Catholic presence in Howlong can be traced back to 1858. Records indicate that Father Richard Butler married Mr John Conway and Ms Johanna Leahy in Howlong on 9th May 1874. The first church in Hammer Street was opened on August 5th 1877 by Dr Michael McAlroy at a cost of 560 pounds. St Brigid's was opened by the Most Revered Dr Henschke D.D. Bishop of Wagga Wagga.
