Ashburton, VIC - St Michael's Catholic
Year Built: 1953
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Saint: Michael
Address: 270 High Street, Ashburton, Victoria, 3147
Architect: CONARG
Architectural Style: Romanesque
Traditional Owners: Wurundjeri people
Last Updated: 26/03/2024
History and Architecture:
The first Mass was conducted by Father Patrick Loughnan on Sunday 11 December 1927 at the Ashburton Hall located on the corner of High Street and Johnston Street, just west of the shopping centre. On 26 April 1946 Ashburton was created a parish, entrusted to the care of Father John Ryan who had been an army chaplain. As the parish grew he had to buy more land from the government to meet the growing demands.
Fr Ryan oversaw the building of the present church, but tragically, 2 months before its completion he suffered a sudden heart attack.
The Church designed by the Melbourne firm known as CONARG and constructed in 1953.
The design demonstrates characteristics of Romanesque Revival comprising sheer massing of form and massive walls. It applies modern interpretations of traditional Romanesque elements such as the brick dentil pattern in place of a corbel table, archivolts, dripstone moulding, stylised and simplified in brick.
A Foundation stone reads, "His Grace Most Rev D Mannix D.D. L.L.D. blessed and opened this memorial Church erected for the creator Glory of God and in Honour of St Michael 15th May 1955".
Clergy:
These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.
Years | Name | Annotation | D.o.B | D.o.D |
---|---|---|---|---|
1927 - | Father Patrick Loughnan | 1958 | ||
1946 - 1955 | Father John Ryan | 1955 | ||
1955 - 1972 | Father John Connellan | 1987 | ||
1957 - | Father J. G. Fitzpatrick | Asst | ||
1962 - | Father J. Doyle | Asst | ||
1962 - | Father R. McGuire | Asst | ||
1964 - | Father W. Cox | |||
1966 - 1967 | Father Desmond L. Gannon | |||
1968 - | Father B. Caldwell | Asst | ||
1969 - | Father J. Barker | Asst | ||
1971 - 1974 | Father E. Burns | Asst | ||
- 1972 | Father Connellan | |||
1972 - | Father Phillip Smith | |||
1974 - | Father M. Wilson | Asst | ||
1977 - | Father M. Coleridge | Asst | ||
1980 - | Father Des Moloney | Asst | ||
1987 - 1990 | Father Kevin Willams | Asst | ||
1988 - 1990 | Father Pat Dunn | Asst | ||
1998 - | Father Bill Attard |
Organ:
The Organ was built in 1869 by George Fincham for Henry Kemmis of Warrnambool. Installed in 1876 at St Barnabas' Anglican Church, Balwyn. Installed present location c.1960 by Harry Marriner. Tonal alteration 1970 Laurie Pipe Organs (Fifteenth in place of Keraulophon). Renovated 1976 Laurie Pipe Organs. It has 1 manual, 6 speaking stops, 1 coupler, tracker action.
For a full description and photos click here.
Source:
1. 2003 MDHC
2. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.
3. An Australian Catholic Parish The Story of St Michaels Ashburton. Francis J. McGrath. SLT 282.9451 M17A
3. VHD Heritage Database.