Category Catholic

Jul 22 2014

1873: St Thomas’ Catholic Church, Drysdale, Victoria.

The original St Thomas Catholic Church in Drysdale was built in 1855 to the designs of architect Richard Abraham Dowden (1829-1868).

It was constructed by Simmie & Mclachlan [1] and was officially opened in 1856.

In June 1873, architect Andrew Williams advertised for tenders for the enlargement of St Thomas [2] and by the end of July significant portions of the south end (liturgical east) were removed to make way for a new chancel, transept and vestry [3].

By October of 1873 a new three light window depicting the Crucifixion was erected in the new chancel by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of North Melbourne.

On the 8th of October 1873 a Geelong Advertiser reporter going by the name “G.D.P” wrote:

“…I noticed extensive improvements at the Roman Catholic Church, and was told that a splendid new chancel window was being put in by the celebrated firm of Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, of North Melbourne. I had not time to look at it, but a friend at Drysdale told me it was worth a visit…”[4]

Photos taken 19th June 2014.

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If  “G.D.P” had actually seen the window for himself in 1873 then it would certainly have been well worth the visit as his friend had stated.

The three light window still exists in remarkably good condition to this day despite some significant paint loss and water damage in the top third of the window. It is an unmistakeable and typical 1870’s Gothic design by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of North Melbourne.

The centre light of the window depicts the Crucifixion. The upper region of the window contains the triquetra symbol which is synonymous with the trinity. Beneath this, on the left, is the Pelican in the act of self sacrifice feeding blood from her chest to her young and on the right is the Paschal Lamb or ‘Agnus Dei’ carrying the victory banner.

The left and right lights contain the “Arma Christi” or “Instruments of the Passion” representing the tools and weapons used in Christ’s Crucifixion.

In the left light, at the top, is the scourging or flagellation post and at the bottom are the crown of thorns and the three nails used to affix Christ to the cross.

In the right light, at the top are other tools used to in the Crucifixion, the hammer, pincers, the sponge on the reed, lance, whips and the three dice that the soldiers used to draw lots to see who would gain Christ’s seamless garment. At the bottom of the window is the Holy Chalice.

The centre light contains the figurative scene of Christ being crucified and beneath his feet is the monogram “I.H.S,” being the first three initials for Christ in Greek.

The whole of the arrangement is filled in with a background of Gothic floral designs using the bold primary colours with alternating borders of red and blue separated by a white or yellow flower.

On the 28th of July 2010 the new modern St Thomas Church, in Peninsula Drive, was officially opened by Archbishop Denis Hart.[5]

The original old St Thomas Church in Wyndham Street, Drysdale is now privately owned and forms part of the Drysdale Grove Nursing Home complex.

Significant transcriptions:

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Wednesday 8th October 1873, page 3.

“FROM GEELONG TO PORTARLINGTON.

On a short journey for health I took my way to one of my old and favourite places of retreat – Portarlington, and send my jottings of men and things as picked up by bits and scraps from conversation and observation. And first I am sure you will be glad to learn that on my whole journey from Geelong through Drysdale the country looked splendid; crops never looked better even in the best seasons of the past; and the roads – some portions are good, very good; some middling, and part execrable – I believe that is the word. Has the Shire Council not funds to metal the plank road – that abomination of travellers. When driving over it on a very dry day you think every bone in your body will be rattled away from the flesh; and the vehicle! it is a trial to coachmakers – springs, bolts, nuts, shafts, and all fixings are tested. Further on, near the Roman Catholic Church there is a jolting quagmire and pits. The metal is good again after this until you get on another spongy piece, and so it is the remainder of the way through this rising township to Portarlington, alternate clay road and stretches of metalling. On nearing Drysdale I was gratified with a sight of that splendid sheet of fresh water, called Lake Lorn, formed by the shire council by throwing up a bank across the outlet and macadamising the top of the bank. Around this inland lake the land has been selected, and the settler’s improvements are progressing rapidly. The margin for about 200 feet around the water has been reserved by Government, and is studded with large eucalypti, rendering the whole not unlike an old park lake of Britain. Drysdale has improved; the cottage building is of a more comfortable and pleasing style than I saw here three years ago. I noticed extensive improvements at the Roman Catholic Church, and was told that a splendid new chancel window was being put in by the celebrated firm of Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, of North Melbourne. I had not time to look at it, but a friend at Drysdale told me it was worth a visit. The shire hall is now civilised looking. The trees and shrubs have grown in a belt, and the old store like appearance has been altered by some additions and pinnacled gables. It is certainly not the wretched thing it was, but it wants renewing – stock, lock, and barrel – to suit the improvements around. The Buck’s Head is improved in appearance, a new orderly-room for the Drysdale Artillery has been erected on a vacant piece of ground, and some new shops have been built. I was greatly pleased with the new English Church, a pretty building with stained glass windows, about a quarter of a mile from the Buck’s Head. This being on the road side, I took a look inside, and was fairly astonished, everything was different to what I had seen in similar places, but suitable. The benches low, with kneeling-board, the book boards under the seats, and the back rails levelled off to rest on during prayer. There is no “wine glass” pulpit but a convenient service stand for the minister; the table is covered with a short fringed cloth; and the front of table, desk front, chancel arch, walls, and window-bays, is hung on painted with texts. The stained window in the chancel has the centre piece, the women at the tomb after the Resurrection, and the words “He is not here, He is risen,” underneath. The nave windows are filled with thick cathedral and colored glass. The whole work is tasty and reflects credit on the congregation. After leaving the church I got on my way to Portarlington again, but as there is a good deal to say about the improvements and appearances here, I will send you the remainder in a day or two, describing the schools, and jetties, &c., and perhaps some rare characters I have met with but who have not yet figured on the boards, till then I hope to sign myself. G.D.P.”

 

Footnotes:

[1] http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/21576 (accessed 1 June 2014)

[2] Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Thursday 12th June 1873, page 3.

[3] Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Monday 28th July 1873, page 3.

[4] Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Wednesday 8th October 1873, page 3.

[5] Kairos: Volume 21, Issue 15, 2010.

 

 

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Dec 19 2013

1870: St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kilmore, Victoria.

In 1869-70 a large four light stained glass window “considered one of the best specimens that ever left the manufactory of Ferguson and Urie” was erected in the liturgical east wall of St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Kilmore in Victoria. The window was crafted in Curzon Street North Melbourne by the Ferguson & Urie Stained Glass Company and depicts the Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Construction of St Patrick’s began in 1856 and the foundation stone was laid on the 23rd August 1857 by Bishop James Alipius Goold. The church was built to the designs of brothers Joseph Aloysius Hansom  & Charles Francis Hansom and was completed in 1860. It was dedicated on the 8th July 1860[1] and remaining works were completed by architect William Wardell in 1871.

Photos taken 14th December 2013.

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GLIMPSES OF NORTH EASTERN VICTORIA, AND ALBURY NEW SOUTH WALES, Rev. William Mason Finn, 1870, page 6.

