Our History, A Living Legacy
Our parish has a rich and historically significant story. From its earliest beginnings, the Catholic presence in Armadale and Toorak has grown through faith, dedication, and the generosity of many. We honour that history—not simply as a record of the past, but as the foundation of who we are today. The churches and chapels built over generations continue to serve as places where we gather, worship God, and welcome others into community. We remain grateful for the faith that came before us, and for the blessing of such beautiful spaces in which to live it out.
Our Parish Origins
The area now covered by the parishes of Armadale and Toorak was originally part of the neighbouring parishes of St Mary’s, East St Kilda (est. 1862), and St Joseph’s, South Yarra (est. 1887). Following the First World War, significant growth in Melbourne’s inner south-east prompted Archbishop Daniel Mannix to establish several new parishes. The combined parish of Armadale-Toorak was created in 1922 under the title Our Lady of Lourdes, followed by the foundation of St Peter’s Parish, Toorak, in 1929.
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Until the 1920s, the area now covered by the parishes of Armadale and Toorak belonged to the neighbouring parishes of St Mary’s, East St Kilda (established in 1862), and St Joseph’s, South Yarra (established in 1887).
In the 1920s, following the First World War (1914–1918), Archbishop Daniel Mannix established many new parishes across Melbourne’s inner south-eastern suburbs. Among them was the parish of Armadale-Toorak, created in 1922 under the title Our Lady of Lourdes. The foundation of St Peter’s Parish, Toorak, followed in 1929.
The erection of a chapel-of-ease in Toorak in 1912 shows that pressure had been building even before the war for a place of worship in the eastern section of the South Yarra parish. This came from a few wealthier parishioners, as well as the Catholic maids working in the houses of Toorak’s well-to-do Protestant population.
The Chapel of St Stanislaus Kostka—built on the site where the sanctuary of the present St Peter’s Church now stands—was opened by Archbishop Thomas Carr in February 1912. At the opening, he acknowledged the letters he had received from the young servant girls, along with the generosity of both Catholic and Protestant residents of Toorak who had contributed to the building fund. He also congratulated the parish priest, Fr Robert Stanislaus Benson, for his energy and zeal. Given the chapel’s dedication, we might also appreciate the thoughtful finesse in choosing a patron who shared the priest’s name.
The South Yarra parish had grown rapidly in its early years. Archbishop Carr laid the foundation stone of the church in 1888 and, despite the Depression of the 1890s, opened the parish school in 1891. In 1911, the South Yarra and Toorak Coronation Fair was held specifically to raise funds for the building of St Stanislaus Chapel. The title of the fair shows that the Catholic community was quite willing to express its loyalty to the Crown—King George V was crowned that same year.
Three years after the opening of St Stanislaus Chapel, Archbishop Carr opened St Thomas Aquinas Chapel in Bromby Street, on the western side of the parish.
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Armadale
The Armadale-Toorak parish was formally established in 1922, in response to the growing Catholic population in Melbourne’s inner south-east following the First World War. Originally covering both the Armadale and Toorak areas, the parish took root at 631 High Street, Prahran, where Cavendish House still stands today as the presbytery. The parish quickly became a hub of worship and Catholic education, and over the decades it grew, enriched by the faith, generosity, and dedication of its clergy, religious sisters, and laypeople.
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The Foundation of a New Parish (1922)
In February 1922, a new parish was established in the area of Armadale and Prahran. This parish also covered the Toorak area and was accordingly known as the Armadale-Toorak Parish. Its location remains at 631 High Street, Prahran, where the original 1880s residence, Cavendish House, still stands and continues to serve as the presbytery.
The first parish priest was Father Michael Ignatius O’Brien. Born in Geelong, he had served as an AIF chaplain in France during the Great War. He undertook the planning and building of a new church, complete with an attached school.
Parish School and Early Growth
The church school opened in October 1922, and classes began in February 1923 with approximately 200 students. The school was staffed by the Presentation Sisters from Windsor Convent, with Sister Mary Francis appointed as the first principal. A strong guiding presence and right-hand support to Fr O’Brien, she remained at the school until 1939 before being transferred to Pakenham. Many former students stayed in contact with Mother Francis until her death in 1961 at the age of 71.
