Tag Archives: Geelong

Jul 9 2014

1872: Christ Church Anglican, Geelong, Victoria.

The 25th Anniversary Window.

The second historical Ferguson & Urie stained glass window to be erected in Christ Church at Geelong was a three light Gothic decorated design by the company’s senior stained glass artist and partner John Lamb Lyon. It was erected in the liturgical north side of the nave in Christ Church circa August 1872 which was a year before Lyon departed the firm for his own ventures in Sydney.

The instigator for the erection of this window was the Parish Incumbent, Canon George Goodman, who served as Vicar of Christ Church and other ecclesiastic appointments for 51 years from 1855 to 1906. His wife Margaret is credited with the momentum and collection of subscriptions for the window, which cost £50 with a further £5 required for its wire protection.

The three light window was erected to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Melbourne diocese and Prelacy of Bishop Charles Perry [1]. It depicts the biblical images of the alter egos of the four evangelists, with the Agnus Dei or Paschal Lamb in the centre light carrying the victory banner.

All of the text on the window is in Latin and the text at the base loosely translates as:

“Feast of St Peter’s Day (29th of June) 1872. Episcopate of Melbourne’s 25th year”.

Photos were taken between 2010 and 2013.

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Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Friday 16th August 1872, page 2.

“A few weeks ago it was mentioned that Mrs. G. Goodman was actively bestirring herself collecting subscriptions for an ornamental window, which it was proposed should take the place of a window on the north side of Christ Church, through which the summer sun occasionally shone too powerfully. In addition to this she is desirous that a memorial window should be placed in the church to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Right Rev. Dr. Perry’s prelacy. The sum required was £55, not much in itself, but large when the many calls that are being made upon the congregation are taken into consideration, and unassisted, Mrs Goodman accomplished her task. A window was ordered of Messrs Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, of Melbourne. The artistic talents of Mr Lyon, who has lately returned from following medieval studies in the various cathedrals of Europe, were called into requisition, and the result was that during the past week a window has been placed in Christ Church that cannot fail to be admired. Many may consider there is a preponderance of green about it, but this colour was deemed the best for the powerful sun to shine through. The window, which is of the early decorated order, consists of three light, with two quatrefoils and a small oblong in the arch. The groundwork is a combination of faint yellow, with passion flowers outlined in black, so as to give a greenish hue, which as before hinted, subdues the glare of the northern sun. In a centre light, in a ruby ground, is the lamb and flag emblem of the Agnus Dei, within a vesica piscis. Four circular medallions with green borders are placed in the centre and side lights, so as to combine with the vesica in a cruciform arrangement, containing emblems of the four evangelists, viz.- the human face for St. Matthew, the lion for St. Mark, the ox for St. Luke, and the eagle for St. John. The wings of these emblematic creatures are of a cold blue, edged with green, to act as a foil to the bright ruby and violet distributed over the window. The inscription intimates that the window is erected in honour of the completion of the 25th year of the diocese of Melbourne, bearing date St. Peter’s Day (June 29th), 1872. The words of the inscription, like those of the evangelists’ names and of the Agnus Dei, are in Latin – “Festo S. Petri, MDCCCLXXII, Episcopatur Melbornsi, XXV annos condito.” The net cost of the window was £50, but £5 more was required for protecting it with wire.”

The instigators for the erection of the window:

Margaret Elizabeth Goodman (nee Mortlock 1821-1901) was former governess for the Marquis of Normanby and married Anglican clergyman George Goodman (1821-1908) in St. Bride’s, Fleet Street, London on the 1st July 1853. Just over three weeks later they departed Bristol for Australia aboard the ‘Corfield’ on the 23rd July 1853 and arrived in December of 1853[2].

Margaret died 26th September 1901 aged 80 and Canon George Goodman died 25th June 1908 at the age of 87. Both were interred in the Geelong Eastern Cemetery along with four of their children [3] – [4].

Of Christ Church itself, it is the only Church in Victoria designed by architect Edmund Blacket. It was opened and dedicated on the 27 June 1847 and consecrated on 25 October 1859.

Other references:

NLA Obituary: Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Friday 26th June 1908, page 3.

Australian Dictionary of Biography: Canon George Goodman (1821-1908).

Other Ferguson & Urie windows in Christ Church:

Other Ferguson & Urie stained glass windows in Christ Church include the Chancel window (c. Nov 1869) and the ‘John Rendall Morris’ memorial window in the liturgical north transept (c.1873).

Footnotes:

[1] Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Friday 16th August 1872, page 2.

[2] http://www.archerfamily.org.uk/family/goodman.htm (accessed 6 Jul 2014). Note: This reference can not be substantiated from any shipping registers.