“..Father Branigan is a native of Drogheda, Ireland, studied in the famous college of Salamanca, and was ordained in Melbourne, June 1858. This rev. gentleman is still the senior priest of Kilmore, and has evinced a warm zeal for the noble people entrusted to his guardianship. During the last twelve months he has added to St. Patrick’s Church a splendid chancel, which contains three altars; over the central, or High Altar, a stained glass window of large dimensions, representing many episodes in the life of our Redeemer, is placed. This window is considered one of the best specimens that ever left the manufactory of Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne…”

The window depicts four scenes in the life of Christ being: the Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion and Resurrection. A reference to a chapter and verse from the bible is recorded beneath each of the four scenes:

NATIVITY – “St Luke 2-7”
(And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn)

BAPTISM – “St Mark 1-10”
(And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him)

CRUCIFIXION – “St John 19-26”
(When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!)

RESURRECTION – “St Matthew 28-6”
(He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay)

In June 1894 a prolific tabloid writer known as “The Vagabond” gave his own vision of the window:

“…The stained glass window representing scenes in the life of Christ reflects the sun’s rays, which shine on the bowed heads of the daughters of Kilmore…”[2]

Fr. Michael Branigan (1834 – 1870)

The concept for a stained glass window to beautify the east end of the church is reported to have come from the Reverend Michael Branigan, parish priest of Kilmore from 1861 to 1870.

Michael Branigan was born at Oldbridge, on the Boyne, near the town of Drogheda, Ireland, in 1834[3]. At the age of 24 he arrived in Melbourne aboard the “White Star”[4] on the 4th September 1857[5].

He was ordained at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne on the 20th June in 1858[6] by the Bishop of Melbourne, James Alipius Goold and was appointed parish priest at Kilmore after the death of the Reverend Timothy O’Rourke who died on the 18th January 1861[7].

J. A. Maher 1869-1940, The Tale of a Century – Kilmore 1837-1937, Page 86.

“…In 1856 the movement to build the large and commodious Gothic church (St. Patrick’s of the present day) was inaugurated by Father O’Rourke. The foundation stone was laid on 23rd August, 1857. Beneath the stone was placed a bottle containing on parchment a Latin inscription of which the following is a translation: “The first stone of this church, dedicated to God under the patronage of St. Patrick, in Kilmore, in the province of Victoria, was laid by James Alipius Goold, Bishop of the Diocese, on the 23rd day of August, 1857 in the pontificate of Pope Pius IX, and in the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and during the administration of this Government by His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly, K.C.B.” The church was dedicated on 8th July, 1860. After Father O’Rourke’s death on the 18th January, 1861, Father Branigan was appointed to the charge of Kilmore. Father Branigan arrived in Australia in 1857. For a time he acted in the capacity of assistant priest at Keilor, later coming to Kilmore as curate under father O’Rourke. Afterwards he was temporarily in charge of the infant parish at McIvor (subsequently Heathcote). Then came the more important appointment as parish priest at Kilmore. This young priest, who did not enjoy robust health, devoted himself unsparingly to the welfare of his flock over what was still a very extensive parish. Various schools were opened and St. Patrick’s Church was practically completed whilst father Branigan was in charge. As a matter of fact the solemn opening ceremony at the church took place in March 1871, just nine months after the death of father Branigan (9th June, 1870).”[8]

A short time after the erection of the Ferguson & Urie window (c.1869-70), the Reverend Branigan became seriously ill and on the 9th of June 1870 the local Kilmore tabloid reported that he was improving:

“We are glad to be able to inform our readers that the Rev M Branigan, who has been dangerously ill for the past eight or nine days, has experienced a change for the better, and hopes are entertained that he will soon be convalescent.”[9]

Unfortunately this was a rather premature report by the Kilmore Free Press as Fr. Branigan died at the Presbytery at 4.30 p.m. on the same day! His last words were reported as having been “Oh, poor Ireland!”[10] He was only 36 years old.

On the 10th of July 1870 a meeting was held in St Patrick’s school room to discuss the erection of an altar in the church which was to be a joint memorial to Fr. O’Rourke and Fr. Branigan[11]. In March 1873 it was reported that the altar was “…on its way to these shores from the home country…” which I presume was Ireland. The entire cost for the erection of the altar would be in the vicinity of £700[12].

The altar was consecrated on the 31st August 1873 by Bishop James Alipius Goold and in anticipation of a large crowd for the occasion; admission to the church was gained by ticket only[13].

Significant tabloid transcriptions:

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Friday 10th June 1870, page 5.

“KILMORE, THURSDAY.

The Rev. Michael Branigan, Roman Catholic clergyman, who, as pastor here for the last nine years, was much respected, died this morning at half-past 4. His remains will be interred in a vault at St. Patrick’s Church, Kilmore, to-morrow.”

Bendigo Advertiser, Vic, Saturday 11th June 1870, page 2.

“DEATH OF THE REV MICHAEL BRANIGAN, OF KILMORE.- From the Kilmore Free Press we learn of the death of the Rev Michael Branigan, of St. Patrick’s, Kilmore, which melancholy event took place at the presbytery this (Thursday) morning, at half-past four o’clock, after having been confined to his bed for a period of eight days. As a gentleman, Father Branigan commanded the respect of those with whom he came in contact, whilst as a clergyman his zeal in the performance of his sacred duties, at all times of a most arduous nature, in consequence of the large circuit under his control, was of a marked character, he being more frequently found at all hours of the day and night seeking out the abodes of those stricken down with sickness or disease, for the purpose of administering the consolations of religion, than attending to the wants of a constitution fast becoming a wreck to fatigue and exposure he was but ill-adapted to endure. His was an existence of self-sacrifice, and his own life was to him as nothing when compared with the eternal salvation of the many souls over which he was appointed guardian. What he gave to the poor, and those who appealed to him for aid, was given with the utmost free will, and his deeds in this respect, though numerous, were never made known by himself, and would die with him had the recipients of his bounty not frequently openly expressed their gratitude. The late Rev Michael Branigan was born in the historic hamlet of Oldbridge, on the Boyne, near the town of Drogheda, in the year 1834, which left him only thirty-six years at the time of his demise. The immediate cause of his death was inflammation of the bowels, brought on by exposure to cold in the discharge of his up-country duties. He died calm and resigned, having been fortified with the sacraments of that church of which in life he was such an ornament. He was to be buried yesterday (Friday) in a vault prepared for him in the church. He was, we understand, left by his will what he possessed to the cause of charity.”

The Bacchus marsh Express, Vic, Saturday 18th June 1870, page 4.

“DEATH OF THE REV. MICHAEL BRANIGAN.- The Kilmore Free Press announces the decease of this clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church, on Thursday morning, from inflammation of the bowels, brought on by exposure to cold in the discharge of his country duties. On the 20th June, 1858, the Rev. M. Branigan was ordained priest in St. Patrick’s Cathedral by the Right Rev, the Bishop of Melbourne. He was then appointed as second priest in Keilor. Here he remained for some time, when he was transferred to Kilmore as junior priest, to act with the late lamented Father O’Rourke. A change of pastors then took place at McIvor, when Father Branigan was nominated to the vacancy. Since he assumed the pastorate of Kilmore many schools have been opened, and the improvements just made at the church speak of his zeal. On Friday, after the Requiem mass, the mortal remains of father Branigan will be interred in a vault already prepared in the church. He has, we understand, left by his will what he possessed to the cause of charity.”

