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The Catholic Church, Southbridge
Description
NameThe Catholic Church, Southbridge 
DescriptionSt Joseph's Catholic Church was built on one acre of picturesque land donated by Mr. Patrick Flood.
A violent gale, which wrecked havoc in Southbridge in March 1878, destroyed the newly erected frame-work of the church, delaying the opening until the 8th September.
The Gothic style building, accommodating 150 people, was built for £580. By 1892, it was debt free.
“It has four windows on either side with a large one at the southern end and one over the altar. The entrance is at the side over which there is a porch and a fine tower. There is a sacristy attached to the building with a door leading into the church.
The interior of the building is nicely finished, the walls being plastered and the woodwork varnished”.
The contractor, Mr. Early, was guided by Mr. Jacobsen, architect.
Father Ginaty and Father Chervier consecrated the building and St Joseph's Church, Lyttleton choir sang. A further £80 was raised.
Extensions were made to the church in about 1919. A sanctuary and sacristy were built on, and the old sacristy converted to a confessional.
More improvements were made around 1927, including the laying of a new floor, building a new porch and laying asphalt paths. A series of social functions were held to raise funds for the improvements.
More renovations to the church took place in 1960. Centennial celebrations were held in 1978.
“The Southbridge Church was a treasure, warm and inviting. The large car park in front of the Church full and great talk fests after Mass. It was a sad time for the Southbridge parishioners when, in 1982, St Joseph's church was closed.”
DescriptionSt Joseph's Catholic Church was built on one acre of picturesque land donated by Mr. Patrick Flood.A violent gale, which wrecked havoc in Southbridge in March 1878, destroyed the newly erected frame-work of the church, delaying the opening until the 8th September.
The Gothic style building, accommodating 150 people, was built for £580. By 1892, it was debt free.
“It has four windows on either side with a large one at the southern end and one over the altar. The entrance is at the side over which there is a porch and a fine tower. There is a sacristy attached to the building with a door leading into the church.
The interior of the building is nicely finished, the walls being plastered and the woodwork varnished”.
The contractor, Mr. Early, was guided by Mr. Jacobsen, architect.
Father Ginaty and Father Chervier consecrated the building and St Joseph's Church, Lyttleton choir sang. A further £80 was raised.
Extensions were made to the church in about 1919. A sanctuary and sacristy were built on, and the old sacristy converted to a confessional.
More improvements were made around 1927, including the laying of a new floor, building a new porch and laying asphalt paths. A series of social functions were held to raise funds for the improvements.
More renovations to the church took place in 1960. Centennial celebrations were held in 1978.
“The Southbridge Church was a treasure, warm and inviting. The large car park in front of the Church full and great talk fests after Mass. It was a sad time for the Southbridge parishioners when, in 1982, St Joseph's church was closed.”
Connections
CollectionCatholicOrganisationEllesmere Historical Society
OrganisationEllesmere Historical SocietyThe Catholic Church, Southbridge . Selwyn Stories, accessed 15/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6310