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
Click on the image to view larger
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.