Friday, July 20, 2012

Old Melbourne church restored to original glory

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2012/07/13/8961bd5a33ae05cfc34c950ecc341c37_resized.jpgOne of the oldest Catholic parishes in Melbourne has been restored to its original glory.

The St Mary's Williamstown restoration has seen the 162-year-old church undergo a major refit of its interior, as part of a community-led fundraising effort, reports the Hobsons Bay Leader.

The cost of the $1.3 million restoration was too expensive for the local parish to cover alone, so a three-year St Mary's Williamstown capital appeal was launched in 2009.

An annual ball was held, and supported by businesses including Leader, Nelson Brothers and Marks Brothers Electrical.

Most of the work on the church was finished August last year.

A $900,000 overhaul included included re-plumbing, writing, cleaning and repair of stain glass windows and roof slates.

Funds are still needed to finish off the project.