Kilmore Free Press, Vic, Thursday 23rd June 1870, page 3.

“We are informed that the last words spoken by the late Rev M Branigan, of St. Patrick’s Kilmore, were “Oh, poor Ireland!” During life he took a deep interest in all questions connected with the land of his birth, and it is pleasing, as showing a pure spirit of patriotism and love, that his mind during the last solemn moments of his existence, reverted to a country, the welfare of which he had always so much at heart.”

Kilmore Free Press, Vic, Thursday 14th July 1870, page 2.

“A meeting of subscribers to the memorial for the late Rev. M. Branigan was held on the 10th instant in St Patrick’s Schoolroom – the Rev. Robert Meade occupying the chair. A discussion ensued as to the advisability of coupling the name of the late rev. T. O’Rourke with that of the Rev. M. Branigan upon the memorial altar which it is proposed to erect, but nothing definite was arrived at. We are certain that those of the subscribers who had the pleasure of knowing the late Rev. T. O’Rourke would be pleased that the name should be coupled with the memorial, whilst it is evident that many persons subscribed to the undertaking, knowing nothing of Father O’Rourke solely with a view of showing their high appreciation of Father Branigan. Perhaps, if a general meeting of subscribers was called, and expression of opinion could be elicited which would meet with the views of all parties.”

Kilmore Free Press, Vic, Thursday 6th March 1873, page 2.

“We are in a position to state that the memorial altar, subscribed for some time ago, to perpetuate the memories of the late Rev. Fathers O’Rourke and Branigan, is now on its way to these shores from the home country, where it has been constructed. The contract price for what really must be a grand monument was £550, and freight and cost of erection in the church of St. Patrick’s, Kilmore, which it is intended to ornament, will, it is contemplated bring the amount up to £700. The work, however, is one of which people here may be proud, and there could be no more fitting monument to commemorate the zeal and devotion of the reverend gentlemen who did so much for religion in this quarter.”

Points of interest:

In 1868 a very similar window by Ferguson & Urie was erected at St John’s Church in Toorak. See: 26-06-1868: St. John’s Church, Toorak, Melbourne, Victoria.

Fr. Branigan’s successor to the Kilmore Parish was the Rev Michael Farrelly (c.1822-1906). A three light memorial window was erected in his memory on the right side of the east wall in the “St Joseph’s Chapel” in St Patrick’s in 1908. This window was made by Melbourne stained glass craftsman William Montgomery(1850-1927). See: 1908: St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kilmore, Victoria.

Acknowledgements:

My thanks to the Rev. Grant O’Neill of St Patrick’s Kilmore, 14th Dec 2013.

Footnotes:

[5] Public Record Office Victoria, Fiche 131, Page 013 (surname spelt ‘Brannigan’)

[8] James Alipius Maher 1869-1940, “The Tale of a Century – Kilmore 1837-1937”, Page 86.

May 9 2013

1863: St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Collingwood, Victoria.

In late 1867 James Urie, of the Melbourne stained glass firm Ferguson & Urie, toured Tasmania with a catalogue of the firms designs for stained glass. On the 13th August 1867, the Hobart Mercury reported a detailed account of commissions he had received for stained glass windows and mentioned some that the firm had already executed in Victoria. Amongst those listed was “…St Josephs Roman Catholic Church, Collingwood…”[1]

The foundation stone of St Joseph’s Church & School was laid on 16 December 1860[2] and formally opened on Sunday the 1st of February 1863[3]

The Victorian Heritage Database indicates that St Joseph’s contained stained glass windows by Ferguson & Urie, Rogers & Hughes, and William Montgomery[4].

At about 6am on the  2nd of April  2007, fire broke out and destroyed the majority of St Joseph’s leaving just the shell [5].  None of the historic stained glass windows survived.

Early photos taken in the 1990’s and kindly contributed by Dr. Bronwyn Hughes, 01/06/2013.

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The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 2nd February 1863, page 5.

“The Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph, situated in Otter-street, East Collingwood, was formally dedicated for public worship yesterday morning, by the Roman Catholic bishop of the diocese, Dr. Goold. High pontifical mass was performed, the Rev. H. England acting as deacon, and the Rev. W. Donovan as sub-deacon. The discourse was delivered by the Rev. E. Scully. The church which is of neat brick erection, was opened for the first time yesterday. It was commenced about three years ago, but a great deal of work still remains to be done, both with regard to the internal and external fittings. The building has been erected with the view of being used as a school-house as well as church. It accommodates about 400 people, and its cost (about £1,000) has been already subscribed. A numerous congregation assembled upon the occasion of the dedication, and many of the most influential Catholics of the neighbourhood were present. Imperial Mass, No. 8, was beautifully given by a choir, which included Mrs. Tester, Miss Julia Matthews, and Messrs. Power and Ewart.”

Related post:

13-08-1867: James Urie visits Tasmania on Ferguson and Urie business.

External links:

YouTube Video, St Joseph’s fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecIH37XquCM

Footnotes:

Feb 14 2013

01-01-1867: The Infant Jesus Catholic Church, Koroit, Victoria.

The township of Koroit lies 275 kilometres west of Melbourne and is located on the northern slopes of the dormant Tower Hill Volcano.

The Catholic Church of the Infant Jesus was built in two stages; the first stage was erected in the Gothic style by architect William Wardell, between 1867-70. In 1914 the second stage began and the architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch (1864-1933) advertised for tenders for the extensions and the erection of a tower[1].

The church contains many stained glass windows by the North Melbourne firm Ferguson & Urie. The triple light chancel window is the largest window in the church. It is at the east end behind the altar and the designs for the figurative emblems in each compartment were from the ideas of the Rev James Parle, who instigated the erection of the church in 1867:

“…the subject for each compartment for the glass-stainers was the conception of his fertile brain…”[2]

Photos taken 7th January 2011.

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The Rev James Parle (1811-1870) arrived in Victoria aboard the “Avalanche”[3] from Liverpool on the 13th June 1862[4], under recommendation from the Rev Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Fern, County Wexford, Ireland[5].

Empire Sydney, NSW, Saturday 9th July 1864, page 2.

“LETTERS OF THE RIGHT REV. DR. FURLONG, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF FERN, COUNTY WEXFORD, IRELAND.
To all whom it may concern, we testify and declare that JAMES PARLE, a secular priest of this diocese, who is about to proceed to foreign countries, for religious and laudable purpose, approved of by us, is in the highest sense to be commended for his zeal and piety and unwearied labour in the Church of God. Hence, we recommend him with all our soul, in God to all ecclesiastical superiors, earnestly requesting that they receive him kindly and hospitably, and that they permit him to celebrate the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass. Given at Wexford, Ireland, on the second of February, 1862. ┼ THOMAS FURLONG”.

