Our Lady of Lourdes (Star of the Sea)

The Star of the Sea Catholic Church was originally situated at East Devonport. Thirty years later most of the population had moved to the western side of the Mersey River, so there was a greater need for a church in West Devonport.

At the end of 1898 the building was ferried across the Mersey River using a punt, it was relocated on Don Hill overlooking the township. Mr. Christopher Harrison a local carrier was given the task of transporting the building up the steep bank of the river. This building can be seen on the left in one of our photographs.

A new convent school was built on the site at a cost of £500, the foundation stone was laid on the 2nd January 1893 by Archbishop Murphy.

It was noted in Archbishop Delany's diary that the church was opened on the 23rd April 1899 and that it had been transferred and made larger.

Fourteen years later on the 16th June 1913 Father T.J. O'Donnell invited the clergymen present at the opening in 1899 to attend and bless the foundation stone of 'Our Lady of Lourdes'.