St Peter’s Parish is situated in Duke Street, Daylesford.

Celebration of 150 Years at St Peter’s Daylesford.

Many present and past Parishioners gathered at St Peter’s Church on Sunday June 14th to celebrate with Bishop Paul Bird CSsR and their Parish Priest, Father Gary Jones, 150 years since the consecration of the Church.

The Daylesford Mercury Newspaper of May 15th 1865, reported the original consecration in the following words,

“Not withstanding the inclemency of the weather, the opening of the new Catholic Church of St Peter’s yesterday (Sunday) attracted a crowded congregation.”

In sharp contrast to 1865, the newly restored church looked resplendent nestled on the slopes of Wombat Hill bathed in beautiful winter sunshine. The recent restoration of the church, undertaken under the supervision of the Parish Priest, Father Gary Jones and the Parish Leadership Team, has restored the church to all its former glory and is  enhanced by extremely attractive décor and the latest church technology.

Bishop Paul Bird CSsR celebrated the Mass assisted by Father Gary Jones and Father Clem Cafarella. Following Mass the Bishop blessed a cross which had been erected in the church grounds to mark the 150th celebrations. This cross was the original cross from the former Presentation Convent in Daylesford and had been restored and placed on a aesthetically pleasing designed stand.

A large group of Parishioners, including a number of the Presentation Sisters, gathered in St Michael’s School Hall for a delightful lunch served by the School parents and the Parish Leadership team. At lunch Bishop Paul cut a large attractively decorated cake which was shared by all present. It was a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships and share stories of the past, as well as view a comprehensive historical display of the church and Parish Life.

Fr Gary A Jones PP