A New Church on High Street (1930)
The present church of Our Lady of Lourdes was completed in 1930, made possible through the generosity of parishioners and the tireless efforts of Fr O’Brien. The Gothic-style church was designed by architects Schreiber and Jorgensen, with Jorgensen personally overseeing the work. A statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, donated by Mr and Mrs Thomas M. Burke, became a focal point of the church. Mr Burke was also instrumental in raising funds alongside a team of committed parishioners.
Fr O’Brien’s energy and zeal animated the life of the parish, drawing many young people into its mission. He founded a branch of the Catholic Young Men’s Society, along with other groups including the Children of Mary, the Holy Name Society, and the Ladies’ Sacred Heart Society. He passed away suddenly on Sunday, 18 January 1942, shortly after celebrating the 10am Mass. He was 55 years old.
Growth and Development (1942–1970s)
Fr O’Brien was succeeded by Fr McHugh, who initiated the purchase of property at 7 Wynnstay Road to expand the school. After his death in 1949, he was followed by Fr Ryder, who continued the vision for a larger school. Under his guidance, a new school was built at 7 and 9 Wynnstay Road and was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Simonds on 23 July 1961.
At the time, Catholic schools were built and maintained entirely through the efforts of parents and parishioners, without any State or Federal funding. The cost of the new school placed financial pressure on the parish, and the property adjacent to the church was sold to help meet expenses.
Fr Ryder died in September 1961 and was succeeded by Fr Opie. With strong administrative and financial skills, Fr Opie introduced the first Parish Council in Armadale in 1971 and successfully led the parish out of financial difficulty. Armadale celebrated its Golden Jubilee in October 1972, and in the mid-1970s, Fr Opie repurchased the property next to the presbytery to establish a convalescent home. He retired in 1983.
Recent Leadership and Milestones
Fr Vincent Curran succeeded Fr Opie in 1983. During his 11 years at Our Lady of Lourdes, he refurbished the church and presbytery and was well known for his deep devotion to Our Lady. He actively promoted the Walk for Mary and left a lasting impression on the parish before retiring from parochial duties in 1993.
He was followed by Monsignor Gerald Cudmore, who had served as an Army Chaplain for 25 years and as Vicar General of the Archdiocese from 1993 to 1996. In 1997, he led the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the parish. A commemorative stained glass window of Our Lady of Lourdes was installed to mark the occasion.
In 1998, the Armadale parish was partnered with Toorak, and Monsignor Cudmore was also appointed parish priest of Toorak, succeeding Fr Brian Leonard. Known for his gregarious nature and wide-ranging interests, Monsignor Cudmore served faithfully until his sudden death in April 2004.
Continuing the Legacy
In June 2004, Fr Brendan Hayes was appointed parish priest of the partnered parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale, and St Peter’s, Toorak. With a background in religious education and ecclesiastical history, Fr Hayes worked extensively to foster inter-church relationships, particularly through the Toorak Ecumenical Movement, which includes St Peter’s Catholic Parish, Toorak Uniting Parish, St John’s Anglican Parish, and the Swedish Church, strengthening community bonds across denominations.
Fr Dean Mathieson (2024–Present)
Fr Dean Mathieson was appointed parish priest in July 2024, overseeing the amalgamation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Armadale, and St Peter’s, Toorak, into the newly named parish of St John Paul II. Passionate about helping people encounter Christ, he brings to his leadership a love of theology and a deep appreciation for Church culture and tradition.
Since his appointment, Fr Dean has led a renewal of parish life with a strong focus on formation, evangelisation, and a desire to build authentic community. Under his guidance, the parish has become a hub for theological and cultural engagement, hosting events that feature leading Catholic thinkers, and fostering the growth of a sacred music programme that has enriched both the liturgical life of the parish and the wider Catholic community in Melbourne. Through these initiatives, Fr Dean continues to build on the parish’s legacy, anchoring its mission in prayer, welcome, and outreach.
St Peter’s Parish, Toorak
St Peter’s Parish, Toorak, was formally established in 1929, following years of Catholic growth in the Armadale parish. Beginning with St Stanislaus Chapel, the community grew under the leadership of its first parish priest, Fr Walter Ebsworth. Despite the Depression of 1929, Fr Ebsworth gathered support and funds to build a new and larger church, dedicated under the title of St Peter. From its early years, the parish has been shaped by faithful leadership, generous support from parishioners, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the spiritual and cultural life of the wider community.
