A Short History of the Catholic Churches in the Campaspe Valley, Victoria
Further information will be added to this site as it comes to hand.
Background
This short history came about following a request from Mons. Frank Marriott P.A., OAM shortly before his death in late 2025. He served in several of the churches mentioned in this history and was anxious to ensure that the labours and generousity of those who helped to establish these churches should not be forgotten. We have dedicated this history to him. To find our ‘Dedication’ page, click HERE. To navigate elsewhere, click on the desired options above in the header. This website deals with some churches in the Archdiocese of Melbourne (CAM), since the Campaspe and Coliban rivers have their source on the Great Dividing Range above Woodend with other tributaries also falling into the CAM area . All other churches are in the Diocese of Sandhurst.
Several of the smaller existing churches in this brief account are now in danger of closing. In some cases, Sunday Mass attendance figures are in single digits. Moreover, the physical upkeep of the buildings is becoming more and more difficult, especially for the older wooden churches. It is important, therefore, that we establish the best possible record of their history and of those who helped to establish them. The same is true for churches which have long since disappeared, sometimes leaving not a physical trace of their former existence. To this end, if any readers have extra historical information or photographs which will enlarge our account, we would make every effort to include such material. The ‘Contact‘ page on this website can be used for this purpose.
We will produce a limited number of hardcopy books which mirror the contents of this website in most respects. The availability of such books will be advertised on the website and elsewhere.
