Here stands St Brendan’s, a testament to faith and community in Flemington. St Brendan’s parish was founded in 1891. It branched out from St Monica’s parish.
The story of St Brendan’s begins well before its official founding. Catholics in Flemington were initially under the care of St Augustine’s, Keilor Mission. Archbishop Goold himself sought a church site in Flemington as early as 1853. Hugh Glass offered the land as a gift.
During Melbourne’s boom years in the 1880s, Flemington grew. It became an independent borough in 1882. Flemington Catholics helped build St Monica’s Church. Many also attended Mass at St Mary’s in West Melbourne. The need for a local church grew stronger.
Finally, in 1886, St Brendan’s Church was built on Church Street. Archbishop Goold laid the memorial stone. Sadly, it was the last one he laid before his death. The first school associated with St Brendan’s opened in 1887.
Father Cornelius Sheehan became the first parish priest in 1891. He came from Collingwood. The first presbytery was located at the corner of Bryant and High Streets. The priests moved to the current presbytery in 1908.
The Sisters of Charity initially ran St Brendan’s School. But in 1909, the Sisters of Mercy took over. They had established their Novitiate and Teacher Training College nearby. St Brendan’s became their first training school. A new Infant School opened in Eltham Street in 1910. The school building on Wellington Street opened in 1914.
The present St Brendan’s Church was built in 1924. Archbishop Daniel Mannix blessed it on July 6th. St Brendan’s Kindergarten followed in 1945. Disaster struck in 1963 when fire destroyed the original church and school on Church Street. A double-story school building was added to the Wellington Street site soon after.
In 1971, the parish hall was built on the site of the old church and school. A new kindergarten opened on Bryant Street in 1982. Extensive school refurbishments were completed in 1988. Bishop Peter Connors blessed them.
Today, St Brendan’s is more than just buildings. It is a vibrant Catholic community. It stands as a beacon. It welcomes people from all walks of life. St Brendan’s is part of the Central West Deanery. This includes St Patrick’s Cathedral and other parishes.
St Brendan’s also has strong ties with Holy Rosary in Kensington. In the early days, the priest from St Brendan’s would cycle to Kensington to celebrate mass. Today, both parishes are led by Fr Thang Vu.
St Brendan’s continues to serve its diverse community. The school has 160 students from 10 cultural backgrounds. Its curriculum focuses on Religious Education, English, and Mathematics.
Remember St Brendan’s as a place of faith, education, and community. Its history is rich. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.