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From Chapel to Parish (1929)
By 1929, the Catholic community in Toorak—originally part of the Armadale parish—had grown strong enough to be established as a parish in its own right. Fr Walter Ebsworth was appointed the first parish priest, serving faithfully until his retirement in 1970.
Born in Melbourne in 1895, Fr Ebsworth was educated at Parade College and trained for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Manly. When he arrived in Toorak, he inherited St Stanislaus Chapel and two parcels of land previously purchased by Monsignor Robert Stanislaus Benson in 1904 and 1918.
Despite the financial pressures of the Great Depression, Fr Ebsworth set about raising funds to build a new and larger church, dedicated under the title of St Peter. The foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Mannix in December 1933 on what is now the eastern side of the completed church. The architect was Otto Jorgensen, who had also helped design Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Armadale.
In November 1934, Archbishop Mannix returned to bless and open the first stage of the new church, which included the sanctuary, top of the nave, and sacristy.
Growth and Completion
During the 11 months between December 1933 and November 1934, a vigorous fundraising campaign was held. Notable benefactors included Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia Sir Frank Gavan Duffy and his wife, along with Miss J.F. Fisher, who together donated £800 for the baldacchino and altar. The baldacchino remains one of only three free-standing canopies in Melbourne—the others are in St Mary’s Church, Ascot Vale, and the Carmelite Church in Kew.
In 1961, after 27 years of faithful service, Archbishop Simonds laid the foundation stone for the extension of the church, which would include the main nave, entrance porch, and tower. The architects and builders were Alexander and Thomas Lynch. The completed works were reopened and blessed in 1964.
Fr Ebsworth was not only a dedicated parish priest but also a passionate historian. He later published Pioneer Catholic Victoria and a biography of Archbishop Mannix, preserving the memory of the Church’s early development in Victoria. He retired in 1970 and passed away in later years, leaving behind a rich legacy.
Fr Brian Leonard (1970–1998)
Fr Brian Leonard succeeded Fr Ebsworth in 1970 and served the parish for nearly three decades. A keen musician, he secured the historic Bevington organ from St Francis Church in 1973 for installation at St Peter’s. He was also a founding figure in the Toorak Ecumenical Movement, working alongside the late Rev. David Hodges and Archdeacon Stan Moss to build relationships between local churches.
Fr Leonard was widely respected for his genial nature, intelligence, pastoral care, and fine preaching. He retired in 1998 and died in July 2005 in Macedon.
Monsignor Gerald Cudmore (1998–2004)
In 1998, Monsignor Gerald Cudmore became parish priest of both Armadale and Toorak. Though his time in the role was brief, his impact was lasting. He initiated a major fundraising appeal to improve the church’s facilities and grounds and was instrumental in the establishment of the St Peter’s Early Learning Centre in partnership with St Kevin’s College and Loreto Mandeville Hall. The centre opened in 2002 and continues to serve as a preparatory space for both schools.
Monsignor Cudmore died suddenly in 2004, remembered for his leadership and vision.
Fr Brendan Hayes (2004–2024)
Fr Brendan Hayes succeeded Monsignor Cudmore in 2004 and served for 20 years. During his time as parish priest, it became increasingly clear that the Toorak parish facilities required significant attention. The presbytery had become dilapidated, and the church’s stonework was in need of repair.
Fr Hayes formed a parish committee under the chairmanship of Mr John Ralph AC to lead a major renewal project. Parishioners were invited to share in the vision for a new Parish Centre, a retirement village, and a renovated church—developments intended to support the church’s mission and witness into the future.
Restoration, Renewal and Development Project
In response to the ageing infrastructure and changing needs of the parish, a decade-long renewal and development project was undertaken to secure the future of St Peter’s Church, Toorak. Completed in 2020, the project resulted in the construction of The Benson Retirement Village, a new Parish Centre, and the full restoration of St Peter’s Church—ensuring the church and its facilities could continue to serve the needs of the parish community into the future.
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Preserving the Church for Future Generations
The project was initially prompted by the deteriorating condition of St Peter’s sandstone façade, which had become a safety concern due to the risk of falling fragments. Recognising the opportunity to not only address the urgent repairs but to renew the space for the future, the parish also undertook a full restoration and interior enhancement of the church.
New Facilities to Serve Parish and Community
In addition to the restoration works, two major developments were completed:
The Benson Retirement Village, located on land formerly adjoining the church
The new Parish Centre, designed to support the liturgical, pastoral, and community life of the parish
These facilities have created a stronger sense of welcome and connection within the parish, and provide space for formation, meetings, and outreach.
