Tag Archives: Stained Glass

Mar 9 2012

22-05-1874: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Westbury, Tasmania

The Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Friday 22nd May 1874, page 2.

“OPENING CEREMONIES AT THE CHURCH OF HOLY TRINITY, WESTBURY”

“The Nave is lighted by a magnificent Oriel window in the centre which is a representation of the Divine Lord, surrounded by a representation of the Pelican in the wilderness, the cross and Heart, the cross with the hammer and nails, the cross with the circle of thorns, with I.N.R.I; a representation of the undivided garment of Christ, the lamp of faith, and the lamb. This window was executed by Messrs Ferguson & Urie. It was the gift of Daniel Burke Esq the Warden of Westbury […]”.

“[…] Two stained glass windows with two lights being St Patrick and St Bridget and the other, The Annunciation – a gift from Mrs William Smith of Westbury and the Rev W.J Dunn vicar general. These windows were executed by Ferguson & Urie.[…]”

Photos taken 11th October 2010.

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See post 21-05-1874 for additional article about the Westbury windows.

Related posts:

21-05-1874 > 22-05-1874


Mar 9 2012

21-05-1874: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Westbury, Tasmania.

Launceston Examiner, Tasmania, Thursday 21st May 1874, page 3.

 “CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY, WESTBURY”.

 “OPENING CEREMONIES. WEDNESDAY, MAY 20”.

 “…The east end window is the gift of Mr John barber and family; it represents the nativity, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection, with artistically enriched borders; the colors are exquisitely beautiful. This presentation window came from the establishment of Messrs Couttes and Sons, London, and is an admirable work of art. Another window is of stained glass in two lights each, one representing St. Patrick and St. Bridget, the patron saints of Ireland, the gift of Mr William Smith; and the other “The Annunciation,” the gift of the Very Rev. Vicar-General Dunne. A third window, also of stained glass, is the gift of Mr Dignam, formerly of Westbury, and represents “father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” the church being dedicated to the Holy Trinity. There are also presentation windows by Mr D. Burke, Churchwarden of the church and Warden of the Municipality of Westbury, emblematic of the Crucifixion; and another from funds collected by Mrs Steward, representing Faith, Hope, and Charity. All the stained glass windows, with the exception of the barber presentation at the east end, are the artistic work of Messrs Ure [sic] and Ferguson, Melbourne, and are well worth inspection and study. All the lead lights were made by Howard Bros., Launceston…”

Photos taken 11th October 2010.

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There are a significant number of errors in the article about the windows. According to the actual text on some windows, the Ferguson & Urie windows were donated by the following:

1. Nave – “St Patrick” and “St Bridget” – “The gift of Mrs Thomas Field”.

2. Nave – The Annunciation –“Ave Maria” and “Gratia Plena” – (Hail Mary Full of Grace), “The gift of Mrs William Smith” and “The gift of the Very Rev Dr Dunne V. G”

3. Transept – The only text on the window reads – “Sancta Trinitas Unus Deus” – (The Trinity – The Father, Son & the Holy Ghost) – written in the article as the gift of Mr Dignam.

4. Transept – The only text on the window reads “Fides Spes Caritas” (Faith, Hope & Charity) and written in the article as from funds collected by Mrs Steward.

The window not mentioned in the article is the oriel shaped west window. It was specifically mentioned in an article published the following day but has been included it in this slideshow to complete the full cycle of the Ferguson & Urie windows at Holy Trinity Westbury.

See related posts: 22-05-1874

The east window described as being made by “Couttes and Sons, London” can be see on my alternate site: http://stainedglassaustralia.wordpress.com

Mar 8 2012

1874: The German Lutheran Church, Parliament Place, Melbourne, Victoria.

The German Lutheran Church was built in Parliament Place in 1874 and all the glazing was executed by Ferguson & Urie. The three windows in the apse are the centre piece of the church. All the windows in the Clerestory, and a number of windows in the nave with the red, blue and yellow borders are original Ferguson & Urie glass.

Photos taken 26 September 2010.

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The German Lutheran Church, Parliament place Melbourne.

