St Johns Pro-Cathedral

Statement of Significance

The first and oldest Roman Catholic Church in Western Australia.
The place is associated with the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church and the first religious orders in the State.
The place is held in high regard by present day Catholics.
The place has scientific significance because it has the potential to demonstrate vernacular construction techniques used in the mid-nineteenth century.
The place is one of the few remaining colonial buildings in Perth from the first half of the nineteenth century.

Physical Description

Small church with a shingled gabled roof and Gothic arched windows. Building has been rendered externally.

History

The first Roman Catholic Church built in Perth. St. John's Pro-Cathedral was constructed in 1843/4 following a request by Fr John Brady for land for a Roman Catholic Church. Work continued in 1846 including plastering the walls, adding doors and windows to the building.
The church was constructed on land to the south east of the church square that was set aside for the proposed construction of a Roman Catholic Cathedral. The church was named after St. John the Apostle and Evangelist and later designated a Pro-Cathedral. It was used until 1865 when the size of the congregation couldn’t fit in the building and a larger one was required. This resulted in the construction of St Mary’s Cathedral. With the addition of an enclosed verandah on the north side of the church the Sisters of Mercy opened there first school there. St John’s served as the convent chapel until 1924 then as a school and music room until its restoration in 1977 by Archbishop Sir Lancelot Goody. It has now reverted to being used as a place of Public Worship.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it has been restored to original detail in 1977.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.