The Rev Parle immediately began his campaign of collecting funds for his home diocese of Ferns in Ireland, much to the annoyance of the Bishop Goold of Victoria. In 1863 in the face of increasing criticism Parle decided to try his efforts in New Zealand but within six months he had returned to Australia and went to New South Wales where he clashed with Archbishop Polding and the church authorities. On his return to Victoria he again clashed with Bishop Goold for the same reasons. The Sydney ‘Empire’ tabloid wrote:

“The Rev. James Parle, a Catholic priest, who has come to Australia to raise funds for industrial schools in the diocese of Ferns, Ireland, and is aserecied [?] by the Right Reverend Dr. Furlong Bishop of Ferns, is now at Goulburn. The ecclesiastical authorities of Victoria and New South Wales have opposed his mission.” [6]

As tensions cooled in the following years, Bishop Goold appointed the Rev Parle to the parish of Richmond in Melbourne and shortly after in 1866, to Port Fairy (then known as Belfast). It’s here that Parle began to exert his efforts for the completion of St Patricks Church in Port Fairy. Another church was also needed at nearby Koroit and with the approval of the church authorities he put his collecting skills to work by establishing fund raising committees for the construction of the Koroit Catholic Church which was estimated to cost £12,000.

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 30th March 1867, page 5.

“According to the local paper, the township of Koroit is making rapid progress, the fertility of the soil having stimulated settlement, and produced general prosperity. Buildings of a substantial character are being erected, and changes in the aspect of the place are continually noticeable. The Roman Catholic Church, of which the foundation-stone was laid on New Year’s Day, will be a large, handsome building, the estimated cost of its completion being £12,000. The town is also beautifully situated and surrounded – the scenery is romantic and picturesque; and with its lake, its botanic gardens, the remarkable old crater of Tower-hill, and the view thence obtained across the bay of Belfast to Moon-light Heads, and even to Cape Otway, when the weather is clear, forms a landscape which, for interest and loveliness, is unsurpassed.”

The foundation stone of the “Infant Jesus” Catholic Church at Koroit was laid on New Years Day 1867[7] by the Bishop of Victoria, the Rev James Alipius Goold, assisted by the Rev’s Hayes, Slattery, and Parle[8].

The Rev Parle was said to have “very high standards” when it came to church building and in the following two and a half years he meticulously oversaw the construction of his Koroit church to ensure that it was to going to be the most admired in the district. In August 1869 Parle became seriously ill and never truly recovered and eight months before his church was to be consecrated he died at the Belfast (Port Fairy) presbytery on the 29th March 1870 aged 58.

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 31st March 1870, page 5.

“BELFAST, Wednesday.
The Rev. Father Parle, who has been long seriously ill, died last night. His remains will be interred on Friday in the Tower-hill cemetery”.

Shortly after his death the ‘Banner of Belfast’ reported:

“…From the greatest architectural outline to the minutest detail everything was conceived and arranged by him; not only the sculpture of the chancel windows but the subject for each compartment for the glass-stainers was the conception of his fertile brain”.[9]

On Sunday the 13th of November 1870 the Koroit Church was officially opened and consecrated by the Vicar-General, James Fitzpatrick (1810-1890), assisted by the Rev George Vincent Barry.

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 17th November 1870, page 1s.

“A fine new Roman Catholic Church at Koroit was opened on Sunday last by Dr. Fitzpatrick, vicar-general, assisted by the Rev. G. V. Barry.”

During the opening and consecration ceremony it was suggested that the remains of Rev Parle should be interred inside the Koroit church. This never occurred and he and his monument remain at the Tower Hill Cemetery, but the church did act upon erecting a befitting memorial to him and commissioned Ferguson & Urie to create a set of three stained glass windows in his memory which were erected in the nave.

On the 15th of November 1870, The Warrnambool Examiner mentioned the chancel window:

“…The large stained glass triple lancet window above its altar, furnished by Fergusson [sic] and Urie of Melbourne, is harmonious in colour…”[10]

Apart from the chancel window, and the memorial windows to Rev Parle, there is another set of Ferguson & Urie windows in the nave as well as a remarkable cycle of twelve pairs of small windows high up in the clerestory. The detail in these windows is difficult to see with the naked eye, but high quality digital images reveal the consistent attention to detail employed by the company which aptly earned them the title of being known as “…famous throughout the colonies for skill and designs in this particular art…”[11]

 The three light chancel window: [View]

The three light chancel window is the centrepiece of the church and is possibly more than twenty feet in height. The left lancet contains images of the Tabernacle, the Crucifixion, and the Pelican feeding its blood to its young. The centre light depicts the Holly Dove, the Magi and the Lamb sleeping upon the Book of the Seven Seals. The right window depicts an angel offering communion, the Ascension of Christ, and the Phoenix in flames.

Reverend James Parle memorial windows: [View]

There are three single light windows together in the nave that were erected in memory of the Reverend James Parle. The windows each depict St. Patrick, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Mary. The memorial text across the foot of the windows reads:

“IN MEMORIAM REV J. PARLE – WHO COMMENCED THIS CHURCH – OBIT 1870”

Tabernacle window: [View]

Behind the tabernacle is a two light window with round window above. The round window contains a crimson cross with purple background of oak leaves and is surrounded by a crimson border with eight blue stars. The two windows below depict the Mother and Child and the other is possible St Anthony? (Holding a Lily).

Clerestory windows:

Each window in the clerestory has the names of sixteen saints and Latin terms related to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1. “SEPTIFORMIS” – “MUNERE” [View]
2. “SPIRITUS SAPIENTIAE” – “INTELLECTUS” [View]
3. “S. PHILLIP” – “S. PETER” [View]
4. “S. JAMES YE GREAT” – “S. JOHN” [View]
5. “S. JUDE” – “St. ANDREW” [View]
6. “St. PATRICK” – “St. BRENDAN” [View]
7. “St. MALACHY” – “St. COLUMBANUS” [View]
8. “St. BARTHOLOMEW” – “St. THOMAS” [View]
9. “St. MATTHEW” – “S. JAMES YE LESS” [View]
10. “S. SIMON” – “S. PAUL” [View]
11. “ET FORTITUDINIS” – “SPIRITUS CENSILIO” [View]
12. “SPIRITUS DOMINI” – “REQUIESCIT SUPER EUM” [View]

Some very detailed history of the stained glass at the church was written in 1991 by the Rev. Michael Linehan; “Stories in Glass, The Stained Glass Windows in the Church of the Infant Jesus Koroit, M. J. Linehan, 1991.”

In the Rev Linehan’s accounts of all the historic windows there is some very detailed information about the history of the Ferguson & Urie glass;

“…the Clerestory windows. There are 24 of them, arranged in pairs, 6 pairs in each wall…”
“…In the 1990 storm, 10 of the 12 western clerestory  windows were damaged. One had been damaged before. The only original one is the window which displays the word “Intellectus” (understanding) which is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The central circular panes in all the others were made in Koroit in December 1990 or January-February 1991. They are copies of the panes that were originally placed in the church, except for the window of St Jude which was both designed and manufactured following the storm of November 1990. Some years before that, the original pane had been replaced with a piece of red fibreglass and there is no record of what the original looked like. Of the eastern clerestory windows, the only new one is the one commemorating St Paul. In all the “new” clerestory windows, it is the central circular pane that really is new as well as some 30% to 60% of the other pieces of glass. All the lead which holds the pieces of glass together is also new…”

“…The artists responsible for the restoration work that was necessary after the 1990 hailstorm are Ruth Ball and Jill Edwards of Ti Glynna the leadlight and stained glass studio at Koroit…”

Footnotes:

[1] The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Wednesday 4th March 1914, page 3.