The first German Lutheran church was built on the current site in 1854 by William Hellings to the designs of Bellairs, Kürsteiner & Co and was replaced in 1874 by the existing Gothic style bluestone church designed by Charles Blachmann and built by Henry Goedeke. All the original stained glass windows in the church were supplied by local stained glass company Ferguson & Urie in 1874 including the simple nave windows with plain glass diamond quarries and red and blue borders (I refer to these as their ‘stock’ windows). Some of these ‘stock’ windows were later replaced by memorial windows made by other stained glass artists. The three apse windows are all the same size with the centre one containing a different design which includes the Hexagram symbol, which is frequently seen as a symbol of the Freemasons (AKA ‘Seal of Solomon’ or’ Shield of David’), and the depiction of the Lamb of god with the victory flag and text below “Ecce Agnus Dei” which refers to John 1:29, “Behold the lamb of god, which taketh away the sin of the world”. The outer two apse windows are of identical design with an eight petal flower inside an eight pointed star which were medieval symbols of resurrection and eternal life. According to the church archives, the centre apse window was invoiced from Ferguson & Urie at £96, 12s on the 16th September 1874. At the top of the western three light window above the main entrance is a sexfoil rose design with red Y‐shaped decorations being symbols of the Trinity. The centre glass window below it was replaced in 1932 with stained glass designed by East Melbourne artist Ola Cohn.

Illustrated Sydney News, NSW, Saturday 16th January 1875, page 3.

“NEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, MELBOURNE.

In February, 1849, the first ship with German immigrants   arrived in Port Phillip; others soon followed, and formed a “Lutheran congregation, holding their services in a building in Collins-street, then the Rev. Mr. Morrison’s church, and now used as a State school. The services were conducted by laymen, a sermon being read by one of them. Mr. Matthias Goethe, one of the professors at Dr. Lang’s college in Sydney, accepted the charge, and, on Good Friday, 1853, was inducted pastor of the Lutheran congregation in Melbourne. Money was then collected, and the erection of a   Lutheran church commenced on the Eastern-hill, on ground granted for that purpose. The cost was £6000, and it was opened in 1854. In 1867 the Rev. Mr. Goethe left for California, and the Rev. Herman Herlitz, from German town, near Geelong, succeeded him as pastor; and the old church being too small, it was resolved to erect a larger and more handsome building. In August, 1872, the plans of Mr. C. H. E. Blachmann were accepted, and the foundation stone of the new building was laid on the 17th of March last. The church when finished will seat about 330 persons, and will cost nearly £4000; the building is of bluestone, with cement dressing. The length, including chancel, is 85 feet; breadth of nave, 23 feet; with aisles each side 7 feet   wide. The height inside to apex of ceiling is 36 feet. The windows to aisles and nave are filled with cathedral glass, having ornamented stained glass borders; but the apse windows are of a more costly description, all made by Messrs. Fergusson [sic] and Urie. The caps of columns carrying nave walls are beautifully foliated. All the fittings including a very handsome pulpit and reading desk, are of polished cedar and blackwood. A handsome organ presented by the Misses Moeglin, at a cost of about £400, will be put up in the gallery. The opening will take place next month”.

♦ Other References: ‘A German Church in the Garden of God’ – Melbourne’s Trinity Lutheran Church 1853-2003. Herbert D Mees General Editor.

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Mar 7 2012

21-11-1873: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Robe, South Australia.

South Australia Register, Adelaide, Friday 21st November 1873, page 6.

“ROBE, November 18. A movement is on foot in this district for placing a window in St. Peter’s Church in memory of the late George Ormerod. About £100 will be required for the purpose.”

This stained glass window was eventually created. The two light window dedicated to the memory of George Ormerod was created by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of Melbourne circa 1874 and depicts the Nativity, Baptism, Resurrection and Ascension.

The Robe church history book supposedly has reference to this window being made by “Ferguson Will and Nyon” which is incorrect from two facets. It obviously should read “Ferguson, Urie and Lyon” but this would also be technically incorrect as the partner in the firm, John Lamb Lyon, officially dissolved his interest in the business with James Ferguson & James Urie on the 29th August 1873 and left for Sydney shortly afterwards. The date of the article above, 21 Nov 1873, is nearly three months after Lyon left the business so the window that was eventually made for Ormerod would have technically been “Ferguson & Urie” and the artist being David Relph Drape.

