On Saturday evening, March 29, 2025, the past and present parishioners of the Gordon Parish gathered to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the blessing of the foundation stone of St Michael’s Church, Springbank. Led by Bishop Paul Bird, the Vigil Mass was concelebrated by Fr Matthew Restall, Assistant Priest of the Ministry District of Ballarat East, Bungaree and Gordon.

Of the one hundred and twenty people attending the celebration, special guests included Sisters of Saint Joseph, Sr Carmel Crameri RSJ and Sr Cornelia (Nellie) Versluys RSJ, along with Sisters of Mercy, Sr Pam Barlow RSM, Sr Gerardine Cooney RSM and Sr Kathleen Moran RSM (ISMAPNG), each of whom have contributed many years of dedicated and highly valued service within the Springbank Community.

Highlights from the celebration included the beautiful contribution of lead vocalist Majella Muller, a ‘Brief History of St Michael’s Church’ presented by Dan Toohey, the entertaining reflections on parish life at St Michael’s from Gerard Simpson and the delicious catering of a ‘light’ supper provided by Mary Simpson and her capable crew, who regularly exceed expectations at a Saturday evening Vigil Mass at Springbank.

This special celebration was a memorable and enjoyable evening that provided the opportunity for past and present parishioners to connect, exchange memories and reflect on the commitment, sacrifice and invaluable contributions of so many across the past 125 years at St Michael’s.

Special thanks to Sharon Daly, Donna Simpson, Mary Simpson, Brendan Maher, Dan Toohey, Gerard Simpson, Aileen Toohey and Sue Daly who shared their time and talents in shaping a typical Springbank success.

Bishop Paul’s homily can be read below:

125 years ago, people gathered very much as we have gathered this evening – to celebrate two special moments in the life of this local community. On March 25, 1900, people came together to mark the laying of the foundation stone of this church of St Michael. Then on December 15 that same year, the church was officially opened.

As we look back on those ceremonies, we’re stepping back in time. In 1900, Victoria was not yet a state. It was still the colony of Victoria. It was not till 1st January 1901 that Victoria joined with the other colonies to become a state of the Commonwealth of Australia.

This evening we give thanks for the faith of those who gathered here 125 years ago. We also give thanks for the faith of those who have prayed in this church in all the years since.

We acknowledge the people who have come to this church through the generations. We remember those who have been baptised here. We remember those who have been confirmed or made their first communion here. We remember those who have been married here. We remember those who have been buried from here. We remember those who have gathered for Mass here, as the seasons have come and gone, for a hundred and twenty-five years.

This church of St Michael has been here for all that time. It has stood here through rain and shine, through every season. In its own way, this church is a sign of the perseverance of the Catholic community of this district. It’s a symbol of your perseverance in faith through all those years.

Throughout the generations, members of this community have gathered in this place. They’ve gathered in the name of Christ. They’ve prayed for the gifts they’ve needed in their daily lives. They’ve placed their trust in God, the God of mercy and compassion. 

This evening, we too gather in the name of Christ. We too pray for the gifts we need in our lives now. We too place our trust in God, the God of mercy and compassion.

In the gospel for this Mass, we heard the story of the man who had two sons. We heard of the younger son who squandered his share of the estate. Yet the father still loved him dearly and when the son finally came home, the father ran to meet him and took him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Jesus told this story to convey something of the tenderness of God, something of the mercy of the heavenly Father. This is the God we believe in, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of tenderness and compassion, rich in mercy and full of kindness to all who call upon him.

Over these past 125 years, the members of the community of Springbank have come here to pray. They’ve placed their trust in the God of mercy. This evening we’re continuing this tradition. We’ve come here to pray. We can place our cares before our merciful God and pray for the help we need. As we pray, may the mercy of God flow over us. May the kindness of God bring us comfort in any sorrows we may have. May the compassion of God bring us the great gift of peace of heart.

May the blessing of God be with the community of Springbank and with all who have links with this church of St Michael. May God bless us all.

Bishop Paul Bird CSsR

The History of St Michael’s Church, Springbank

During colonial times, the Ormond-Springbank district was settled by predominately Irish immigrants. Mining in and round Ballarat and surrounding districts, as well as the opening of lands for agriculture contributed to the growth of the district.

The settlement of Ormond-Springbank followed a familiar pattern of church, school and convent.  As the population grew during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the wooden church, convent and school were rebuilt.

The foundation stone of the Springbank Church was laid by Archbishop Carr D.D. 25th March 1900. The sum of £450 was collected from the crowd of more than 1,000 assembled for the occasion. The Church was opened on December 15th by Rev. Dean Phelan of Melbourne. The cost was £2,500 and the architect was T. A. Payne.

On May 8, 1961 the Sanctuary and Sacristy of the Church, was blessed by Bishop A. Fox, marking the completion of the Church. The renovations were paid for by 80 local families, who contributed £7,000 over 12 months. The architect was J. McCarthy and the builder was S. J. Weir.

Fund raising among the community contributed to the repairs and maintenance of the Church over the past 125 years. During the early and mid-1900s locally organized sporting events provided a valuable means for raising funds. By the 1960s, new avenues for supporting the church were introduced.

While the school and convent have now closed, St Michael’s Church continues to be an important part of the Springbank community.

Ref: https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/springbank-vic-st-michaels-catholic