St Mary’s Church East St Kilda

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Could a church be built on faulty ground? Look at St Mary’s Church East St Kilda and you might think so. This grand church has stood here since the 19th century. It has seen its fair share of challenges. St Mary’s Church East St Kilda is the oldest Catholic church south of the Yarra River. It was designed by William Wardell, a renowned architect known for his work on iconic buildings like St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne and St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney. But the construction of St Mary’s Church East St Kilda wasn’t without its hiccups. The original materials were flawed and the workmanship was subpar. Work even had to be halted in 1860 due to a lack of funds! It wasn’t until 1863, under the leadership of Dr James Corbett, that construction resumed. The church finally opened its doors for mass in 1864. The church we see today is actually an extension of this original structure. In 1869, Wardell was brought back to oversee the expansion of St Mary’s Church East St Kilda. The nave and sanctuary were lengthened and new additions like the vestry and a chancel were added. The expansion, completed in 1871, gave St Mary’s Church East St Kilda its present-day grandeur. Despite the initial troubles, St Mary’s Church East St Kilda stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the architectural brilliance of William Wardell.

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