Coolangatta’s iconic St Augustine’s Catholic Church, fondly often called “the Church on the Hill,” celebrates its Centenary in 2025.
To mark this milestone, the parish is internet hosting two public fundraising occasions in February and March. The funds raised will go in the direction of important restoration works to protect the historic church for future generations.
St Augustine’s Church has been a cornerstone of the South-East Queensland group for a century, offering a spot of worship, religion, and group connection.
Its heritage itemizing in 2010 acknowledges its architectural and cultural significance. These occasions purpose to honour its legacy whereas making certain the church stays a vibrant a part of the group.
For generations, St Augustine’s has supported households and people on their religion journeys. Parish Priest Fr Noyichan M. Antony emphasises, “St. Augustine’s Coolangatta, one of many authentic church buildings of Gold Coast, is greater than an iconic constructing on the highest of the hill. It has been the inspiration for the lives of so many great folks and households… serving to them to belong to an exquisite, vibrant religion group.”
The restoration works won’t solely protect its construction but additionally guarantee it continues to function a beacon of religion and group spirit.
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The muse stone for St Augustine’s was laid on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1925, by Archbishop James Duhig.
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The church’s 110-foot Italian bell tower and seating for 800 folks spotlight its grandeur.
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Funds raised will go in the direction of portray, recarpeting, carpark surfacing, retaining wall reinforcement, a brand new again fence and gate, and up to date signage.
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The campanile (Italian bell tower) rises to a powerful 110 toes.
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St Augustine’s provides seating for as much as 800 folks.
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The church’s plans had been ready by J.P. Donoghue, and Brisbane builder Henry Cheetham accomplished development for £9,760, with a further £310 for furnishings, totalling £10,070.
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The church was blessed and opened by Archbishop James Duhig on December 26, 1926, and the primary mass was held on January 2, 1927.
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In 1963, Archbishop Duhig blessed and opened extensions, together with a powerful Sanctuary and Tensepts.
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The ultimate phases of the unique specs had been accomplished within the Eighties.
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Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg paid a shock go to in August 2024 whereas filming on the Gold Coast.
Designed within the Italian Romanesque fashion, St Augustine’s sits prominently on a commanding elevated block on the nook of McLean and Dutton Streets, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Coolangatta-Tweed Heads area.
The land was bought for £3,000, with £500 contributed by Archbishop Duhig. Since then, it has turn into a defining characteristic of the realm, with its design reflecting magnificence and architectural precision.
St Augustine’s Church is greater than only a historic construction; it’s a cultural and religious hub that has served the South-East Queensland group for 100 years.
Its significance is marked by its inclusion within the Native Heritage Register in 2010 and its enchantment as a vacation spot for guests, reminiscent of Mark Wahlberg. Preserving the church ensures that it stays an important a part of Coolangatta’s heritage.
The Centenary celebrations characteristic two key fundraising occasions:
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Trivia with a Twist – Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 5–8 pm (QLD time) at St Augustine’s Church. Tickets are $25 and embrace supper, a glass of wine, and tea/espresso.
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Social Night & Raffles – Saturday, March 1, 2025, 3:30–7 pm (QLD time) at Ivory Waterside, Tweed Heads. Tickets are $65, together with finger meals and an opportunity to win raffle prizes like a surfboard, Dyson stick vacuum, Lavazza espresso machine, and extra.
For tickets or extra info, name (07) 5598 2165 or go to their Fb group
Parish Priest Fr Noyichan M. Antony concludes, “Those that have been a part of St Augustine’s group at all times needed to see this magnificent constructing and custom continued and saved sacred for the long run generations – and these important renovation works will assist obtain that.”
