The Wahgunyah Mass Tree is a majestic 600-year-old river red gum near the banks of the Murray River in Wahgunyah. It marks the site of the first Catholic Mass in the area celebrated in 1869 by Rev. Dean William Tierney from the Beechworth Mission.

Back in 1869, the Diocese of Sandhurst had not been established and Dean Tierney was in charge of a scattered flock of then-small settlements such as Corowa and Rutherglen. At the time, Wahgunyah was an important border town with steamers transporting goods along the Murray River. As there was no church or hall in Wahgunyah, Dean Tierney celebrated Mass in the tent of Mrs M.M. Burrow’s who would set up an altar in readiness for Mass.

In 1946, the Wahgunyah Branch of the Catholic Womens Social Guild decided to commemorate the faith of the early pioneers of the area. They organised a special Mass and memorial plaque, inviting all who visit to reflect on the spiritual roots which have nurtured our Diocese over the decades.

The plaque, referring to a Cross on the Mass Tree,  reads:

“Mrs M.M. Burrows prepared the altar in her tent at this tree for the first Mass said in Wahgunyah about 1869 celebrated by Very Rev. Dean Tierney of Beechworth.

That Cross is such a simple thing,
But of it, men will talk and sing,
It is a signboard on the road to cheer man with his weary load …
such a simple thing, and yet, it touches everything
A.D. 1946

The Mass tree is nestled among towering red river gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) at the start of a scenic two-kilometre walking track which follows the beautiful Murray River. The trail offers the perfect opportunity for prayer and reflection as you walk in the footsteps of those who laid the foundations of faith in Wahgunyah and the Sandhurst Diocese.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RSziW7VAeTMgVGpd7

 

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