Architectural style Victorian Free Gothic Country Australia Client Catholic Church Town or city Toodyay Renovated 1920 | Address 35 Stirling Terrace Construction started 1863–64 Owner private Inaugurated 1864 Groundbreaking 1863 | |
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Similar St Joseph's Church - Subiaco, St Brigid's Church - Stuart, Ravenswood Community Church, St Patrick's Church - Rosevale, St Patrick's Convent - North Ward | ||
St John the Baptist Church is located on Stirling Terrace in Toodyay, Western Australia and was built in 1863–64.
History
Following the move from Old Toodyay to Newcastle, Father Francis Salvado called for tenders to build a new Catholic chapel to replace the Sancta Maria of Old Toodyay.
The foundation stone of the Catholic Church of St John the Baptist was laid in January 1863 by Father Martin Griver. He was assisted by Fr Francis Salvado, the Parish priest, and Fr Venanzio Garrido from the New Norcia mission. By Christmas 1864 the church was completed and had been blessed. The church's transept was used for a time as a school room for Catholic children until 1884 when the Sisters of Mercy came to Toodyay.
In 1920 the west wing was added. In 1963, a new church with the same name was completed, next to St Aloysius (in the Catholic Precinct grounds), and the older church was de-consecrated and sold into private ownership.
This is a rendered brick and corrugated iron building with tall pointed arch lancet windows. It has pointed pinnacles to the entrance porch and main facade. In the gable end a round window has been incorporated into rendered cross.