Category St Patrick’s

Nov 15 2022

1867: St Patrick’s Catholic Church Port Fairy

St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Port Fairy, Victoria.

There are many mysteries to be unraveled in historic Ferguson & Urie stained glass windows. This one at Port Fairy in Western Victoria is yet another that I needed to pick to pieces.

The foundation stone of St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Port Fairy (then known as Belfast) was laid on the 30th July 1857 by Bishop James Alipius Goold. The land was donated by one of Port Fairy’s earliest settlers James Atkinson.[1]

The church was built to the designs of London architect Charles Francis Hansom[2] and officially dedicated by Bishop Goold on Thursday 17th January 1861.

In August/September 1868, some stained-glass windows for St Patrick’s were ordered by the Rev James Parle[3] from the Ferguson, Urie & Lyon [4]stained-glass company of North Melbourne. A pair of small two-light windows were the first to be completed and installed on the liturgical south side of the chancel.

The symbolism in the first pair of windows depicts the fleur-de-lis with a crown and the Chi-Rho.

The second pair contains the monogram letters “I.H.C”[5] incorporated with a gold crown and a monogram for the Virgin Mary also with a gold crown. Each of the lancets has the recognisable Ferguson & Urie border design of alternating red and blue glass separated by a flower. The diamond quarries contain repeating patterns of the fleur-de-lis. A quatrefoil in matching colours appears above each pair of windows.

In 2015 master stained-glass craftsman Geoffrey Wallace mentioned some elements in the Ferguson & Urie glass that impressed him, in particular, the ruby red sgraffito rose decoration, in the background of the window depicting the “I.H.C” monogram.

“…There are also two, 2 lancet geometric windows that have the most wonderful sgraffito decoration, particularly the roses…”[6]

The detail of the sgraffito work in the roses is extraordinary, and this level of detail is a highlight of the company’s early stained glass work. St George’s Anglican Church at Queenscliff in Victoria is another example of this detailed sgraffito work in their twelve apostle windows.

The stained glass windows for the main four lights at the liturgical east end of St Patrick’s were originally supposed to depict the Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion, and Resurrection but these were never ordered by the Rev Parle.

In late September 1867 it was reported;

“…The chancel and spire of the Belfast [Port Fairy] church has been completed. Two very beautiful stained glass windows light the chancel from the northern side, but the great chancel window has not yet been ordered, the estimate of Messrs Ferguson and Co, for which is £250…” [7] – The Age 30th Sept 1867

Almost a year had passed before Rev Parle placed the order for the chancel windows but on the 29th of March 1870 he died, and this would likely be the reason why further progress on the windows was put on hold.

In August 1868 the Melbourne Age reported on the stained-glass for the tracery windows and that temporary windows would be inserted in the lower portions:

“A MAGNIFICENT STAINED GLASS WINDOW has been ordered by the Rev. Mr Parle, for the chancel of St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Belfast, from Messrs Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, of Melbourne. The design for the four lower or principal openings consists of the nativity, baptism, death and resurrection of our Saviour. In the large circular opening in the upper portion of the tracery the Ascension is the subject, and in the intermediate openings, other scenes in the life of our Saviour are represented. The upper portion is complete, but temporary windows of plain cathedral glass will be inserted in the lower portions. The cost when completed will be £280.” [8] – The Age, Victoria 15th Aug 1868

On the 5th of September further information was reported with a detailed description of the figures that appear in the upper tracery windows:

“ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, BELFAST.- A new stained glass window has been erected in this church. The lower compartments have been temporarily glazed with plain cathedral glass, but hereafter will be filled in with designs of the Nativity, Baptism, Death, and Resurrection of our Saviour. The tracery about these portions is completed; and in the four trefoils immediately above them are representations of the four Evangelists. In the central and uppermost opening is the Ascension, and in those on either side the Annunciation, and the descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles; the various interstices being filled with appropriate emblems. The coloring is very beautiful, and, both in design and execution, this window is a very creditable production of colonial art. It is, we believe, from the establishment of Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, Curzon street, North Melbourne.”[9] – Advocate, Victoria 5th Sep 1868

Starting from the top of the arrangement in the tracery windows is the Ascension. Directly below this is the Paschal Lamb or Lamb of God with Victory Banner. On the left is the Annunciation of Mary and on the right is the Descent of the Holy Ghost. The lower row of four windows depicts the four evangelists as their alter egos, St Mathew as the Winged Man, St Mark as the Winged Lion, St Luke as the Winged Bull, and St John as the Eagle.

Reports of the stained glass windows for St Patrick’s even made it across the globe to Ireland.

“The Builder informs us that “a stained-glass window has been ordered by the Rev. Mr. Parle, for the chancel of St. Patricks (R. C.) Church, Belfast, from Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, of Melbourne”!! Was there not a possibility of the reverend gentleman procuring a window somewhat nearer home?”[10]

The writer from the ‘Dublin Builder’ of November 1868 has me perplexed with this quip. I’m not sure if it was meant to be a joke or whether he was truly oblivious to the ‘Belfast’ he refers to being in Australia and not Ireland.

The temporary cathedral glass that was installed in the four lancets below the Ferguson, Urie and Lyon tracery windows remained an uninspiring bland feature of the chancel of St Patrick’s for more than half a century. They were eventually completed by the Melbourne stained glass of firm Brooks, Robinson & Co circa 1920, but they didn’t depict the scenes originally intended. The scenes in each of the four lights now depict the Agony in the Garden, Christ bearing the Cross, Crucifixion, and the Ascension. 

