The congregation of St Mary’s Church in Grafton are warmly inviting the Clarence Valley community to attend a sacred concert on July 24 to commemorate and celebrate 100 years since the glorious stained-glass windows were installed in the historically significant building.

After the original St Mary’s Church was tragically destroyed by fire in 1913, a new building was constructed and opened in 1914.

However, the arrival of the stained-glass windows which had been ordered from Germany for the new church was delayed due to World War I.

One theory was the ship carrying the windows had been sunk, but finally in 1921, they arrived, and a decision was made to await the return of Parish Priest Fr. Daniel Lawton from Rome before the stained-glass windows were installed.

So overjoyed were the Priests and Parishioners who had been looking through windows of clear glass for nearly eight years, that they decided to celebrate the installment of the beautiful stained-glass windows with a sacred concert.

Many of the city’s talented musicians and vocalists joined in for a night of memorable enjoyment.

100 years later there will be another celebration featuring a 25-piece orchestra with a choir of some 20 voices with Sister Anne Gallagher of Maclean conducting.

They will be joined by several local well-known vocalists and individual musicians adding to the program.

Afternoon tea will be provided by the hospitality students of McAuley College at the conclusion of the sacred concert which will be held from 1pm – 3:30pm.

All are welcome to attend.