St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

The foundation stone was laid on 19/9/1869, but it is not certain this was by Bishop Shields [see plaque below], as it would appear he was unable to attend?. The text on the foundation stone is not known. Information/photographs are invited.

Historic plaque records: In 1869 Bishop Shields, the 3rd Bishop of Adelaide laid the foundation stone and the Church of St Vincent de Paul was opened the following year on 11th July 1870. Services in Port Wakefield Catholic Church were initially conducted by Jesuit priests from Sevenhill. Following the creation of a parish at Kadina in 1868, Port Wakefield was then serviced from that centre. The first clergy stationed at Kadina and travelling to Port Wakefield were Dean Kennedy and Fr Robert Cleary. About 1872 the congregation were anxious to add a vestry to the church. This was eventually completed and all expenses generously paid for by Mr J Johnson. In 1889 a new parish of St Andrews, Balaklava was opened and Port Wakefield was then served from there.