fire 1999.
“Bishop Reynolds blessed and laid the foundation-stone of a new Catholic Church at Stirling East, it being the first church in Australia which has been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary. His Lordship was met at Crafers by a number of horsemen and people in traps, who, after according him a hearty welcome, accompanied him to Stirling East.
“The first portion of the New Catholic Church at Stirling East will be solemnly dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary by Dr. Reynolds (Bishop of Adelaide) on Sunday, January 20. The portion of the Church which is already built consists of the nave — 45ft. x 22ft.— and this is lighted by fifteen memorial windows, all tastefully filled in with stained glass. It is intended at some future time to add a transept and chancel so as to complete the design of the Church, which is of the gothic stylo of architecture, the ground plan being cruciform.” [Mount Barker Courier 11 Jan 1884]