“A very beautiful church” was Archbishop Duhig’s dream. Now standing before Holy Rosary Church, let me share its story. This church began with a vision and a significant purchase.
In 1925 Archbishop Duhig bought a property called Grafton Lodge. It stood on Bowen Bridge Road. Today that section is Roblane Street. The purchase price was 1750 pounds.
Initially mass took place in one of the houses. Fundraising efforts soon followed. Preparations began for a church school building.
Monsignor James Byrne laid the foundation stone on August 1, 1926. He later became the first Bishop of Toowoomba. Archbishop Duhig blessed and opened the building on October 10, 1926. It was named Holy Rosary.
Holy Rosary School officially opened in 1929. The Sisters of St Joseph were welcomed to Windsor parish. Archbishop Duhig greeted them at mass on January 27 1929. The school formally opened the next day. 120 students attended that first day.
Archbishop Duhig’s dream was realised in 1953. His vision of a beautiful church came to life. The Sisters of St Joseph served Holy Rosary School for 49 years. They were farewelled at the end of 1977.
Lay leadership and staff then took over. They continued the Josephite spirit. The school welcomed those seeking a caring Catholic community. Educational growth was balanced with pastoral care.
During the 1980s and 1990s the school community worked hard. They maintained their mission. They gained recognition as a valuable school.
In July 1997 the school was recognised by Brisbane Catholic Education. It was named as one of “distinctive character”. This focused on reconciliation through education.
Since 1998 the school has been under Brisbane Catholic Education. It is an Archdiocesan school. This assured the school’s future.
At the start of 2013 Holy Rosary Catholic School was renamed. It became St Mary of the Cross. This commemorated St Mary MacKillop. She was Australia’s first saint. She founded the Sisters of St Joseph. They operated the school until 1977.
Holy Rosary Church stands as a testament to faith community and vision. Archbishop Duhig’s dream lives on. The dedication of the Sisters of St Joseph remains. The commitment to education and pastoral care continues. It shapes lives within these walls. It extends into the wider community.