The former business partner John Lamb Lyon went to Sydney to take up partnership with Daniel Cottier to become Sydney’s premier stained glass studio “Lyon & Cottier”.

Photos kindly contributed by Liz Harfull 19/02/2012.

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The Overland Telegraph, South Australia, 20th April 1872, page 5.

“THE LATE MR. ORMEROD.- Our Guichen Bay correspondent writes:- “As announced previously by telegram, Mr. George Ormerod, of Ormerod & Co., died at his Robe residence on the 10th inst. The death of one so long and intimately connected with this district could not but cause the most painful sensation. For some years past Mr. Ormerod has suffered from general debility and mental malady, the result of an overwrought brain. Frequent rallies had given hope that he might yet live many years; but during the last fortnight alarming symptoms showed themselves. Many far and near have watched anxiously the fluctuations of this last attack, still hoping his great vitality would carry him through; but he expired on the evening of the 10th. Mr Ormerod was a member of a very old Lancashire family, and was born at Rochdale in 1822. He came out to Victoria in 1842, and amongst the pioneer squatters settled at Naracoorte, about 1845 to 1846, on the station known as the Naracoorte Station. About 18 years ago he settled at Guichen Bay, opening up a large business there, which has aided greatly in the development of the South East. Mr. Ormerod shrunk from a public career, and the only public positions he held were those of J.P. and Chairman of the Local Road Board. These were retained as long as health permitted. The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, the body being interred in the Robe Cemetery. The procession was largely attended, some coming over 50 miles to be present. Many residents from Kingston testified their regard by following the remains to the grave. The Rev. H. Howitt, of St. Peter’s, preached a funeral sermon last Sunday, in which Mr. Ormerod’s many good qualities were appropriately alluded to. Mr. Ormerod has made a will, and it is understood that the business will be continued as heretofore for the benefit of his widow and family.”

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Mar 7 2012

24-10-1873: The Turkish Baths, Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

A building occupied by the Levy Brothers in Bourke street Melbourne was converted to Turkish baths by a Mr. S. J. Hosie.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 24th October 1873, page 5.

“… The stained glass windows are from the works of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie and the paintings on glass were done by Mr. Moore…”

Thomas Hosie’s Turkish Bathing Palace and Bar was opened by Governor Sir George Bowen on the 23rd of October 1873. The baths were located at Bourke Street East and no longer exists. Nothing is know what happened to the stained glass windows.

HOSIES Turkish Bathing Palace 01

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Mar 4 2012

10-07-1873: St. David’s Cathedral, Hobart, Tasmania.

St David’s Church Hobart Town is being built with the nave, aisles and transepts completed.

The Illustrated Sydney News, 10th June 1873 and  Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, Melbourne, Friday 10th October 1873, page 170.

“NEW CATHEDRAL OF ST. DAVID, HOBART TOWN”

 “[…] The west elevation consists, in its lower stage, of a porch of no great projection, the front of which exhibits three arched openings. Above this is a noble Gothic window of five lights with decorated tracery in the head. This is filled with plain “cathedral glass” imported from Ferguson, Urie and Co., of Melbourne, as are the windows of the clerestory. Several of the windows of the aisles are filled with stained glass of English manufacture, presented in memoriam by friends of deceased persons.[…]”

The original plain five light west window has been replaced by a modern stained glass window by Joseph Stansfield (date unknown). The plain clerestory windows by Ferguson & Urie are all still original.

Photos taken: 7th Oct 2010 & 12th Aug 2012.

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Mar 4 2012

19-06-1873: St. Andrew’s Church of England Cathedral, Sydney, New South Wales.

On the 12th and 19th of June 1873, the Sydney tabloids reported that a Ferguson & Urie window had been made for the Sydney Cathedral. The window depicted ‘Faith, Hope & Charity’ and was to be placed in the clerestory of St Andrew’s Church of England Cathedral in Sydney. The window was erected to the memory of Mary Ann Stephen (nee Pasmore), the widow of Judge John Stephen, the first puisne Judge appointed to the Supreme Court in the Colony of New South Wales. The window was subscribed for by her surviving children and was erected in the clerestory of St Andrew’s in 1873, ten years after her death in 1863 at the age of 89.

