This was the second Catholic church to be built in the town. It was erected in 1905-06 by Mr. N.J. King of Stratford and designed by the Stratford architect, Mr. John D. Healy.

It was originally located adjacent to the first Catholic church near the Recreation Grounds (Taumata Park). In 1914 both the churches were moved from this site to their present location on Stanners Street.

Once established on the new site the church had a new porch added and it was extended by twenty feet.

In 1967 Albert (Scotty) McGrath and Wilf Bennett built the new foyer on the front of the church at a cost of £6,450.00.

Further reading: History of St Joseph's Eltham Parish & School 1898-1998, Alison Crafar. (TRCT282.93488 CRA) and Eltham Heritage Inventory

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