St Mary's Catholic Church

No Foundation Stone or Memorial Plaque details are known for the first St Mary's church buildings. Information/photographs are invited.

The foundation stone for the present building records: This stone was laid on the - 16th day of February, 1902 - by the - Most Rev Dr Reville OSA - Bishop of Sandhurst.

A plaque on a rock records: To commemorate 140 years of worship - on this site and the centenary of the - present St Mary's Church Axedale - 1902 ~ 2002. - Mons F K Marriott ~ Parish Priest - Joseph Grech DD ~ Bishop of Sandhurst.

A heritage sign records: St Mary's Catholic Church. - In 1861, Rev Dr Henry Backhaus donated a ten-acre allotment at Axedale on which to build a Catholic Church. Opened for worship in 1862, St Mary's Catholic Church, built on the hill near the present church...The church was used until it was deemed unsafe and tenders for its demolition were called for in 1900. For a period of time, Mass was said in a hall owned by the Drake family at the Campaspe Hotel...largely of bluestone from the former church, the new St Mary's Catholic Church opened in 1902...St Mary's Catholic Church continues to offer services today.