The history of the church goes back to 1872 when Jesuits purchased land in Walpole Street. By 1875 Archbishop Gould had laid a foundation stone on 14 February for a school. Early services for local Catholics were held in Richmond, Collingwood and later Hawthorn. By 1899 the land for the current church was purchased after a donation by Mr James Crotty of 3,000.00. The foundation stone was laid on 15 December 1918 by Archbishop Mannix. The dimensions of the church were to be 139 feet long by 77 feet wide with seating for 850 people. The cost of construction was 15,000.00. (Source: www.churchhistories.net.au )Sacred Heart Church, Kew, Vic., circa 1920-54. Photographic print of a Rose Stereograph Co. postcard in the State Library of Victoria collection.Inscription: The Rose Series P. 13053, Sacred Heart Church, Kew, Vic." Annotation in pencil: "KH-5. Foundation Stone laid 1918, completed 1921."churches -- kew (vic.), sacred heart church -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), catholic churches -- melbourne (vic.)