History of Stella Maris Church, Broadbeach
The original Stella Maris church building on its site at Surfers Paradise 1960
This Church, situated at 268 Hedges Avenue on land purchased in 1961 by the trustees of the Roman Catholic Church, Brisbane Diocese, was relocated to this site in 1963.
The building itself was originally built in 1934 on land in Surfers Paradise, donated by Archbishop Duhig of Queensland, and had accommodated 60 people.
The church was originally a part of the Southport Parish and was administered by the Vincentian Fathers.
In 1946 the Surfers Paradise Parish was established. The late Father Neal Shannon was the first Parish Priest.
A new school, Church and Presbytery were erected on the Surfers Paradise site (now the Watermark Hotel), and in 1963 the original church building was moved to its present Broadbeach site.
This Broadbeach Church was originally called the Sacred Heart Church, but in 1986 it was renamed Stella Maris. The name 'Sacred Heart' was allocated to a new Surfers Paradise Parish Church at Clear Island Waters.
The building itself was originally built in 1934 on land in Surfers Paradise, donated by Archbishop Duhig of Queensland, and had accommodated 60 people.
The church was originally a part of the Southport Parish and was administered by the Vincentian Fathers.
In 1946 the Surfers Paradise Parish was established. The late Father Neal Shannon was the first Parish Priest.
A new school, Church and Presbytery were erected on the Surfers Paradise site (now the Watermark Hotel), and in 1963 the original church building was moved to its present Broadbeach site.
This Broadbeach Church was originally called the Sacred Heart Church, but in 1986 it was renamed Stella Maris. The name 'Sacred Heart' was allocated to a new Surfers Paradise Parish Church at Clear Island Waters.
The Stella Maris church at Broadbeach 1997
Since 1963 Stella Maris Church has had two additions to the building to accommodate growing numbers of tourists and additional permanent residents.
During 1985-86, it was reported that the Parish Priest of Surfers Paradise, Father Owen Oxenham, was offered a large amount of money to have the Hedges Avenue Site redeveloped, but chose to retain the Church, the Church House and grounds for the use of visitors and the local community.
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The old Stella Maris Church was demolished in 2014 to make way for a beautifully designed Church, with the cost of over $3.1 million fully funded by parishioners and friends. Parish Priest Father Tim Harris said after receiving such generous donations from the community, the church was meant to be.
The new church was built as an investment in the future of the Catholic people in Broadbeach and the Church on the Gold Coast. It can seat more than 350 people. Stella Maris continues to be a drawcard for visitors from interstate and overseas who delight in the sacred space of the architecture and environmentally sympathetic design. |
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Videos of Stella Maris Church
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