West Geelong, VIC - St Peter and St Paul Catholic

Year Built: 1864

Denomination: Roman Catholic

Saint: [Multiple]

Address: Mercer Street, Geelong West, Victoria, 3218

Architect: William W Wardell

Architectural Style: Gothic Early English

Traditional Owners: Wadawurrung people

Last Updated: 20/03/2024

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History and Architecture:

On the 25's October 1849, Acting Vicar-General, Rev. N.J. Coffey applied for 2 acres of land near the village of Ashby. The-Governors finally approved the grant on 25 October 1850. By 1855, a brick school had been built on the site now occupied by the Presbytery. The school was used as a venue to celebrate mass on Sundays and holidays of obligation. In December 1860, Rev. Dr. Fitzpatrick asked for the deeds of the grant, and stated that a new church was to be erected.

Work commenced on the William Wilkinson Wardell design early in January 1864. The church had cost £6,000 but was already free of debt. By February 1871, gas lighting had been installed, and for the first time since its erection, evening worship now became possible. In April 1871, a Singing Gallery, located above the doorway was constructed by Mr Nash. In 1913, the inside of the Church was redecorated in the late Gothic Revival style.

The foundation stone of the Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul was laid by Bishop Gould on 17 January 1864. William Wardell, architect to the Catholic diocese of Melbourne, designed this early English Gothic style Church and Clement Nash built the structure from coursed basalt with freestone dressings. The rectangular plan Church with high gables nave, low side aisles, chancel and chapels is liturgically oriented

The Church of Sts Peter and Paul is an example of the Gothic Revival based upon Pugin's principles and a notable work of William Wilkinson Wardell. The Church, with the unusual double bellcote and simple ornamentation is one of few parish Churches in Victoria completed according to Wardell's plans.

Clergy:

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

Years Name Annotation D.o.B D.o.D
1858 - Father Eugene McCarthy
1871 - Father F. R O'Callaghan
1913 - 1919 Father Edward O'Brien
1913 - 1915 Father William O'Farrell Asst
1915 - 1916 Father John McKeon Asst 1923
1915 - 1918 Father James McHugh Asst 1949
1918 - 1919 Father John Murray Asst
1919 - 1922 Father C. J. Donovan Asst
1919 - 1948 Father J. J. Malone 1948
1922 - 1924 Father Adrian E. Hughes Asst 1936
1924 - 1925 Father C. McKenna Asst
1925 - 1927 Father James Lande Asst 1978
1927 - 1928 Father Humphrey Moynihan Asst 1967
1927 - 1929 Father Patrick Gleeson Asst
1928 - Father Frank B. Seward Asst
1929 - 1932 Father Francis J. O'Toole Asst 1973
1932 - 1933 Father John J. Murphy Asst
1932 - 1934 Father P. J. O'Connor Asst
1933 - 1938 Father John J. O'Brien Asst
1935 - 1940 Father K. J. Broderick Asst 1978
1939 - 1946 Father J. A. Nooney Asst 1983
1940 - 1941 Father J. O'Neill Asst
1941 - 1946 Father P. J. McQuillan Asst
1946 - 1954 Father F. J. McKenna Asst
1946 - 1948 Father J. J. Tresidder Asst 1981
1947 - 1947 Father Joseph William Kelly Asst 1918 1989
1948 - 1957 Father J. F. Egan
1948 - 1950 Father William A. O'Driscoll Asst 1995
1950 - 1958 Father John Spillane Asst 2016
1955 - Father Denis Lynam Asst
1956 - 1957 Father Barry M. King Asst
1957 - 1959 Father G. Maltby
1958 - Father J. P. O'Connell Asst
1958 - 1960 Father W. J. McCarthy Asst
1960 - 1965 Father J. Feenan Asst
1965 - Father Leo Tien Asst

Organ:

The Organ was built in 1924 and rebuilt in 1966 by George Fincham & Sons. It has 2m, 25spst, 7c, elpn. Gt: 8.8.8.4.2.III. Sw: 8.8.8.8.4.4.2-2/3.2.1-1/3.8.8.4. Ped: 16.16.8.5- 1/3.4.8.4.

Source:

1. Victorian Heritage
2. Ss Peter and Paul's Ashby 1866 - 1966. LTP 280 C47
3. Deceased Clergy in Australia, 1788-present
4. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.