The memorial text on the window reads: “In memory of Mary Ann Stephen, The widow of John Stephen Esq., First Puisne Judge of this colony, Died in Sydney 1st January 1863, Aged 89 years”.

Photos of St Andrews Church were taken 8th May 2011. Photos of the stained glass window were taken by Ken Burke (via historian Karla Whitmore, 6th May 2013).

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The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 7th June 1873, page 5. 

“A stained glass window, which has many elegant features, has been made by Messrs Ferguson and Urie, of Hotham for the Church of England Cathedral of Sydney. The window is to be placed in the clerestory as a memorial of the widow of the late Mr Justice Stephen. The principal figures represented are Faith, Hope, and Charity, with the last in the middle. Hope has her hand upon the anchor, and Faith carries the Bible and the Cross. The tracery of the window shows the lamb, and the pelican feeding its young. The window is most to be admired for the harmony of the colouring and the softness of the tone. A good general effect has been produced. The drapery on the figures has been exceedingly well done, and is somewhat in advance of the expression upon the faces. The letters underneath the figures state that the window is erected in memory of Mary Ann Stephen, widow of John Stephen, puisne Judge, who died in Sydney on the 1st of January, 1863, at the age of eighty-nine years. It is erected by her children. The height of it is 12 feet.”

The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW, Friday 2nd January 1863, page 1.

“On 1st January, at Eveleigh House, the residence of her son-in-law, Mary Anne Stephen, widow of John Stephen Esquire, first judge of this colony, and mother of Sir Alfred Stephen, in her eighty-ninth year.”

Judge John Stephen died on Saturday, 21st December 1833, his wife Mary Ann (nee Pasmore), survived him by a further thirty years.

The Sydney Gazette & New South Wales Advertiser, Tuesday 24th December 1833, page 3.

DIED, At Clairville, on Saturday last, JOHN STEPHEN, Esq., late Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. The funeral of this respected gentleman is intended to be public, and will take place on Thursday next.”

The SydneyMonitor, NSW, Wednesday 25th December 1833, page 2.

THE LATE JUDGE STEPHEN.

Mr Justice Stephen endeared himself to the people of New South Wales, by his unflinching consistent integrity, in irving times.When the public press was assailed, he ever stood up for its independence. His views of the law were in its favour, and he did not shrink from expressing his views, in the worst of times; and when his office depended, in a measure, on his silence. When the Editors were under prosecution, and demanded a common Jury, according to the common law, under the plea, that the Act of Parliament could not set aside the common Law and natural justice, by its not permitting the prosecutor (Darling) to appoint the Jury. Judge Stephen was the only Judge who maintained the inviolability of this axiom of common sense and common justice.”

The Australian, Sydney, NSW, Friday 27th December 1833, page 2.

“Funeral of John Stephen, Esq. Late Judge of the Supreme Court.

The body of the above respected individual was brought ito town, from his country house at Clareville, accompanied by some members of his family, at 1 o’clock yesterday morning, and deposited in St. James’ Church, preparatory to its being interred in the new burying ground. About half past seven o’clock the gentlemen who attended the funderal having previously assembled in the Court House were summoned by the tolling of the bell into St. James’s Church, where the Rev. Mr. Hill read the first portion of the funderal service:- Precisely at eight o’clock the procession began to move in the following order. The Band of the 4th regiment, playing the Masonic March of Burn’s Fare-well. Members of the bar, two and two. A number of Civil Officers, Magistrates, Merchants, and private friends of the deceased followed. The procession was closed by about twenty carriages. The procession moved along George street, followed by a very considerable crowd, the band playing until they reached the burying ground.- On arriving there the Body was taken from the Hearse and carried to the grave by six of the Masonic Brethren, who were desirious of performing this last sad ceremony themselves. The funeral service having been read and the body lowered into the grave, the members of the Masonic Lodges proceeded to perform the ceremonies of their order, in compliance with a wish, expressed by the deceased a short time before his death, of being buried with the honours bestowed upon its members, by an institution to which he had in earlier life been attached. From the church to the grave, the procession was accompanied by a numerous concourse of spectators, who thus testified the respect with which the character of the deceased was held in the public estimation.”