Leadership and Support
The renewal and development project was made possible through the redevelopment of parish-owned land, with planning and oversight led by the Parish Renewal and Development Committee, chaired by Mr John Ralph AC. The committee worked closely with then-parish priest Fr Brendan Hayes, who guided the project with care and dedication.
Sincere thanks are owed to the Archbishop and to Emeritus Archbishop Denis Hart, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental throughout the long planning and construction period. The full project was completed in November 2020—a significant milestone in the life of the parish, honouring its past and investing in its future.
Our Historic Organ
The historic pipe organ now housed in St Peter’s Church on Toorak Road has a rich and fascinating story—spanning continents, parishes, and nearly two centuries of liturgical music. Today, the organ continues to serve the Church, supporting the celebration of the liturgy at St Peter’s. Its restored sound and beauty play a central role in the parish’s sacred music programme, enriching worship and contributing to the cultural and spiritual life of the community.
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Origins: London to Melbourne
Originally built by Bevington & Sons in London, the organ was commissioned by Bishop James Goold for Melbourne’s St Francis Church—the pro-cathedral—during his first overseas journey from April 1851 to March 1853. It was installed shortly thereafter, becoming a central feature in the musical life of the church.
Early Repairs and Enhancements
Only five years after its installation, the instrument underwent its first significant repairs and modifications. To celebrate the refurbishment, a concert of sacred music was held at St Francis in July 1858.
Further enhancements followed. In 1875, organ builder George Fincham added new pipes—including a Clarabella stop—and enlarged the bellows. He continued working on the organ in the years that followed: receiving five stops in 1886, remaking the soundboards, recovering keyboards, and performing minor repairs in 1889.
Major Upgrades in the Late 19th Century
In 1898, Edward Cornwall Cook assumed responsibility for the organ’s maintenance. He introduced several important upgrades: adding metal pipes to the Double Diapason from middle C, altering the Harmonic Flute from 8ft to 4ft, extending the Great Mixture 5 ranks through the upper octaves, and installing a Rohrflöte, Piccolo, and Harmonic Flute on the Choir Organ. He also supplied a new pedalboard and a Choir to Pedal coupler. The following year, George Fincham returned to carry out major repairs, including the installation of a hydraulic engine.
A New Home at St Peter’s
The organ remained in continuous use at St Francis Church for the next 115 years, until the parish opted to install a new instrument. Its future was secured thanks to Fr Brian Leonard, the newly appointed Parish Priest of Toorak, who had previously overseen an organ installation at St Raphael’s in West Preston.
With the generous support of Sir Donald and Lady Norma Trescowthick, the historic organ was purchased, carefully refurbished, and installed in the apsidal baptistery of St Peter’s Church on Toorak Road.
Restoration and Reinstallation (2019–2020)
During the church’s major refurbishment and extension in 2019, the organ was meticulously dismantled—pipe by pipe—by Australian Pipe Organs Pty Ltd. Following a full restoration, including cleaning and some complementary additions, the organ was reinstalled in time for Advent 2020, coinciding with the easing of Melbourne’s first COVID-19 lockdown.
As part of the restoration, a new console was donated in memory of Sir Brian Murray KCMG AO by Lady Janette Murray and Peter Murray. New music desks were also added to enhance the choir area.
A Renewed Sound
The installation of marble flooring in the aisles and sanctuary—replacing the original carpet—has significantly enhanced the church’s acoustics. Since Advent 2020, even during the intermittent openings between lockdowns, the sound of the restored organ has lifted and enriched the celebration of every Mass and liturgical event, reaffirming its place as a treasured and living instrument within the parish community.
A Living Presence in Worship
Today, the organ continues to serve the Church, supporting the celebration of the liturgy at St Peter’s. Its restored sound and beauty play a central role in the parish’s sacred music programme, enriching worship and contributing to the cultural and spiritual life of the community.
Toorak Ecumenical Movement
The Toorak Ecumenical Movement grew from a simple gesture of hospitality in 1972 into a long-standing commitment to Christian unity. What began as informal conversations between clergy and parishioners from neighbouring churches soon developed into an enduring partnership between St Peter’s Catholic Parish, St John’s Anglican Church, the Toorak Uniting Church, and later, the Swedish Church. Grounded in shared prayer, mutual respect, and a desire to witness to the Gospel together, the movement has become an important feature of faith life in the Toorak area.