[3] Index to Unassisted Inward Passenger Lists to Victoria: Parle, Jas Rev, age 50, Jun 1862, “Avalanche”, Fiche 203, page 001.

[8] Warrnambool Examiner, Vic, Tuesday 4th January 1867.

[10] Warrnambool Examiner, Vic, Tuesday 15th November 1870.

Feb 8 2013

1873: St Monica’s Catholic Church, Footscray, Victoria.

Tenders for the erection of St Monica’s were advertised by the architect, T. A. Kelly, in June 1873[1]. The opening ceremony of St Monica’s was performed by the Rev J. Fitzpatrick on Sunday 3rd of May 1874 in the absence of Bishop Gould. The mass was read by Rev McGillicuddy and the dedication sermon performed by Rev J. F. Corbett[2]. To reduce the estimated ₤1,500 debt required to build the church, a Bazaar was held at the Footscray Town Hall on the 21st of May 1874[3] which ran for four days and was declared an outstanding success[4]. A number of fund raising activities were held in subsequent years but a considerable debt remained for nearly ten years until being declared debt free in October 1883[5]. On the Sunday the 6th of December 1885 the corner stone of the new extensions was laid[6] and the opening ceremony held on Sunday 16th May 1886[7]. The church was consecrated 16th November 1950[8]. Many further additions have been added since.

The church still contains some of the original Ferguson & Urie stock windows in the nave with the simple red and blue borders. Later stained glass was erected in the east end as a memorial to Rev P. Walshe which was created by William Montgomery and unveiled on Sunday the 9th August 1896[9]. A four light west window was created by Bill Gleeson in 1988. It would be likely that the original large east and west windows would have been identical in colouring and design as those few original two light windows that still remain in the nave.

Photos taken 20th February 2011.

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Foot notes:

Jan 23 2013

1874: Holy Cross Catholic Church, Moyhu, Victoria.

Twenty-seven kilometres south of Wangaratta in the north east of Victoria is the tiny township of Moyhu, noted in history for its connection with the the early Irish pioneers of the district and the infamous Kelly gang of the late 1800’s.

On Sunday the 4th of May 1873, in weather described as “unpropitious”, upwards of 150 people gathered about four kilometres north of the town of Moyhu to witness the Catholic Bishop of Victoria,  James Alepius Goold, lay the foundation stone of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. The sermon was preached by the Rev S. J. Kelly and the sum of £66 was raised at the collection [1]. A year later, Bishop Goold returned to officially dedicate the Church on Sunday 28th February 1875 [2].

In the chancel of Holy Cross are three historically significant stained glass windows that were crafted by the Colonial Victorian Stained Glass firm, Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne.

Photos taken 14th January 2013.

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The windows were donated by pioneers of the district, Richard Shanley, James Whitty and Thomas Byrne.

Richard Shanley donated the single lancet window to the left of the altar depicting ‘St Patrick’, the patron saint of Ireland. The text at the base of the window reads; “The Gift of Mr Richard Shanley”.

Above the altar is a quatrefoil shaped stained glass window in the gable depicting the ‘Madonna and Child’. This was the gift of James Whitty in 1874 in memory of his wife Catherine. A brass plaque near the chancel reads; “The Rose Window of the mother and child above the altar in the sanctuary was presented by James Whitty of Boggy Creek in memory of his wife Catherine. Died 3rd April 1874, aged 52 years. R.I.P”.

To the right of the altar is a single lancet window depicting the Crucifixion, which was donated by Thomas Byrne and has the text at the base which reads; “The gift of Mr Thomas Byrne”.

It’s my opinion that all three of the Ferguson & Urie windows were erected at the same time in the latter half of 1874 during the construction of the church.

About the donors of the stained glass windows:

James Whitty (c.1814-1882):

The Whitty’s were natives of Wexford in Ireland and came to Victoria circa 1840’s as assisted Irish immigrants and began farming in the Woodstock area, south west of Whittlesea. On the 6th of February 1842 James Whitty married 20-year old Catherine Parnell at St Francis Church in Melbourne[3] and later began farming in the Moyhu area south of Wangaratta. The Whitty family prospered and in subsequent years increased their land holdings significantly. On the 3rd of April, 1874 James’ wife died. In memory of his beloved Catherine, James commissioned the Melbourne stained glass firm ‘Ferguson & Urie’ to create a beautiful stained glass window depicting the ‘Madonna and Child’. It was erected behind the altar of the new Holy Cross Catholic Church being built at Moyhu. Nearly twelve months to the day after Catherine’s death, James Whitty purchased the “Myrhee” run in the Boggy Creek area near Moyhu. James didn’t marry again and the following years would continue to be a test of his resolve as he became an arch nemesis of the outlaw Ned Kelly. In August 1877 Ned Kelly and his gang stole eleven of Whitty’s horses which they subsequently sold to unsuspecting farmers near Howlong just over the NSW border. The respectable German farmers, the Baumgarten brothers, and farmers Kennedy, Studders, and Cooke were all implicated in receiving the stolen Whitty horses and sent to trial [4]. In the following years James Whitty and his neighbouring farmers would continue to be the target of the Kelly gang. Subsequently Whitty and other farmers in the district formed the North Eastern Stock Protection League. They offered sizeable rewards for the conviction of the thieves, a move that was squarely aimed at the Kelly gang. Ned Kelly responded in kind by continuing the relentless theft of Whitty’s stock for years to come. One newspaper account quoted Kelly as saying “…during his career he had stolen 280 horses from Whitty’s station, and sold them; and beyond this he had never been guilty of any other crime…[5]”. The thefts and accusations continued and on one occasion Whitty was confronted by Ned Kelly at the Moyhu race course where Kelly accused Whitty of perpetuating the false rumour that he had stolen one of Whitty’s prized bulls[6].

In January 1879 Whitty’s horse “Prince Alfred” was disqualified in an Albury Hurdle race.[7] Although Kelly had nothing to do with the event it would no doubt have pleased him greatly.

Ned Kelly was eventually apprehended during the Glenrowan shoot-out on the 28th June 1880, thus ending years of animosity between the Kellys and Whitty and his fellow farmers. Ned Kelly was hanged on the 11th November 1880. Just over a year and a half later James Whitty died at his Moyhu property on the 11th June 1882 [8], aged 68. He was buried near his wife Catherine and daughter Julia at the Milawa cemetery. The gravestones read; “…erected by James Whitty in memory of his beloved wife Catherine, Died 3rd April 1874, aged 52 years. Also her daughter Julia who died Aug 27, 1880, aged 23 years.” Nearby, James Whitty’s gravestone reads; “Erected by his sons and daughters, to the memory of their beloved father, James Whitty, who died on the 14th of July 1882, aged 68 years, may his soul rest in peace”.

