St George's Parish Hall

Statement of Significance

The hall has aesthetic value for its landmark quality with its tall and imposing heavy masonry shell that is a visual contrast to the surrounding predominantly residential buildings.
The construction of the hall is closely associated with an increase in population growth which resulted in an increase in the provision of community services and associations.

Physical Description

The hall is built on the intersection of Trenton & Tarbet streets and addresses Trenton Street.
The building is tall, rectangular in plan with external walls of red fair-faced brickwork laid in english bond and built on a rendered plinth. The facade is unadorned with the exception of a white painted renderer triangular pediment above the doorway and the rendered coping which is crowned with a rendered motif at the apex.
The walls are strengthen by buttresses that corbel at the corners of the building, and engaged piers on the gable wall. The buttresses are built in matching bricks but laid in stretcher bond.
The facade is asymmetrical with moulded brickwork and buttresses which divide the facade into three equal bays. The central bay contains the pediment which emphasises the entrance. Above the pediment, in the gable wall, is a circular accent and a vented opening with a triangular-shaped head. Between the buttresses are a double-hung sash window with a semi-circular shaped fanlight. The fanlights have been covered over.
Between each buttress on the side elevations are openings: windows are doubie-hung sashes with rendered sills.
The north elevation (rear) is built of decorative brickwork with dark headers. The openings have been bricked-up in different brickwork. Toilets have been added to the rear in sandy coloured brickwork laid in stretcher bond, and wire mesh has been installed to windows for protection. The entrance doors and the door on the east elevation are not original.
Overall, the building appears to be in fair condition with the exception of some brickwork. Mortar has fretted on the east elevation and mortar has been patched on the north elevation and on the plinth. Some floor vents are missing and some brickwork is in poor condition.

History

St George's Parish Hall was completed in 1912. The Southern Argus reported on the opening of the building:
The Vestry of St George's Parish are to be complimented on their pluck in having undertaken the erection of that fine structure in S. George's Square, Wagin, which has recently been completed, the cost of which, with the furnishings, will run into a sum of something like £1,500. The hall has the greatest floor space of any such building in town, being 60ft. x 35ft. and capable of accommodating fully 400 persons.... The hall may be hired, with all conveniences for large functions, or, the use of the supper room may be obtained separately for smaller meetings. At the official opening which took place recently , the Hon. C. A. Piesse officiated. ... The speakers made reference to the splendid work of Mr Tassell, who had carried out the painting and decorating, the fine scene at the rear of the stage, as well as other work having been done by way of donation. Likewise the lighting, which had been installed by Mr Cory.1
The place served as a large and well fitted hall, theatre and meeting place for the whole district, until the construction of the present town hall in 1928.
An advertisement in the Southern Argus of 4 January 1913 reads:
St Georges Hall, largest hall in town. Now available for engagement. Good floor. Well lighted. Two dressing rooms. Supper rooms, kitchen etc. Spacious stage. The supper room measuring 35 by 12 feet may be engaged separately.^
In 1926, the building was extended so that it could seat another 100 people.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High
AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Fair

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.