Saint Gerard’s Catholic Church

A towering spire reaches for the sky as if wanting to touch the heavens. Welcome to Saint Gerard’s Catholic Church, a beacon of faith in the heart of Chermside West. Saint Gerard’s isn’t just a place of worship – its walls hold tales of a vibrant community woven into the fabric of this suburb. The church’s story is one of growth and change. From humble beginnings in a house near the Chermside tram terminus, it has evolved to cater to the growing needs of this community. Saint Gerard’s first found a home in a bought house during the 1950s and 1960s. Once the house was sold to fund the construction of the new Saint Paschal’s church, its services moved to the Lillis family home in Decker Street. In 1962, the church found a new home in Pullford Street. However, as the congregation grew, the church expanded and soon outgrew its space. In 1975, Chermside West became a separate parish, with Fr Bernard (Barney) Wilson as its first parish priest. A new church, standing tall to this day, was blessed in 1977. Over the years, various renovations have breathed new life into Saint Gerard’s. In 2003, the church underwent extensive renovations to accommodate its growing community. In 2008 the conversion of the front veranda into a glass-enclosed atrium was completed, along with a new parish office. Improvements to the car park in 2014 and further renovations in 2015, which included the relocation of the ceiling, the replacement of the altar, font, and lectern as well as the modernization of the sound system, made the church even more welcoming. And how did they celebrate the holidays? The parish organized the annual Christmas Lights Festival at Saint Gerard’s church from 2004 to 2019. This joyous event brought local families together, generating widespread media attention. In 2013, Saint Gerard’s merged with Saint Paschal Baylon Church in Wavell Heights, forming Our Lady of the Angels’ Parish. Today, the church stands as a testament to the enduring strength and spirit of both parishes. Saint Gerard’s, now part of Our Lady of the Angels’ Parish, is a place where the community gathers to celebrate their faith and find solace. Its story is one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to serving those who walk through its doors. And, it’s a story that continues to unfold.