“As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2: 4-5).

Perhaps this is what Fr Noel Grant envisioned over 50 years ago when he was tasked with building a new church for the parishioners of St Joseph’s Gilgandra.  Although he did not ‘quarry the stone’ he did have the drive, vision and determination to ensure he provided the St Joseph’s Parish and community with a unique and contemporary building which would stand the test of time. A physical space that would allow us, and those yet to come, to meet and to worship.

Beginning at least two years ago amid the possum and mouse/rat ‘wars’, the need to make the Church vermin proof, and to also work towards how we would mark the Golden Jubilee of our present St Joseph’s Church, has culminated in the joyful celebration of the Mass with Bishop Michael McKenna.

Naturally after 50 years our church needed a definite facelift. A committee was formed, and it was agreed to work from the top down. With the sale of the Holy Cross Church at Collie, finance from St Joseph’s Parish and by promoting a Refurbishment Appeal, we were given some hope of being able to finance the project. The estimated cost was $105,000 and with savings and some additional works we were able to complete the refurbishment within budget. 

The celebratory Mass on 27th October 2024, with celebrants Bishop Michael McKenna and Parish Administrator Fr Greg Kennedy, was coordinated by St Joseph’s School and as always was filled with joy and praise ending on a high with the Recessional Hymn …. ‘And All The People Said Amen’ (Matt Maher)! Towards the end of the Mass our Parish spokesman, Paul Mann, thanked all those who supported the project in any way, with special reference to the contribution of Elaine and Rees Gilmour, Barry Konemann and Paul Healey.

It was a celebration that will be long remembered!