Bell is such a small town on the Bunya Highway that if you blink, you would miss it! Now that would be such a shame. Turn up the street with the innocent Catholic Church sign and you will be in for a treat.
Bell Catholic Church
Bell Catholic Church
Initially, you will see that the church, which is in the traditional style of all the old churches dotted around our country, is in immaculate condition. You just can not miss it. I just loved the tile-style paintings on the steps and the lovely garden surrounding the church. Once inside, you will gasp at the series of stunning paintings painted by a well known local artist Megg Cullen, who lives beside the church. They are glorious murals depicting the history of salvation, meticulously created by Megg over a period of years and completed for the church's 95th anniversary. Everything inside the wee church is just perfect.
Bell Catholic Church
Bell Catholic Church
After you have inspected the church interior, move on over to the biblical garden next door which was established in 2008. Meg also has a green thumb and it has been put to work here along with help from local parishioners. Dotted around the garden are mosaics also made by Meg. The story of the garden is about the final days of Jesus known as the Stations Of the Cross. There are also abstract sculptures to complement the mosaics along with a lot of magnificent hardy plants. The mosaic of Mother Mary MacKillop stands out in pride of place.
Bell Biblical Garden
Mother Mary MacKillop
Take your time to wander around the garden as a careful look will reveal all sorts of surprises. There are many quirky sculptures depicting the local history. I'm sure a spring visit would be a must. The church was open when I visited and I can only assume it's always open to visitors. I did not see anyone to ask about this.
The biblical Garden
The Biblical Garden
The Biblical Garden is located at 21 Cassidy St, Bell.