The stained glass window James donated to the Holy Cross Church at Moyhu, stands as testament to his devotion to his wife Catherine and the Whitty family’s Irish Catholic roots.

Richard Shanley (1835-1922)[9]:

Richard Shanley was a native of the parish of Kell, King’s County Ireland, and arrived in Hobson’s Bay as an unassisted immigrant at the age of 26 on the 31st of October, 1860 [10]. Having only spent a few days in Melbourne he set off for Wangaratta by coach and then “humped his bluey” (swag)[11] 50km south towards the Whitfield and Moyhu area. He gained employment doing general farm work in the area and later held a position as Cheese Maker at the Whitfield station with the Evans brothers who had come out on the same ship. In the following five years he worked for the Farrell, Dennett and Evans families and then rented a portion of the “Manarhee estate” from the Evans family and started farming on his own. Around 1867 his parents and brother arrived in the colony to join him and in 1870 he selected 320 acres of “Redcamp” station where he made his home and named the property “Fairfield” after the name of his father’s property in Ireland. In subsequent years he increased the size of his land holdings to around 1400 acres.

In 1874 Richard Shanley married Ellen Prendergast and in the same year donated a stained glass window to the Holy Cross Catholic Church at Moyhu. The window was created by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne and depicts St Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland.  The text at the base of the window reads: “The Gift of Mr Richard Shanley”.

In February 1901, disastrous bush fires swept over Moyhu and surrounding district and lives were lost and homesteads burnt. Richard Shanley was one of the lucky few and only lost 1500 acres of grassland and fencing [12].

In June 1907 Shanley attended a banquet on the farm of John Hughes at Greta, to celebrate the pioneers of the district. The event was attended by upwards of 250 people and Shanley was invited to speak during the dinner in which he gave a short account of his early days in the colony.

Four years later, on Wednesday the 18th January 1911, Shanley celebrated his half century in the Colony of Victoria by holding his own banquet for the pioneers of the Moyhu district, to which over 150 persons attended at his “Fairfield” property[13] where he extended on his previous speech in 1907 and gave a very detailed summary of his life, struggles, and friendship with the other pioneers of the district.

In January 1914, at the age of 79, he and his daughter Mary narrowly escaped serious injury near “Thistlebrook” when his horses broke loose from the buggy and bolted but despite his advanced age he succeeded in bringing the situation under control without injury to himself or Mary [14].

Richard Shanley died at his property “Fairfield” at Moyhu on the 31st August 1922 [15], aged 87. His wife Ellen (nee Prendergast 1824-1924) died two years later on the 21st August 1924 [16]and both were buried at the Milawa cemetery. They were survived by eight adult children.

Their grave stone at Milawa reads: “In loving memory of Richard Shanley, died 31st Aug 1922, aged 87. Also his wife Ellen Shanley, died 21st Aug 1924, aged 78”.

Thomas Byrne (c.1798-1883):

Thomas Byrne was a native of Wicklow, Ireland, and arrived in Australia as an un-assisted immigrant with his children aboard the ‘Phoenix’ in January 1856[17], his wife, unconfirmed as Sarah Dunne, having died in Ireland circa 1844.

In 1874 Thomas Byrne donated the single light stained glass window depicting the ‘Crucifixion’ to the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Moyhu. Thomas Byrne died at Moyhu aged 85 in 1883 [18]. He was buried at the Milawa cemetery with the inscription on the gravestone reading:

“In Memory of Thomas Byrne, A Patriarch, died 24th February 1883, aged 86 years. Also his daughter Mary Byrne who died April 21st 1903 aged 81 years.”

The North Eastern Ensign, Benalla, Vic, Friday 9th May 1873, page 2.

(On Sunday 4th May 1873 the foundation stone was laid by the Catholic Bishop of Melbourne, James Alepius Goold)

“MOYHU ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.- On Sunday last the foundation stone of the new Roman Catholic Church at Moyhu was laid by the Right Reverend Dr. Goold, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Melbourne. The weather was unpropitious, but the ceremony was nevertheless attended by upwards of 150 persons. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Kelly, S. J., and a collection which was subsequently made realised the handsome sum of £66”.

The Colac Herald, Vic, Friday 5th March 1875, page 3.

(On Sunday 28th February 1875, the Catholic Church at Moyhu was dedicated)

“On Sunday last Archbishop Goold presided at the dedication of the Roman Catholic Church of St. John [sic?] of the Cross, at Moyhu, near Wangaratta…”

Foot notes:

[3] Married 6th February 1842 at St Francis’ Church Melbourne (marriage VIC BDM: 35423/1842). Catherine Parnell, born Offaly, Ireland to James Parnell and Catherine Horan.

[6] The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Wednesday 18th Dec 1878, page 6. (Ned Kelly’s letter to Donald Cameron. MLA, post-marked Glenrowan, 14 Dec 1878).

[9] Richard Shanley, Vic BDM: 10575/1922. Aged 87. Son of Peter Shanley and Sarah Whelan.

[10] Richard Shanley arrived aboard the “Lightning”: Index to Unassisted Inward Passenger Lists to Victoria 1852-1923, Fiche 183, Page 007. (surname transcribed as ‘Chanley’). He arrived with his long time friend Rowland Hughes in their early 20’s.

[11] Wangaratta Dispatch and North-Eastern Advertiser, Wednesday 26 June 1907.

[13] Wangaratta Chronicle, Saturday 21st January, 1911.

[15] Wangaratta Chronicle, Saturday September 2,1922

[17] Thos Byrne: Index to un-assisted inward passengers lists to Vic 1852-1923, Fiche 105, page 001.

[18] Thos Byrne: Vic BDM: 2659/1883, aged 85.

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Joan Ellis for her assistance with access to Holy Cross at Moyhu and enthusiasm for the history.

© Copyright

Jan 6 2013

24-05-1884: St Michael’s Catholic Church, Little River, Victoria.

In 1884 Ferguson & Urie erected a two light stained glass window over the altar of St Michael’s Catholic Church at Little River, west of Melbourne. The window depicts Jesus in the left light in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to a chalice and St Michael in the right light also kneeling in prayer. The window was originally erected in the first bluestone church in 1884 at the instigation of a Miss Ellen Bannon[1], The original bluestone church was demolished in 1921 and a new red brick church was built in its place with some of the original bluestone from the old church used for the foundations. The stained glass window was also re-erected over the altar of the new church which opened in April 1922[2].

Photos were taken: 14th Dec 2012 & 2nd Jan 2013.

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Advocate, Vol. XV, No. 801, 24 May 1884, p.15.