[3] Geelong Cemetery Register: 5967, EAS-COE-OLD-A-807-051

[4] Geelong Cemetery Register: 4709, EAS-COE-OLD-A-807-072

 

© Copyright

Dec 13 2012

27-04-1862: St Giles Presbyterian Church, Geelong, Victoria.

Situated on the west side of Gheringhap street, between Little Ryrie and Myers street in Geelong is the former St Giles Presbyterian Church, also known as the West End or High Church. Ferguson & Urie created the five light west window, which is one of a rare few that have the company name on it, as well as the Burning Bush window at the east end which includes the date “A.D. 1862”.

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Tuesday 29th April 1862, page 3.

“…The windows in the front elevation (Gheringhap-street) will be of stained glass, five lights each and traceried; they are being prepared by Messrs Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne, a very handsome and elaborate design, and will not be ready for a few weeks…”

The designs of architect Nathaniel Billing were chosen as a result of a competition entry[1] and Boynton & Conway of Geelong were the building contractors. Although initial designs included a spire, this was never built. The foundation stone was laid on Tuesday the 9th of July 1861 by the treasurer of the new church, Thomas Brown Esq[2], and it was formally opened on Sunday 27th April 1862 [3]. By 1938 St Giles had no minister and it was suggested that it should be pulled down[4] and re-erected in place of the wooden Scots Church in Pakington street Geelong West. This never eventuated and the church continued to serve the congregation for another forty years. St Giles was last used for services in 1977 when the Uniting Church classed the building as redundant and it was sold in 1988. It was then used as an entertainment venue which hosted many live bands and performances by famous rockers such as Jimmy Barnes. How the stained glass windows survived unscathed during this period is remarkable! Photos taken 6th January 2012, except the last two photos in the slideshow which show the full perspective of the liturgical west window, and the Burning Bush window at the liturgical east end. These two photos have been contributed by Geoffrey Wallace, taken in 2006 before the internal office space construction began.

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The latest transformation of the former St Giles church was it’s conversion to offices and it now hosts a medical clinic. The liturgical west window facing Gheringhap street still exists in fairly good condition and can be seen from inside from the landing of an internal staircase. The window is also one of a very rare few early Ferguson & Urie stained glass creations that has the company name on it, located at the base of the centre light. The four lobed round window at the east end depicts the Burning Bush with the motto of the Church of Scotland, “NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR” (Latin – ‘Yet it was not consumed’, an allusion to Exodus 3:1-22 and Moses and the Burning Bush), and also has the year “A:D: 1862”.

Significant newspaper transcriptions:

The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW, Monday 15th July 1861, page 3

“The foundation stone of the new Presbyterian High Church of Victoria was laid on Tuesday, at Geelong, in the presence of a numerous concourse of people. The site of the new building is adjacent to the Presbyterian school on the western side of Gheringhap-street. The ceremony was performed by Mr. Thomas Brown, treasurer to the new church, the Rev. Mr. Fraser commencing the proceedings with singing and prayer. The design of the church is early gothic; it will hold 500 persons, and the entire cost of the edifice with steeple will be £5000. – Herald”

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Tuesday 29th April 1862, page 3.

“HIGH CHURCH, GHERINGHAP STREET. THIS handsome structure which forms such a prominent feature amongst the ecclesiastical and public edifices of the “west end” of our town may now be pronounced complete. At least, it is complete in so far that it has been devoted to the purpose of its erection, having been consecrated to Divine Worship on Sunday last in presence of a very numerous congregation. The plan comprises the nave, transepts, vaulted recess for rostrum, vestry, two porches, and a tower and spire; and the style of architecture is of the “early decorated” period of Gothic. The tower, and spire, and vestry are not yet built, which, of course, give the edifice externally an unfinished appearance; nor are the nave and transepts, which are to provide the complete seat accommodation; but these are in progress and will be finished by the original contractors. The walls are of bluestone; while the gables, window and door coigns, copings, pinnacles, and dressings to buttresses, &c, generally are of Barrabool freestone. Interiorly – the roof is open to the ridge, supported by arched trusses, the wall-pieces bearing on moulded and carved stone corbels; and all the roof timbers and boarding is stained of a uniform colour and varnished. Ventilation is amply provided by a series of perforated pinnacles and louvred openings, in addition to which the side windows are each made to open partially, and gratings in the passages and in the plinth are arranged with slides to open or shut with pleasure as the state of the weather may require. The windows in the front elevation (Gheringhap-street) will be of stained glass, five lights each and traceried; they are being prepared by Messrs Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne, a very handsome and elaborate design, and will not be ready for a few weeks. The side windows have two lights each with traceried heads, and those to the transepts three lights each. There are also two small gable windows of chaste design. The rostrum and the precentor’s desk and their enclosing railing are of Australian cedar selected with exceeding taste to show the valuable adaptability of this favorite wood for ornamental purposes; and in design the whole is in strict keeping with the other parts of the church. The benches are open, with cut and moulded ends terminating with fleur de-lis; they are all stained and varnished. The whole of the workmanship of the building and its furnishings, inside and out, is of the most creditable character. Mr. Billing, of Melbourne, is the architect, and Boynton and Conway, of Geelong, the contractors for carrying out the works. The church occupies one of the most commanding sites of the town, and, approached by land or seas it will always form a prominent object in the view. It is capable of accommodating about fifteen hundred people.             As we said above, the church was consecrated for Divine Worship on Sunday last. The “opening services” of the day were three – morning, afternoon, and evening. The first and last were conducted by the Rev William Henderson, of Ballarat, and the afternoon service by the Rev Joseph Dare. As an earnest of the interest felt by the congregation in their new church, above L60 was contributed as the customary collections. The opening services will be continued next Sunday by the Rev T. W. K. Frazer, the pastor of the church, the Rev A. J. Campbell, and the Rev A. Love.”

