Hawthorn, VIC - Immaculate Conception Catholic

Year Built: 1869

Denomination: Roman Catholic

Address: 345 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Victoria,

Architect: Reed, Smart & Tappin

Traditional Owners: Wurundjeri people

Last Updated: 30/04/2023

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History and Architecture:

The first section was built in 1867-69 and the chancel choir and tower were built in 1891, followed by further additions in 1913, 1921, and 1961. The spatially complex interior includes three Eastern apses of equal height and incorporates stained glass by Ferguson, Urie & Lyon; Mayer, Montgomery and Brooks Robinson.

Constructed in bluestone, which is used internally for the pillars and the dressings are executed in freestone. The style is French flamboyant Gothic.

On Sunday, October 10th, 1869, the Feast of St Francis Borgia, the church was consecrated and opened for worship. The bells were blessed at the end of 1891 and the chancel was consecrated on the Sunday within the octave of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, 1892. A carved oak altar created by the Belgian artist Vermaylen from Louvain was carved, shipped and assembled in the Church in time for the consecration for a cost of £170.

In 1883 Sir John O’Shanassy died and the big iron gates of his house were donated to the parish and are today located in front of the church.

Clergy:

These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.

Years Name Annotation D.o.B D.o.D
1882 - 1886 Father Oliver Daly 1916
1886 - 1891 Father Peter O'Flinn 1907
1891 - 1894 Father George Buckeridge 1904
1894 - 1895 Father Thomas Cahill
1895 - 1899 Father Peter O'Flinn 1907
1899 - 1902 Father George Buckeridge 1904
1902 - 1910 Father James Colgan 1915
1910 - 1915 Father George Kelly
1915 - 1923 Father Thomas Claffey
1923 - 1931 Father Joseph Hearn 1941
1931 - 1934 Father Jeremiah Sullivan
1934 - 1947 Father John Bourke
1947 - 1953 Father J William O'Collins 1970
1953 - 1959 Father Thomas Bourke
1959 - 1961 Father Philip Kurts 1921 2006
1961 - 1967 Father Henry Johnson
1967 - 1972 Father Kevin Carroll
1972 - 1975 Father Patrick Tracey
1975 - 1978 Father Richard Morgan 2002
1978 - 1981 Father Desmond Walker
1981 - 1988 Father Brian Murphy
1988 - 1991 Father Robert Walsh
1991 - 1997 Father Richard Shortall
1997 - 2004 Father Geoffrey James
2004 - Father Desmond Dwyer

Organ:

The Organ was built in 1879 by George Fincham. It had 2 manuals, 13 speaking stops, 3 couplers, mechanical action Rebuilt and enlarged in 1965 by George Fincham & Sons Pty Ltd. It had 2 manuals, 25 speaking stops, 8 couplers, electro-pneumatic action. Rrenovated c.1983 by George Fincham & Sons Pty Ltd. It has 2 manuals, 19 speaking stops, 3 couplers, mechanical action.
For a full description and photos click here.

Source:

1. Church website.
2. Organ Historical Trust of Australia.
3. Victorian Heritage website.