“GEELONG [From our own correspondent]

 The additions and improvements to the Catholic Church at Little River are now nearly completed.  A generous lady, Miss Banim[3], who has already contributed largely towards the funds of the church, last week sent an order to Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, for a handsome stained glass window, to be erected over the altar; while another lady promises a carpet for the sanctuary, and a chest of drawers for the vestments, etc….”[4]

The memorial text across the bottom of the windows reads:

“TO THE GLORY OF GOD – AND IN HONOUR OF
THE REV M MURPHY – PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH
THIS WINDOW IS THE GIFT OF – ELLEN BANNON 1884”

The donor of the window, Miss Ellen Bannon/Bannin died two years later in 1886 at the Prince Alfred Hospital aged 46, and she was buried at the St Kilda General Cemetery[5]. The name of the “Rev M. Murphy” mentioned on the window is more elusive. The text says in “Honour” rather than “In Memory” so there is some conjecture as to whether the Rev M. Murphy was actually alive or not at the time of the window being commissioned by Ms Ellen Bannon in 1884. From the Catholic directories National Council of Priests[6], the only recorded name match is for a “Rev Michael Denis Murphy” who died 13/02/1939 and ministered in the parishes of “Meredith, Footscray, etc, Victoria” (no other specific detail known).

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 8th March 1886, page 1.

“BANNON.- On the 6th inst., at Alfred Hospital, Ellen Bannon, late of Lara. Aged 46 years. R.I.P”.

“THE Friends of the late Miss ELLEN BANNON, late of Lara, are most respectfully invited to follow her remains to their last resting-place, in the St. Kilda General Cemetery. The funeral is appointed to leave the Alfred Hospital, THIS DAY (Monday), at 11 o’clock a.m.  BENJAMIN T. STEVENS, undertaker, 280 Church-street, near Swan-street, Richmond”.

http://www.standrewswerribee.org.au/little-river.htm

“St Michael’s Little River Catholic community started in 1857, when Fr. Ranald Rankin was appointed resident priest by Melbourne’s first Archbishop, James Goold. Fr. Ranald Rankin came out to Australia from Scotland on the Marco Polo in 1853.  At that time, the Parish extended as far as Anakie and Footscray and it was the only church between Williamstown and Geelong. Fr. Rankin built St. Michael’s Church from local bluestone. During the week the church was also used as a denominational school. When Fr. Rankin died in February 1863, the parish was closed because of a shortage of priests. It was incorporated into the Geelong Mission. In 1906 Archbishop Thomas Carr created the parish of St. Andrews Werribee which incorporated St. Michael’s Little River. The old bluestone church was demolished and the present one was built. It was blessed and opened by Archbishop Daniel Mannix on the 2nd of April 1922…” [7]

The death and burial of Ellen Bannon/Bannim in 1886:

Vic BDM: 3078/1886, Bannin, Ellen, age 46, died PRN ALF H (Prince Alfred Hospital). Parents listed as unknown.

St Kilda General Cemetery, Ellen Bannin, age 46, buried at ROMAN CATHOLIC, MONUMENTAL, COMPARTMENT D GRAVE 616.

There is obviously some confusion as to the spelling of her surname as either Bannin or Bannon. The stained glass window, obituary and funeral notice both have “Bannon” and the BDM Index entry and cemetery record both have “Bannin”.

Werribee Shire Banner, Vic, Thursday 6th April 1922, page 2.

“OPENING NEW R.C. CHURCH AT LITTLE RIVER.

“Nearly 2000 people witnessed the solemn blessing and opening of a new Roman Catholic Church at Little River on Sunday afternoon last by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr. Mannix. The sacred edifice, which cost in the vicinity of £2,500, may be recognised as a gift church, the late Huon McNaughton having left he sum of £2,300 for this purpose. The construction of the church was commenced some twelve months ago, but owing to unforseen circumstances it was not completed until recently, when work was finally executed by Mr. John Smith, of Meredith. The church which is built of brick, and neatly furnished, will accommodate about 200 people, and the parishioners of Little River can well feel proud of having one of the most handsome and elaborately equipped churches in the country parishes of Victoria…”

[1] Advocate, Vol. XV, No. 801, 24 May 1884, p.15.

[3] Ellen Bannon, as per dedication text on window. Interchangeably spelt as Bannin and Bannon on other notices.

[4] Article sent from Dr. Bronwyn Hughes, email, 14 Dec 2012.

[6] Sally Heath, NCP, email 4 Jan 2013.

Nov 22 2012

21-08-1876: St Martin’s Church, Muskerry, Victoria.

St Martin’s Catholic Church, known as St Martin of Tours,  is located at Muskerry, about 30km North East of Bendigo and 7km South East of Goornong in western Victoria. The foundation stone was laid by the Rev. Dr. Crane the Catholic Bishop of Sandhurst (Bendigo) on the 19th September 1875 [1], and less than a year later the church was consecrated by Rev. Crane on the 20th August 1876 [2]. All the glazing and stained glass was supplied by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne.

Unfortunately there doesn’t appear to be any remaining Ferguson & Urie windows in St Martins as they have all been replaced over the course of more than a century with stained glass by artists such as Auguste Fischer (the O’Keefe windows c.1905), and William Montgomery, and the simpler nave windows most likely by E. L. Yencken & Co [3]

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Photos by Ray Brown: Updated 20190208

Bendigo Advertiser, Vic, Monday 21st August 1876, page 3.

“THE CONSECRATION OF ST. MARTIN’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, MUSKERRY.”

“The ceremony above referred to took place yesterday, and, the weather being fine, many of our citizens availed themselves of this as an excuse for taking a trip in the country, while adding éclat to an event of no everyday occurrence in the neighbourhood of the Campaspe…”

“…Acting on the Dean’s suggestions, a committee was formed and an active canvass undertaken, and some twenty months since the foundations of the new church were laid (on the 19th September, 1875). The site – a magnificent one, well elevated, situated about a half-a-mile from the Clare Inn, and about three acres in extent – was generously given, free of all cost, by Mr. Ed Cahill. On the day of the laying of the foundation £104 was collected, and this amount, in conjunction with the free site, encouraged the committee to erect St Martin’s Church, at a cost of £1,480 7s 1d. The building has, at present, a debt amounting to about 947, which, by yesterday’s collection, was reduced by close on £160….”

“There are circular windows in each gable of ground and stained glass, and all the other windows are glazed with the same material, supplied by Messrs Fergusson [sic] and Urie, of Melbourne…”

“Great credit is due to the several contractors for the admirable manner in which they have completed their contracts from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr. J. M. Brady, the architect, of Pall Mall, Sandhurst. The service of consecration was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Crane, Roman Cathlilic Bishop, assisted by the Very Rev. Dean Backhaus and Dr. Revell…”

Jul 8 2012

13-08-1867: St Peter & St Paul, Geelong, Victoria.

In the later half of 1867 James Urie of the stained glass firm ‘Ferguson & Urie’ of North Melbourne traveled to Tasmania to further expose the business throughout the Colonies. The Hobart Mercury provided detailed reports of his travels as well as mentioning  some of the establishments the company had gained commissions for, or those they had recently completed. One of those mentioned was the church of St Peter & St Paul in Geelong.