Footnotes:

Short link to this page: http://wp.me/p28nLD-1uJ

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

Mar 18 2012

30-08-1879: The Independent Church, Geelong, Victoria.

Illustrated Australian News, Melbourne, Saturday 30th August 1879, page 139.

“INDEPENDENT CHURCH, GEELONG.”

 “This addition to the ecclesiastical edifices of Geelong has been built by the congregation that for many years worshipped in the building in McKillop-street, and which has been purchased by the Government and converted into an orderly-room for the Geelong Volunteer Artillery. The new church occupies a commanding site at the corner of Ryrie and Gheringhap streets, opposite to the post office…”

 “… The church is beautified by three stained-glass windows, made by Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, designed in the Gothic style, and placed on the northern, southern and eastern sides respectively. The northern one has a life figure of St. Paul designed thereon, and the southern a representation of St. John. Each is divided by two mullions into three sections, with trefoil light in each complete window. In each side section are worked [sic] Greek or Latin inscriptions. The third window is divided into four sections by three mullions. There are at the top three four-leaved lights, emblematic of faith, hope and charity. On the two inner sections of the window there are appropriate inscriptions. The cost of the three windows was £320″.

 “… there are also five small windows…”  “…The ordinary windows of ground glass, with stained glass margins…”

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Tuesday 25th March 1879, page 3.

“The Independent congregation of McKillop-street will hold divine service in their new church in Gheringhap-street on Sunday next. The building has cost altogether£ 4650, and it will seat 500 persons. The structure is a handsome one, built in the Florentine-gothic style, of dark West Geelong bricks, relieved by Waurn Ponds ston dressings, with bluestone base courses. The roof is slated, and the foundations rest on a deep bed of concrete. The church is also beautified by three as good stained glass windows as could be procured in the colony. The makers are Messrs Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, and the windows are works of art. They are designed in the Gothic style, and are placed on the northern, southern and eastern (or street) sides respectively. The two former are almost facimilies of each other, with the exception that the northern one has a life figure of St. Paul designed thereon, while the other has a representation of St. John. Each of the windows in question is divided by two mullions into three sections, with a trefoil light in the apex of each compete window. In the centre sections are the figures as before stated, while in each side section are worked Greek or Latin inscriptions. The window facing the street is situated behind the gallery of the church, and is divided into four sections by three mullions. There are at the top three four leaved lights, emblematic of faith, hope, and charity. On the two inner sections of the window there are appropriate inscriptions. The cost of the three windows was altogether £320. The architect of the building was Mr. H. R. Caselli, of Ballarat, and the clerk of works, Mr. J. Matthews…”

The Argus, Melbourne, Tuesday 1st April 1879, page 6.

“The new Congregational Church in Gheringhap-street, which supersedes the old structure in McKillop-street, was opened yesterday for the first time. Special sermons were preached to large congregations, in the morning by the pastor of the church, the Rev. C. S. Y. Price, and in the evening by the Rev. T. McKenzie Frazer. A tea-meeting to celebrate the event was held in the Mechanics hall this evening, and a public meeting held subsequently in the church, when addresses were given by several clergymen, and selections of music rendered by the choir. The building, which is a very handsome one, is built in the Florentine Gothic style, of West Geelong bricks, relieved by Waurn Ponds stone dressings, with bluestone base coignes. It has cost £4,650, and will seat 500 persons. The seats are placed in the amphitheatre style, similar to those of the Collins-street Independent Church. There are three beautiful stained glass windows, made by Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, the cost of them being altogether £320.”

Illustrated Australian News, Melbourne, Vic, 30th August 1879, page 141.

Independent Church, Ryrie Street Geelong, 30th Aug 1879.

Independent Church, Ryrie Street Geelong, 30th Aug 1879.