Two and a half months after the reports of this windows creation, Ferguson & Urie stained glass artist and partner, John Lamb Lyon, prepared the final stages for his move to Sydney to start the Lyon & Cottier stained glass firm. On the 27th August 1873 advertisements appear in the Melbourne tabloids for the sale of his Dudley Street cottage and furnishings. On the 29th of August 1873 the Govt Gazette published the official dissolution of his partnership with Ferguson & Urie.

Biography:

John Stephen (1771-1833). (first puisne judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales).

Sir Alfred Stephen (1802-1894). (son of Judge John Stephen)

Other references:

The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW, Thursday 12th June 1873, page 5.
Queanbeyan Age, NSW, Thursday 19th June 1873, page 4.
The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW, Thursday 12th June 1873, page 3.
The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday 14th June 1873, page 753.

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Mar 4 2012

01-11-1921: The Lady Edith Fergusson memorial window at St. Andrew’s Church, Walkerville, South Australia.

The Register, Adelaide, Tuesday 1st November 1921, page 4.

“Fifty years ago, on October 28, 1871, there passed away the saintly and beautiful spirit of Lady Edith Fergusson, wife of the Governor of that name. She died at Glanville Hall, Semaphore, whither she had been taken for sea air. It was then owned and occupied by Capt. The Hon. John Hart, C.M.G., and now belongs to Mr. Magnus Waid. Lady Edith rests in the North Road Cemetery. The earliest painted window in St. Andrew’s, Walkerville, was raised to her memory in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. H. Kent Hughes presented the glass which was the work of Messrs. Urie & Ferguson, Melbourne. The woodwork was the gift of the congregation, and was designed by Mr. Woods, at that time architect of St. Peter’s Cathedral. A memorial window to Lady Edith is in the Cathedral itself. Lady Edith’s maiden name was Ramsay. Her father, the Marquis of Dalhousie, was Viceroy of India […]”

The remainder of the article is quite lengthy and describes many other historical events and information but not relevant to Ferguson & Urie.

Related posts: 22-10-1872 > 02-11-1872 > 08-01-1873 > 01-11-1921

Mar 2 2012

26-07-1872: Memorial Congregational, Elizabeth and Brisbane streets, Hobart, Tasmania.

The foundation stone of the Memorial Independent Church was laid on the corner of Elizabeth and Brisbane streets in Hobart by Henry Hopkins (1787-1870) on the 16th August 1870 [1] and was formally opened on Thursday 7th November 1872 [2].

In late July 1872 the stained glass windows for the church had arrived from the Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon stained glass company of Melbourne[3] and were promptly erected. A further two “variegated pattern” windows were expected to arrive by the Southern Cross from Victoria on the 4th of August 1872[4].

Photos taken 8th October 2010.

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The Memorial Independent church was built in the decorated gothic style to the designs of the architect Francis Butler (1823-1916) and erected by the contractors ‘R & R Shield’ who tendered for the construction at a cost of £6,835.

The laying of the foundation stone by Henry Hopkins was one of his last public events. The 16th of August 1870 also marked his 83rd birthday and he died five weeks later on the 27th September 1870 [5].

Preceding his laying of the foundation stone of the church the usual affair of placing a time capsule beneath the stone occurred and;

“…A zinc box containing copies of The Mercury, Tasmanian Times, Tasmanian Independent, Friend, and other journals, various coins of the realm, photographs of the old and proposed new church, and cartes de viste of the Rev. F. Miller, H. Hopkins, Esq., the late Mrs. Hopkins, and the Rev. W. C. Robinson. The zinc box was hermetically sealed, and laid in the cist beneath the memorial stone…” [6]

Also included in the box was the speech read by the Rev. W. C. Robinson, after which the elderly Henry Hopkins was assisted to the platform from his nearby carriage and seated on a chair where he was then presented with;

