Almost 1  Almost 160 years have passed since the Victorian Government allocated land as a ‘site for Roman Catholic Church purposes’, marking the ‘official’ beginnings of the parish that was to become St John the Baptist’s.

This history of St John’s is a faithful record of what followed in these early years. It traces the development of the local area and the growing, mostly poor, Irish Catholic community that made St John’s the focus of their faith and their Catholic identity. It also acknowledges some exceedingly generous benefactors whose contributions to the parish makes its story truly unique.
It is a careful, objective, well-researched history – telling the rich story of what it meant to belong within the community. It traces the establishment of church, presbyteries and schools, the social and sporting events, the special celebrations, the observance of Mass and sacraments. It details the liturgical devotions, fundraising and other key elements that marked the history of a parish whose life and witness survived world wars, periods of great unemployment and religious segregation as well as significant changes in church and society.
It is a story of lives well lived, of generosity, of community building and – above all – of the faithful lives of generations of Catholics in the wider community of Clifton Hill.
This is a history of ordinary people – priests, religious and laity – who took seriously their Catholic faith – often involving personal sacrifice – and committed themselves to passing on that faith by their constant witness and association with the life and practice of St John’s.   – Anthony Nguyen sdb
John Andrews has provided a well-researched story of one of the most beautiful Catholic buildings in the city of Melbourne.  – Francis J. Moloney
In this history of Clifton Hill parish, John Andrews records a rich history of faith, service and Gospel witness.  – Max Vodola
… recounts the history of St John’s in an engaging manner – from the lively faith of the Catholics of Clifton Hill over the decades ... we can take inspiration in envisioning future models of parish.  – Gabrielle McMullen
Dr John Andrews is a parishioner of St John the Baptist’s church with a passionate love of history. This book combines that commitment and passion. As well as a variety of teaching and curriculum roles with the Victorian Department of Education, John has, especially since ‘retirement’, produced curriculum publications and materials for commercial publishers, museums and historic sites. John has received a number of awards including the sharing of the Victorian Collaborative History Award 2018 with Dr Deborah Towns and being shortlisted in 2008 for the Australian Publishers’ Association education award.