By Rick Stoker

On Tuesday afternoon the 11^th November, St Mary’s by the Sea church celebrated its 25^th years in its present location.   Dignitaries, officials and supporters came from near and far to honour the occasion.

St Marys had been located on the corner of Grant and Murphy Streets since the late 19th Century when under instructions from the church hierarchy, the land was sold by the then auctioneer and local identity John Cooper.

Rather than have the historic wooden building broken up and scrapped, the Catholic Bishop of Cairns gave his permission for it to be saved and made available to all denominations.  The Shire council gazetted the land we now call Market Park near the Sugar Wharf, for this purpose.

The celebratory event was conducted by the president of the Restoration Society, Ms Ginni Donnelly.  There were several speakers includin Joan Murday, Garry Hunt who read out letters and emails from well-wishers, Father Carrol and Mayor Julia Leu plus regular church attendees Turrella Vico and Paul Conley.

A delightful afternoon tea including the 25^th year birthday cake was then provided by Salsa Restaurant, on the lawn between the church and the sea.

What amazing foresight the original committee must have had to organise the St Mary's move.  St Marys By the Sea is now arguably the leading Wedding venue in Port Douglas for what has become a key industry for the Douglas Shire. St Mary's By The Sea in Port Douglas has become an idyllic destination for a wedding market that brings over 800 weddings a year to the area.