Although there were Catholic services at Linton’s Diggings, the first weatherboard church was built in 1862 on a site beside this present church, which was served from Ballarat. In 1875, the Parish of Smythesdale was formed, and Linton was served from there.
By 1915, a decision was made to shift the Parish headquarters to Linton and work began constructing this present brick church. While it was being built, Mass was said in the lower room of Criterion House in Sussex St (see Walk No.1).
The new church was opened on 30 May 1915. The builder, George Cull, had been married to Mary Anne Sandow, a local schoolteacher, by Father John Thomas Henehan four days prior to the official opening. This was the last marriage service conducted by Fr Henehan – he enlisted in the 1st AIF a few weeks later and was killed in action in France while with the 14th Field Ambulance.
Inside, of special interest is the altar which has a copy of Da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper on the face of the pedestal.