“…A beautiful box made of Tasmanian light wood, by Mr. Wooley, of Macquarie-street, containing a handsome silver trowel, manufactured and presented by Mr. C. Gaylor, of Liverpool-street, and a mallet, made of coloured myrtle wood, with ivory handle, the work of Mr. Haywood, of Goulburn-street, was then presented to Mr. Hopkins. The silver trowel bore the following inscription: “Presented by Charles Gaylor to the congregation of the Memorial Church, Hobart Town, on the occasion of laying the foundation stone, by Henry Hopkins, August 16th, 1870.” On the lid of the box was a photograph of the proposed edifice. Mr. Shields, the contractor, having had the memorial stone raised about three feet, the mortar was spread, the box containing the records, deeds, &c., placed in the cist, and the stone was slowly lowered to its permanent position. Mr. Hopkins, after giving the stone two or three knocks with the trowel, said: “I declare this foundation stone laid in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and may the blessing of God attend the labours of all concerned in it. Forty years ago I had the privilege of introducing the first Independent minister to this colony, and thirty years since I was the means of the introduction of the first Independent minister into Victoria. Two months ago I had the privilege of laying the foundation stone of the new Wesleyan Church in Davey-street, and now I am called upon to lay the foundation stone of the Memorial Church, which stone bears the name of the Rev Frederick Miller, who arrived in this place forty years ago. He was a man of piety and energy and he felt a great love for the people, and for every cause that had for its object the glory of god and the good of his fellow man. I rejoice in having the opportunity of laying this stone; and may the blessing of God attend the labours of all those who shall be engaged in this building.” The following is the inscription engraved on the brass plate which is let into the stone:- “Memorial Congregational Church, the first Christian Church formed in the Australias upon Independent principles; the Rev. F. Miller, pastor, A.D. 1830 to the year 1862. This stone was laid by Henry Hopkins, Esq., 16th August 1870.” [7]

The church was to be known as the ‘Memorial Congregational Church’ in memory of the first Independent or Congregational minister, the Reverend Frederick Miller (1806-1862), who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land in 1830 and commenced his ministry on the 17th of October in the same year. The very first chapel on the site was funded solely by him at a cost of £500 and opened on the 20th April 1832[8]. He died on the 13th in October 1862 aged 56 [9].

Since 2006 the Memorial Congregational church has been the Seventh Day Adventist & Multicultural Church.

Significant tabloid transcriptions about the windows:

The Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Friday 26th July 1872, page 2,

 “THE MEMORIAL CHURCH – The whole of the windows for the Memorial Church having arrived from Melbourne, with the exception of the transept windows, the contractors are busy fitting them in, so that the internal work of the building may be proceeded with as soon as possible. The large front window is completed. It is of stained glass, beautifully designed and ornamented, bearing the inscription in the lower panes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” There will be four windows on each side, some of them with a quarter-foil over the two side lights, and others with cinque-foil and six-foil, while the borders will be of different colours, blue, yellow, purple, or green. There will be two vestry windows with blue borders, three apse windows with yellow borders, and a large number of small windows, the colours of the borders in each instance being varied. The whole of the windows, except the front and transept, which are stained, are of cathedral glass; and the makers, Messrs. Fergusson[sic], Urie, and Lyon, of Melbourne, have eminently sustained the name which they have already obtained in these colonies as stained glass manufacturers. The large window in the gable is a piece of work which shows the remarkable progress which has been made in this art during the last few years in Victoria.”

The Launceston Examiner, Saturday 3rd August 1872, page 5.

“…The stained glass windows, so far as they go, give the building a picturesque appearance; two more windows have to be supplied, and they are expected to arrive by the Southern Cross tomorrow, from the establishment of Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, Curzon-street, Melbourne. The pattern, variegated and blending colors of the glass are of an artistic description, and in due proportion with the general coup d’oeil of the interior of the building…”

The Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Saturday 10th August 1872, page 3.

 “The Memorial Church, at the corner of Elizabeth and Brisbane-streets, is in an advanced state toward completion, and some idea can now be realised of the very elegant appearance the church will present when it is entirely finished. While externally it will have the semblance of a magnificent building, internally its appearance will be fully compatible with the outside. The embellishments are of a rich chaste character, consistent with the beautiful design of the building. The roof and the gallery are finished. The windows are also in. The front and transept windows are of stained glass, beautifully designed and ornamented, while the remainder of the windows, which are of cathedral glass, are improved by borders of various colours. The makers, Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, of Melbourne, have eminently sustained the name which they have already obtained in these colonies as stained glass manufacturers. The church, it is anticipated, will be opened as soon after its completion as possible.”

