Waverley, NSW - Mary Immaculate & St Charles Borromeo Catholic

History and Architecture:

Constructed between 1890 and 1915 the cathedral is of the Classical Revival style with a faade to lower part of building. Clerestorey level, with its two imposing bell towers, appears to be in a different style. Entrance formed by large, pedimented portico with four, imposing Ionic columns. Ionic pilasters continue around to the sides.

It is the fourth physical building to serve as the Catholic pastoral centre of Waverley.

In 1879 the Franciscan Order of priests took over the work of Waverley Parish. In 1891 they built their Friary on this site. The present church was built beside the Friary in 1912. Originally a Romanesque style, designed by Sheerin and Hennessy. Builder was John Ptolomy. A major Classical remodelling was undertaken in 1929, to the design of Hennessy and Hennessy, WJ Bolton builder.

The present church was dedicated on 31 August 1913 by Archbishop Michael Kelly.

A wall plaque reads, " The restoration of Mary Immaculate Church was blessed by His Eminence Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy AC Archbishop of Sydney 7th August 1994. The restoration was made possible by the generosity of the parishioners and the bequest of the late Howard Francis Jessop".