Mount Moriac: Church a chance for renewal going to auction

An old stone church building just outside Geelong presents a heaven-sent opportunity for renewal.

The old St Patrick’s Catholic Church at 1191 Princes Highway, Mount Moriac has been listed for auction on February 6.

Buxton, Highton agent Tony Moorfoot has set price hopes at $800,000 to $880,000 for the historic Mount Gambier limestone building with rural views over the Barrabool Hills.

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It was built originally in 1883 and rebuilt in 1953 after the community fundraised to resurrect the building when it was damaged in a storm.

The old steeple was incorporated into the new building, which features high, ornate timber gables and leadlight and stained glass windows.

Mr Moorfoot said the first hopeful buyers had a look at the property at the weekend.

“It’s a pretty unique property. The inquiries have been solid, it’s farming land on a couple of acres so it’s one of those things where you can put your own touch on it.

“It’s one of those things where it depends what you want to use it for. A lot of people last time we had it on the market were talking about turning it into a home, making it something that’s unique and a completely different style to own your own church.”

Other potential uses, include as a bed and breakfast, cafe and art gallery, he said.

“It’s an empty church now, so you really just need to put your own touch on it.

“It will be very interesting to see what people decided to do with it.”

The building occupies a 9700sq m farming zoned block less than 10 minutes from Waurn Ponds.

The building has a high, peaked roof, and gables typical of churches, leadlight clerestory windows, a foyer and a single room where the congregation met.

The former church fetched $605,000 when it was auctioned for the Catholic Church in 2017.