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Foundations of Friendship and Faith (1972–1980)
The Toorak Ecumenical Movement began in 1972 at a dinner hosted by Dr Tom and Mrs Joan Antonie. The gathering brought together local church leaders: Fr Brian Leonard (St Peter’s Catholic), Fr Frank Little (Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, later Archbishop of Melbourne), Rev. Dr David Hodges (Toorak Presbyterian Church), David and Rosemary Leahey, and Mrs Jeanette Ricketson (St John’s Anglican Church). The Rev. Victor Maddick, Vicar of St John’s Anglican Parish, sent apologies.
What began as a shared meal grew into regular conversations among the three churches. In 1980, this collaboration was formally recognised through the signing of the Toorak Ecumenical Agreement.
Celebration of 40 years of the Agreement
In 2007, the Swedish Church joined the group, expanding the ecumenical partnership to four churches:
St Peter’s Catholic Church
St John’s Anglican Church
Toorak Uniting Church
The Swedish Church in Toorak
In 2021, during a temporary easing of the Covid lockdown, the 40th anniversary of the Agreement—now known as the Toorak Ecumenical Covenant—was celebrated on Pentecost Sunday at St Peter’s Church. The service welcomed representatives from all four churches, including clergy past and present. The preacher was Rev. Dr Robert Gribben of the Uniting Church, a noted theologian and ecumenist.
A Spirit of Unity
The Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio), issued during the Second Vatican Council in 1964, marked a significant turning point in the Catholic Church’s approach to other Christian communities. While affirming the core teachings of the Catholic faith, the decree also recognised a shared foundation in Trinitarian baptism, the Scriptures, prayer, and elements of liturgical life across many Christian traditions.
Historically, inter-church relations had often been marked by division, mistrust, and inherited prejudice—attitudes shaped by centuries of separation. The decree, however, opened the door to renewed dialogue, mutual respect, and practical cooperation.
This spirit of reconciliation and shared faith laid the groundwork for local expressions of ecumenism, such as the Toorak Ecumenical Movement—a living example of what is possible when churches choose to walk together in faith, service, and friendship.
Shared Life and Local Initiatives
Nearly two generations on from the signing of the original Agreement, ecumenical collaboration in Toorak has become part of the local church culture—a quiet, consistent habit of shared prayer and service. The four covenant churches continue to collaborate in prayer, study, and outreach, with shared initiatives that include:
Prayers for one another each Sunday
Monthly Prayers for Christian Unity
Ecumenical Lenten study groups
Way of the Cross on Good Friday morning
Shared worship on Pentecost and Advent Sundays
The Toorak Ecumenical Opportunity Shop
The annual Food for Friends Appeal
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Serving others through shared mission
The Toorak Op Shop is a collaborative outreach of the Toorak Ecumenical Churches, reflecting our shared commitment to service, generosity, and community care. Operated by a team of dedicated volunteers, the Op Shop raises funds to support over 25 charities each year, chosen by the member churches.
Located in the heart of Toorak, the shop is well-known for its quality fashion, accessories, homewares, books, and collectibles—all thoughtfully presented and affordably priced.
1A Carters Avenue, Toorak
Open Monday to Saturday, 12pm – 4pm
(03) 9827 3172
Visit the Toorak Op Shop websiteSupporting Food for Friends
To contribute to the Food for Friends Appeal, you can donate via bank transfer or by dropping donations to the parish office:
The Toorak Ecumenical Fund – CBA Toorak
BSB: 063 177
Account: 1002 6147
Please include “F for Food” in the description.Cheques should be made payable to The Toorak Ecumenical Fund and can be dropped into the parish office.
Get Involved
Parishioners are warmly invited to take part in any of the ecumenical activities. For more information or to express interest, please see our ‘Volunteers’ page, located under the ‘Get Involved’ dropdown on our menu.
A Story Still Unfolding
The story of St John Paul II Parish continues to grow through the lives of those who worship, serve, and find community here today. From the quiet beauty of daily Mass to vibrant liturgical celebrations, ministries that support those in need to opportunities for learning and connection. Drawing on the blessings we’ve received, we seek to serve others and share the light of Christ in a world longing for meaning.
We invite you to explore what life looks like in our parish today.