External links:

Biography: Henry Hopkins (1787-1870)

State Library Vic: A Sermon occasioned by the death of Mr. Henry Hopkins, Rev George Clarke, 9 Oct 1870.

Biography: Rev Frederick Miller (1806-1862)

Biography: Rev George Clarke (1823-1913)

Footnotes:

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Feb 29 2012

05-02-1872: St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong, Victoria.

The foundation stone of St Mary’s was laid in 1854 but work ceased in 1856 and the partial construction remained an eyesore in Yarra Street Geelong for seventeen years before the newly appointed Archdeacon Slattery resurrected the plan to have the new church built.  In January 1870 Archdeacon Matthew Downing commissioned T.A. Kelly to prepare plans for completion of the church .

Known as St Mary of the Angels Basilica, it was eventually opened by Bishop James Alipius Goold on the 4th of February 1872. 

The large rose or wheel window in the liturgical west end facing Yarra Street is the work of Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne. The window measures more than three and a half meters in diameter and cost in excess of £300. The Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Patrick, St. Bridget, St. Augustine, and St. Francis Xavier are the six prominent subjects in the window and they are surrounded by angels, crowns and floral emblems. The Agnus Dei, or Paschal Lamb, is carrying the victory banner which takes place in the centre of the whole arrangement.

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Thursday 14th December 1871, page 2.

“The new cathedral in Yarra-street is rapidly approaching completion, and the workmen for some time past have been busily engaged with the decorative works of the interior. The side and upper roofs of Ceylon pine, have been stained and varnished, and the timber looks very handsome. Above the pillared arches, the blaster work has been very neatly and artistically executed. Instead of £200, as originally contemplated, the memorial window in front is now to cost about £300. The stained glass is being prepared by Messrs Fergus[sic] and Urie, of Melbourne.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Monday 5th February 1872, Page 5.

“The Church of St. Mary, Geelong, the solemn ceremony in connexion with the opening of which was performed yesterday, stands at the upper end of Yarra-street, Geelong, on an eminence which renders it the most conspicuous object in the town…”

 “… a beautiful and elaborate wheel window, 12ft in diameter, considered the most beautiful in the colony, filled in with stained glass, illustrative of the patrol saints of the church with their appropriate devices…”

Photos taken 18th December 2010. (Updated photos from Nov 2013 can be see on Flickr)

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In 1855, one of the original architects, Richard Dowden, exhibited some proposed designs for stained glass prepared by Kearney & Co of Glasgow and intended for the church:

Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer, Vic, Saturday 9th June 1855, page 2.

“…Mr. Dowden also exhibited two very beautiful designs for stained glass windows, sent from home by Messrs Kearney & Co, of Glasgow; one was intended for the front window between the towers in the Yarra-street elevation, and the other for one of the transepts; the first contains the Life of the Redeemer, pourtrayed in 12 elegant medallions; the other had four magnificently colored representations of the Virgin Martyr. He stated that they would cost on average, 500 each, which does not seem at all exorbitant, when we consider the elaborate beauty of the designs. We sincerely hope these designs or similar ones will be adopted, as it is of vast importance to cultivate a true taste for the higher classes of art in this country…”

None of the original 1855 designs for the stained glass windows by Kearney & Co were ever adopted. The west oriel or wheel window was eventually made by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of North Melbourne circa 1871 and was dedicated to Rev. Dean Hayes;

James Francis Hogan, “The Irish in Australia” (1887), Project Gutenberg transcription.

“…In after years the original design of the church was considerably modified to suit the altered circumstances, and a portion of the nave was com­pleted, sufficiently large to answer the requirements of the reduced population. Even in this incomplete condition, the building is the most conspicuous, commodious and elegant ecclesiastical edifice in the town. Its facade contains a beautiful circular stained glass window in memory of a popular pastor of the place for many years, the Very Rev. Dean Hayes, who was on a visit to his native Ireland when he died, after having just been designated as the first Bishop of Armidale in New South Wales…”

This article from April 1871 gives insight as to how the window came about!

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Saturday 15th April 1871, page 2.

