ST MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

St Mary's Catholic Church to the extent of all the 1902 fabric is significant. The setting comprising a number of palm trees, fencing and gates, a bell tower and memorial of 2002 is also of significance. 

St Mary's Catholic Church is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance for the City of Greater Bendigo.

St Mary's Catholic Church is of historical significance for its association with the former Bishop of Sandhurst the Most Rev.Dr Reville. The site is historically significant as the same site as the demolished church designed by Vahland and Getzchmann and built on land donated by the Rev. Dr Backhaus. St Mary's is of historical significance as one of the three remaining churches in Axedale, demonstrating the sectarian divide between Catholics and Protestants. St Mary's is tangible evidence of the presence of the Irish Catholics as one of the dominant immigrant groups in the Axedale district. Criterion A

St Mary's Church is aesthetically significant for its unusual design in the French manner incorporating a polygonal apse. The interior is of note with painted stencilling to the walls and fine quality timber lining to the ceiling. St Mary's is architecturally significant as a late work of architects Heffernan and Keogh. Criterion B

The site is aesthetically significant for the large number of palm trees. Criterion B

St Mary's is socially significant for the Axedale community as a place of continuous worship for over 140 years. Criterion G