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Bishop Goold on the 17th January 1864 and was designed by architect William Wardell in the 13th Century Gothic form. The superintending architect was  J. A. Denny and the contractor was a Mr. Nash, of Geelong. The total cost of the construction exceeded £6000.

Photos taken 23rd August 2009.

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The three light window was erected as the principal east window in the chancel. The left light depicts St Peter with his crossed Keys to heaven. the centre light depicts Jesus in the act of the Ascension with the Holy Dove above and the right light depicts St Paul holding his book and sword and another symbol of the book below.

Freman’s Journal, Sydney, NSW, Saturday 21st July 1866, page 451.

“…The stained window of the altar was designed and executed by Messrs. Ferguson and Weir [sic] of North Melbourne, whose artistic talents have been successfully deployed in depicting not only a work of art, but one also befitting the dedication of the edifice. The window is the history: the ecclesiastical symbols, combined with the figures of the saints, are in severe taste, and the adjuncts in selection consistent. The coloring is cheerful yet sober, and the effect of that nature that shades come up reminding one of historic memories…”

“..Reverting to the stained window we may mention that it is a gift of the Very Rev. Dean Hayes, and we have ascertained that his munificence – not dwarfish on other occasions – has been exemplified in this instance by the outlay of £112…”

“The architect of this unique building is W. W. Wardell, Esq – the superintending architect, J. A. Denny, Esq and the contractor, Mr. Nash, of Geelong, to whom for promptitude and excellelence in workmanship every praise is due. The total cost of the erection exceeds £6000”.

“…The subdued light fell on the altar through the stained glass with just sufficient power to bring into relief the golden woven vestments of the celebrants…”

Unfortunately the images in the slideshow are from my earlier photographic attempts back in the days when I only had a pocket digital camera.

Related posts: 13-08-1867: James Urie visits Tasmania on Ferguson and Urie business.

© Copyright

Apr 10 2012

10-10-1895: French stained glass window for St. Patricks R.C. Kilmore.

In October 1895 a stained glass window was erected over the Virgins Chapel at St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Kilmore. This window was reported to have been made in Lyons, France and its erection was at the instigation of Catherine Murray (c.1827-1896) in memory of her daughter Bridget Frances Rush and her grandson Ormond Thomas Murray Rush.

Catherine’s daughter Bridget had married Thomas Joseph Rush in St Patricks Catholic Church in Kilmore on the 24th April 1889[1]. She gave birth to their only son, Ormond, on the 9th June 1891 but Bridget died five days later[2] and the infant Ormond died two years later on the 1st September 1893[3].

In early October 1895 the triple light stained glass window was erected behind the Virgins Altar in the liturgical east wall of St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Kilmore. The window was not made by the Ferguson & Urie Company but was reported as having been installed by a “capable workman from the firm of Ferguson and Urie”[4].

Ten months after the window was erected, the donor of the window, Catherine Murray, died at the Royal Oak Hotel at Kilmore on the 19th July 1896, aged 69. She was the wife of Publican Mathew Murray (c.1810-1886) who was the licensee of The Royal Oak Hotel in Sydney Street Kilmore from circa 1860 until his death in 1886[5].  The hotel was then under the joint ownership of Alexander Murray and their son, Thomas Francis Murray[6].

Bridget’s husband, Thomas Joseph Rush, was a local businessman in Kilmore[7] as well as a Kilmore District Electoral Returning Officer[8], Kilmore Waterworks Trust Commissioner[9], President and member of the Kilmore hospital committee and Justice of the Peace. In March 1896 he sold his business interests and household furniture and effects[10] and decided to leave Kilmore and in May he was fare-welled at the Royal Oak Hotel by the Councillors and prominent members of the district[11].

The lone gravestone of Bridget Rush and her infant son Ormond is located at the Kilmore Catholic cemetery and is inscribed:

“ERECTED BY THOMAS JOSEPH RUSH IN MEMORY OF HIS LOVING WIFE BRIDGET FRANCES, WHO DIED 14th JUNE 1891. MAY THE ALMIGHTY HAVE MERCY UPON HER SOUL. ALSO, ORMOND THOMAS MURRAY RUSH, WHO DIED 1st SEPT 1893, AGED 2 YEARS & 3 MONTHS”

Photos taken 14th Dec 2013.

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Kilmore Free Press, Victoria, Thursday 10th October 1895, page 3.

“ERECTION OF MEMORIAL WINDOW”

“Last week, at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Kilmore, a capable workman from the firm of Ferguson and Urie erected a stained glass window, in accordance with instructions from an esteemed and respected townswoman. The window is placed at the back of the Virgin’s Altar, and consists of three lights, in which are placed figures, the centre one being a full length representation of our Blessed lady, while in the lights in either side are representations of the Annunciation and the Immaculate Conception. All three are surmounted with suitable tracery in the mullions, both overhead and beneath. The glass, antique in pattern, was imported from one of the principal houses in Lyons, France, famous for work of this description, and a very noticeable feature in connection with the figures is the perfection with which they are drawn, indeed for beauty of design, completeness of detail, and for forcible expression, they seem to leave nothing to be desired, and in time to come when the present and coming generations shall have passed away, it will speak for the solid piety and charity of the generous donor. At the base of the very chaste memorial window is the following inscription in plain Roman letters:- ‘Erected by Mrs Murray to the memory of her beloved daughter and grandchild, Bridget Francis Rush and Ormond Thomas Murray. R.I.P.”

The window is indicated as being made in Lyons, France and only installed by a Ferguson & Urie employee in 1895. The makers are likely to be from the parent firm of Louis Gille & Co or Lyons, France.

Significant transcriptions:

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 11th June 1891, page 1.

“RUSH.- On the 9th inst., at Sydney-street, Kilmore, the wife of T. J. Rush – a son.”

This is Ormond Thomas Murray Rush – who died on the 1st September 1893. His mother Bridget died five days after giving birth to him.

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 15th June 1891, page 1.

“RUSH.- On the 14th inst., at her late residence, Sydney-street, Kilmore, Bridget, the beloved wife of Thomas J. Rush. Deeply regretted. R.I.P.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 16th June 1891, page 1.

“THE Friends of Mr. T. J. RUSH are respectfully invited to follow the remains of his late beloved wife from his residence, Sydney-street, Kilmore, THIS DAY (Tuesday, 16th inst.), at 9.30 a.m. The funeral will proceed first to St. Patrick’s R. C. Church, where a requiem mass will be celebrated, and thence at 3 p.m. to place of interment, the Kilmore Catholic Cemetery. THOMAS BOSSENCE, Undertaker, Kilmore.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 2nd September 1893, page 7.

“RUSH.- On the 1st instant, at Kilmore, Ormond Thomas Murray, only son of T. J. and the late Bridget Frances Rush, aged 2 years and 3 months. R.I.P.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 20th July 1896, page 1.

“MURRAY.- On the 19th July, at the Royal Oak Hotel, Kilmore, Catherine, relict of Matthew Murray, aged 69 years.”

Footnotes:

[8] Victorian Government Gazette, No.92, Friday 5th July 1895, page 2563.

[9] Victorian Government Gazette, No.36, Friday 30th October 1891, page 4360.