“A meeting of the friends and subscribers to the late Very Rev. Dean Hayes’ memorial fund, was held at the Town-hall, on Saturday. The attendance consisted of Mr Johnstone, M.L.A., and Messrs Noonan, Davoren, Mansfield, O’Brien, Kelly, and McGonigal. Mr R. de B. Johnstone was voted to the chair. It was announced that £117 was now lodged to the credit of the memorial fund at the Commercial Bank. The chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to decide in what manner the amount collected should be expended, with the view of perpetuating the memory of a great and good citizen. He referred at considerable length to the career of the late Dean, and the claim his good deeds had established. As the founder of the Catholic orphanages at a time when there were no other institutions in existence for the relief of destitute children, he had proved himself entitled to the gratitude of those who came after him. In a matter of this kind he left religious considerations entirely out of the question, and he was indifferent regarding the form the memorial might take, so long as a fitting tribute of respect was paid the the memory of a great and good townsman. It was then decided on the motion of Mr. Noonan, seconded by Mr Davoren, that the memorial should take the form of a stained window, to be erected in the new Roman Catholic Church, Yarra-street. A plan of the proposed window was exhibited, and certainly if the design is carried out it will be not only an embellishment to the sacred edifice, but a suitable monument to the deceased Dean. Archdeacon Slattery, and Messrs Johnstone and Nonan were appointed a sub-committee to carry out the erection f the memorial window which is to be inserted in the building over the main entrance. Some remarks were made about the erection of a marble tablet at the Catholic Orphanage, after which the meeting closed.”

At this point the actual window has yet to arrive and be installed in the tracery!

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Monday 17th April 1871, page 3

“While St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is rapidly undergoing demolition a large wooden structure at the rear is to escape destruction for the present, having been converted into a temporary place of worship. The altar belonging to the old building has been transferred thither, so that, instead of the schoolhouse, the members of the congregation who are unable to attend the Ashby Church will be able to celebrate early mass in a place set specially apart for the purpose. The construction of the new church is rapidly progressing, and some idea of its architectural beauty may now be formed. The design of the front entrance is elaborate, and the carved stonework has been executed with great care and accuracy. Above the doorway in the centre frame of the memorial window to be erected to the memory of the late Dean Hayes has been so far completed that only the stained glass is wanting to complete the design. The window is circular, and the stonework about it is carved in such a manner as to produce a striking and elegant effect.”

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Wednesday 30th August 1871, page 2.

“Great progress is being made with the building of St. Mary’s. Nearly all the stonework of the windows has been completed, and sandstone ornamental work is now being placed on the walls. The designs of the windows are a fitting match for the Very Rev. Dean Hayes memorial window, and are very chaste.”

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Monday 20th November 1871, page 2.

“It will be remembered that some time ago a meeting of the subscribers to the memorial intended to be raised in honour of the late Very Rev. Dean Hayes, was held at the Town Hall. It was then re solved that the money collected for the purpose by Messrs Johnstone and Noonan, amounting to £130, should be applied towards the erection of a memorial window in St. Mary’s Church, and the Rev. Archdeacon Slattery, Messrs R. de B. John stone and W. P. Noonan were appointed trustees of the fund. The whole of the ornamental stonework of the window has been completed, and is ready for the reception of the stained glass, but some additional funds are required to meet the expense. £230 is the estimate for the window, so that £100 has yet to be raised. Under the circumstances Messrs Johnstone and Noonan intend to resume their canvass, and it will be observed that subscriptions are invited.”

St Mary’s was opened on Sunday February 4th 1872 by Bishop Goold and the following article gave a bit of history, the ceremony, and a lengthy description of the church and the memorial window facing Yarra Street. The detail in the article also indicates that the memorial window of stained glass was the only figurative window erected in the church at that time and all other windows contained amber tinted cathedral glass. Today most of the windows are all filled with stained glass by many other stained glass studios but the two large windows in the north and south transepts are still original. The Rev Dean Hayes memorial window by Ferguson & Urie is the oldest stained glass window in the Church.

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Monday 5th February 1872, page 3.

“…its magnificent wheel window, 12 feet in diameter. This window is filled with flowing tracery, slightly French in its idea, and glazed with stained glass, intended as a memorial to the late Ven Dean Hayes, the subjects represented being the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, St. Patrick, St. Bridget, St. Augustine, and St. Francis Xavier, with their corresponding symbols…”

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