Physical description

A small booklet of 56 pages including text and images.

Summary

The first church in Bethanga was built by the Wesleyans in early 1876 and was also used by other denominations.
In early 1886 the Anglican Church was built followed by St Francis Catholic Church later that year. St Francis Church provided a place of worship for nearly 150 years. It was part of the Parish of Wodonga and the Diocese of Sandhurst.

The church was relocated in 1917 after it was decided the original location was unsuitable because of the steepness of its approach. Parishioners found it particularly difficult to attend in winter as the surrounds became wet and muddy.
Land was purchased which had stables for horses and coaches that would stop between Wodonga and the Upper Murray. Reverend Dr James Flynn hired a carpenter and other workers to demolish the building and cut the church into sections where it was hauled and rebuilt on the new site in Bridge Street, Bethanga.

After changing demographics and a dwindling congregation the last regular Mass was held at St Francis in December 2019
Following a decision to close St Francis Catholic Church a final farewell service on was held on 20th August 2022. The building was sold in October 2023.