St James Catholic Church

A foundation stone records: A M D G This stone was blessed and placed by His Grace the Archbishop of Hobart The Most Reverend J D Simonds D D D Ph 18th February 1940

A stone records: Church of the - Holy Family - solemnly blessed - on - December 23rd 1956 - by the - Rt Rev Mgr Cullen - VC - Deo Gratis

A plaque below the stone records: This is the foundation stone for the former Catholic Church at Cradoc. For many years this church served the people of that district and after its deconstruction the foundation stone was preserved and placed here next to the church of St James in memory of those who had worshipped there.

A heritage sign records: The first Catholic Church of St James the Apostle was completed in 1867 by Fr James Holehan. Catholic masses were held in Cygnet from the mid 1850s using a small chapel built by Elijah Hedditch and there was a Catholic School from that time. The land was acquired and given by Matthew Fitzpatrick.- On 15th February, the first stone of of chancel of the renamed Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was laid by the Most Rev Dr Murphy, Archbishop of Hobart before 800 people on a cold wet day. Fr Patrick O'Flynn PP intended the larger stone church would be built progressively around the old wooden building. - The planned stone church of the Sacred Heart was never completed after the funds were diverted to the rebuilding of the church and school at Lymington, lost by fire on Christmas morning, 1908. - The new St James Church was completed and blessed on Sunday 6th October 1940.