The depiction of Christ in the window at the top of the tracery had at some point in time been removed for repair or conservation and unfortunately, it was re-installed back to front, which means the delicately painted side was outside and exposed to the weather, which significantly damaged that window. In May 2015, Geoffrey Wallace indicated:

“…The East window has the tracery section done by F&U while the lancets below are by Brooks Robinson.  At the top is an image of God the Father…Unfortunately, someone has installed this panel back to front and most of the paint has washed off…”[11]

A historic black and white photo of the chancel of St Patrick’s dated circa 1920 reveals that the image of Christ in the tracery window is facing to the right which means that it had been installed back to front before 1920. The Lamb carrying the banner below was also facing the wrong way.

In 2017 stained glass craftsman Robert Rusev[12] from Melbourne was commissioned to do some conservation work on the four lancets made by Brooks, Robinson & Co. In addition to that, Rob indicated the following:

“I rectified that situation of the Ascension window being installed painted side out, but I’m afraid I was too late. Almost all of the painted detail has been lost.” [13]

Robert also rectified the reverse installation of the Lamb with Banner window below Christ. 

Rob also wrote:

“… You may have also noticed that the St. Mark roundel is not original. Whilst working I bumped into the old fellow that broke it and all those years later he was still very upset on out it…” [14]

The History of Port Fairy:

Circa 1828, Captain Henry Wishart steered his cutter, the “Fairy,” to shelter from a storm in a little bay off the southwest coast of Victoria. He named the inlet “Port Fairy” after his vessel and it later became the site of a busy whaling station. In less than twelve years unsustainable fishing practices had decimated the whale population in that area and by1840 it was closed as a whaling station. After more than 175 years the fragile whale population is still recovering.

In 1843 the Government wanted a township established in the area and began selling significant parcels of land at very cheap prices. These land sales had a special condition attached to encourage settlers to establish a township. James Atkinson[15], in partnership with William Rutledge and others, purchased 5120 acres from the Crown and Atkinson named the area “Belfast” after his birthplace. The sale to Atkinson was published in the Government Gazette on the 19th Sep 1843[16] but the concept was flawed. Atkinson’s sizeable land holding was considered more of a threat and eventually meant the establishment of the town would stall.

In 1887 the residents of Belfast petitioned the Victorian Government to rename the township back to its original name “Port Fairy” and in May 1887 the Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Brougham Loch, officially proclaimed the name change[17].

In 2012, nearly 185 years after the inlet had been discovered; Port Fairy was bestowed with the honor of being the world’s most liveable town.[18].

Another church at Port Fairy that has extant stained glass windows by Ferguson & Urie is St John’s Anglican Church.

Acknowledgements:

My thanks to Geoffrey Wallace and Robert Rusev for their contribution of photographs and quotes for this article, and for all the fantastic conservation and replica work they have done and continue to do on the historic Ferguson & Urie and other historic stained glass windows.

Foot notes:

[1] James Atkinson 1804-1864, proprietor of the “Special Survey” for land at Port Fairy in 1843.

[2] Charles Francis Hansom (1817 – 1888)

[3] The Rev James Parle (1811-1870) also instigated the Ferguson & Urie windows for the Infant Jesus Catholic Church at Koroit, Victoria, in November 1870.

[4] John Lamb Lyon became a partner with Ferguson & Urie between 1866 and 1873 at which time the company name was known as Ferguson, Urie and Lyon.

[5] IHC or IHS is a monogram contraction of the Greek word for Jesus.

[6] Geoffrey Wallace email to Ray Brown 14th May 2015.

[7] The Age, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 30th September 1867, page 6.

[8] The Age, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 15th August 1868, page 3.

[9] Advocate, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 5th September 1868, page 11.

[10] The Dublin Builder, Ireland, Sunday 1st November 1868, page 9.

[11] Geoffrey Wallace, May 2015.

[12] Robert Rusev was formerly an apprentice to Master Glass Craftsman Geoffrey Wallace.

[13] Robert Rusev email 12th June 2022.

[14]  Robert Rusev email 14th June 2022.

[15]  James Atkinson died in Sydney on the 17th of December 1864.

[16] Victorian Govt Gazette, No.78, Tuesday 19th September 1843, page 1209

[17] Victorian Govt Gazette, No.46, Friday 27th May 1887, page 1388.

[18] The Standard, Vic, 28th November 2012.  (on-line accessed 18 Oct 2020)

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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.

Feb 26 2012

1871: St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia.

St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wangaratta, Victoria.

The triple light stained glass windows behind the altar were the work of  Ferguson, Urie & Lyon  of North Melbourne. There is also a single light in the north transept (very hard to photograph due to obscured light in lower half)  and there is also the Lamb of God (aka Agnus Dei) located above two art deco lights that are not by Ferguson & Urie. Whether there were any original Ferguson & Urie windows below the Lamb of God medallion is not known but it looks highly likely that this window has come from another position in the church prior to modern extensions.

The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 11th March 1871, page 7.

 “The new Roman Catholic church at Wangaratta, dedicated to St. Patrick, was solemnly opened and consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr. Goold, on Sunday last. High mass was performed, the bishop being assisted by the Re. Dr. Fitzpatrick, vicar-general, and Fathers Hogan and Egan. The church was crowded with people, collected from almost every place within 30 miles of Wangaratta”.

Advocate, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 18th March 1871, page 6.

“DEDICATION OF ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, Wangaratta…”

“…The stained glass windows are admirable illustrations of the proficiency of the colonial manufacturers, Messrs. Fergusson,[sic] Urie, and Lyon – the central figure of the Saviour on the cross, with the Blessed Virgin kneeling at the foot, being represented with special correctness of drawing and colouring…”

 

Photos taken 19th December 2011.

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