St Aloysius Catholic Church

St Aloysius Catholic Church stands on the north-west corner of Ripon Street and Leith Street, Redan.

History
In December 1912, the Altar Society agreed to purchase a pair of brass candlesticks for the church.

In January 1913 it was reported that a large number of people attended mass: "REDAN CHURCH. Mass was celebrated at St. Aloysius' Church, Redan, on Sunday last at 8 o'clock. In the evening the devotions of the Sacred Heart Sodality were held. Fr. Roper conducted the religious exercises, and afterwards delivered an instructive discourse appropriate to the Gospel of the day. A special feature of the meeting was the devotional singing of the choir. At the conclusion, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given. There was a large congregation."

A new church was opened on 21 March 1915: "NEW CHURCH AT REDAN. On Sunday, March 21st, his Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Higgins will solemnly bless and open St. Aloysius' Church, recently erected at Redan. The church is admirably suited to the requirements of the parishioners, being conveniently situated. It is of fine architectural design, and should be specially reverenced by the people of the locality, as it is a free gift to them by his Lordship. An excellent choir has been arranged for, and a large congregation will certainly be gathered at 11 o'clock Mass, to assist at the opening ceremony, and mark the people's gratitude to his Lordship." "NEW R.C. CHURCH. OPEN AT REDAN. Ballarat: Sunday. The new Roman Catholic Church was opened at Redan today and £400 was collected."

In September 1915, in a report on the death of the Bishop, Dr. Higgins, it was reported that he personally had financed the church: "Recently the Bishop erected, at his own expense, at Redan, the Church of St. Aloysius, which, cost £3000."

Fundraising activities were held during 1915 to raise money for the church furnishings: "Owing to the generosity of a lady in the congregation, the Redan church furnishing fund will benefit materially. A beautiful gold watch has been donated, and will be disposed of on 27th November. A concert will be given in aid of the same fund during next month. On Sunday Father Roper referred to the need of a new altar, statues, confessional, and other furnishings, and exhorted the people to respond generously to the appeal."

The church and parish school were described in 1930: "The former is a beautiful brick structure; built only a few years ago, and is of the latest design in church architecture and decoration. The interior furnishings and appointments are in keeping with the fine appearance of the church and surroundings. Situated in Redan, at the southern end of the city, its foundation dates back to the mining days of Ballarat, for it was in this district that many of the richest claims of the goldfields of the roaring 'fifties were situaed. Relics of those days are still visible in the hillocks of quartz and clay all round Redan."