In 1930, a determined group of West Preston residents dreamt of a local Mass. They envisioned St Raphael’s Church as a beacon of faith. This group, led by John Calder and George Hawkins, began fundraising. House parties, dances, and euchre tournaments fueled their efforts. St Raphael’s Church was finally within reach. Their initial attempts to secure a Mass location met resistance. Undeterred, they turned to St Patrick’s and found a champion in Monsignor Lonergan. He granted permission to hold Mass in the Progress Hall on Gilbert Road. The first Mass at St Raphael’s was held in 1931, officiated by Father Power. The altar, a simple wooden structure crafted by Owen Martin, rested upon a kitchen table.
St Raphael’s journey continued. In 1936, Archbishop Mannix blessed and opened the first combined church and school building. The Good Samaritan Sisters nurtured the education of the community’s children. The church expanded over the years. A new church hall was built in 1953. Parishioners, led by Father O’Rourke, contributed their labor. The ladies provided refreshments, strengthening the community bonds. Archbishop Mannix returned in December 1953 to bless the completed hall. An upper story was added to the original building, creating the substantial St Raphael’s School we see today. The schoolyard was paved. A basketball court with floodlights was installed. These improvements provided a safe haven for recreation.
St Raphael’s Church witnessed numerous milestones. In 1945, it officially became a parish under Father O’Rourke. The new church, completed in 1964, was a testament to the community’s perseverance. It celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1989 with Archbishop Little. The church roof was restored in 2011. New toilet facilities were added in 2012. The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 2014 with Msgr Greg Bennet. St Raphael’s continued to evolve. In 2019, Archbishop Peter Comensoli re-inaugurated the “Mary Glowrey” bell. Chapels were refurbished and rededicated in 2020. In 2023, St Raphael’s partnered with St Gabriel and St Stephen of Hungary. This partnership solidified the church’s role as a vibrant hub of faith in Melbourne. St Raphael’s story is a testament to community spirit and unwavering devotion. It began with a dream of a local Mass and blossomed into a thriving parish, deeply woven into the fabric of West Preston.