Star turn renders highway church anew

The 1904 building’s walls were crumbling and its roof unsafe, so the church council decided to sell land in Swanbourne to fund a million-dollar upgrade.

Councillor Diane Hintz, of Peppermint Grove, said there were new marble fittings, polished pews and airconditioning.

‘Girls want to get married here now,’ Ms Hintz, a parishioner of 13 years, said.

Fathers James D’Souza and Wilson Donizzetti and Sister Mai Delahunty lead the congregation of about 300 people.

Mass is held on Sundays at 10am and 5pm.