Church of Our Lady in Ara Coeli

Child Places

• 01903 Convent of the Sacred Heart (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The church is valued bv the Comm unity for its association with the growth of religious activities and facilities in Northampton. lt ,:contributes to the Northampton community's sense of history .and sense of place, as demonstrated by its inclusion on the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail brochure. 2.2 Architectural/ Technical Accomplishment The church is a fine example of Mons. J.C. Hawes' idiosyncratic architectural style, utilising an eclectic mix of Gothic and Romanesque elements as applied to church design details and construction. 2.3 Environmental Importance; Townscape or Landscape Value; High Degree of Unity or Setting The church is a landmark in the town or Northampton and occupies a prominent hillside position. 2.4 Historical Significance of Development of Cultural Phases; Association with Important Figures The church is a demonstration of the faith and growth of the catholic community in Northampton, and was built at a time when the effects of the Depression were still being felt in small country tow ns. The building has strong associations with Mons. Hawes who, as an architect/ priest, made a significant contribution to the design and construction ot a number ot churches in the mid-\vest region of Western Australia between 1919-1939.

Physical Description

Physical Evidence St Mary 's in Ara Coeli Church is an eclectic mix of Gothic and Romanesque elements, constructed in 1936 to replace the original small Roman Catholic church on the site, built in 1868. It was built for Dean Irwin, priest of the Diocese of Northampton . In general, according to Apperly, Christian churches of the 1920s and 1930s usually adopted some form of well-worn medieval revivalism. More often than not, the Gothic language of pointed arch and steeply pitched roof continued to be employed to provide an instantly recognisable sign of a building's use for religious purposes. But when an architect wished to avoid this stereotype and perhaps move cautiously towards the uncluttered simplicity of mass and detail favoured by the modernists, an essay in the Romanesque might be undertaken.14 The Cathedral Chronicle of October 1936, provided the following description of the new church building :"As regards the exterior of the building, it gains character from the rugged nature of the hammer-dressed masonry,the deeply raked-out joints emphasising the charming and various colours of each stone. The main front of the church sheers up a precipitous cliff of rock: the effect of height increased by the long vertical lines of the massive buttresses springing upwards from the ground, and the soaring effect of the single deeply recessed arch. In the middle of this is set two-light long mullioned windows with traceried head. The green tiles that cover the roofs give a very similar appearance to the green Westmorland slates of the north of England. Over the intersection of chancel and transepts rises a tall slender fleche sunnounted by a silver ball and cross of wrought iron." St Mary's in Ara Coeli Church is sited on the slope of a hill facing Hampton Street, slightly north east of the old church (now demolished), and adjacent to the 'Nagle Centre' - a former Presentation Sisters' 'Sacred Heart' Convent. 15 The Church's ground plan is cruciform, consisting of a clerestoried nave with side aisles, and the high altar set at the junction of the north and south transepts, at the western end of the church. Being built on the slope of a hill, St Mary's in Ara Coeli Church has a flight of steps leading to the east door. Inside the porch, these steps divide to left and right, the wall between the two occupied by a set of doors through which the coffins, at funeral services, can be passed in or out of the church. Mons. J.C. Hawes' St Mary 's in Ara Coe/i Church design demonstrates an eclectic use of features from both the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The prominent pointed arch with plate tracery detailing at the entrance and the asymmetrical massing of the building, especially in relation to the tower, are distinct Gothic features. However, the rear and side windows employ rounded arches, a more Romanesque element. A feature of the exterior is the tall, circular turret in the north-west comer with its conical roof which encases a stone spiral stairway to the choir gallery. The interior of the building is simply decorated, featuring pointed arches to the sanctuary and transepts, the exposed timber roof trusses being particularly noteworthy. John Taylor, architect, mentions a number of features within the church that are also of particular note: the side aisles with their round arches; the louvred shutters; the clerestory of long windows, the natural lighting of the high altar from two very long narrow windows; and again, the impressive open hammer-beam roof in dark jarrah. 16 A recent condition report notes a number of maintenance items that will require addressing in the near future if the church is to remain in a sound condition, such as: some signs of damp penetration; drainage problems ; termite treatment; wall cracking; and, dislodgment of some roof tiles. Over the years, a number of minor alterations have been made to the internal layout of the church to accommodate the slight changes in needs that have occurred. For example: the Pulpit has been demolished; the table portion of the altar moved forward; the "nun 's chapel" in the south transept has been converted to reconciliation rooms/confessionals; and, some of the altar balustrades have been removed. Generally, the internal changes that have been made are to conform with changes in the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. For example: the priest celebrating the mass facing his congregation , rather than towards the altar at the rear-thus the table portion of the altar was moved forward.

History

Assessment 1997 Construction 1936 Architect/designer: Mons J.C.,Hawes The Northampton district was first settled during the 1850's with the establishment of the Geraldine Lead Mine in 1849. The region proved to be rich in copper and lead and more mines were soon established over the district, with two mines in particular, the Wanerenooka and the Gwalla, leading to the foundation of Northampton itself (1864). Together with mining activity, the area was recognised for its grazing potential and pastoralists moved up from the south. The fortunes of the mining industry waxed and waned over the years leaving agriculture as the mainstay of not only the district but of Northampton itself. However, a mining boom during 1910-27, saw the re-opening of several of the older mines together with the establishment of new ones. This re-newed activity in the mineral fields saw a rise in Northampton' s population and the northward extension of the railway line from Northampton to the small township of Ajana. By 1956 the mineral boom was over and many of the miners either moved away or settled down to agricultural pursuits. Documentary Evidence St Mary 's in Ara Coeli Church is an imposing building featuring an eclectic mix of Gothic and Romanesque elements, built, in 1936, to replace the existing church on the site that had served the needs of the parish for nearly 70 years. 1 The original church built, in 1868, under the guiding hand of Father Lecaille, was eventually demolished in 1963 to make way for a new brick Catholic school.2 The new church was sited slightly in front of the old building and occupies a prominent position on a hillside. The planning and construction of the church took place over several years, the architect for the project being Monsignor John C Hawes and the contractor, Mr. T.P. Crothers of Northampton .3 The signatures on the set of contract drawings are dated 1935.4 The foundation stone was laid on 24 May 1936, and reads, "This foundation Stone of St Mary 's in Ara Coeli was laid by the most Rev.J.P. O'Coll ins D.D. Bishop of Geraldton on the Feast of Our Lady of Christians 24th May 1936. Very Rev. Dean J. Irwin.Pastor.Very Rev.Dean J.C. Hawes Architect."5 The design concept for the church originated with Dean Irwin, priest of the Northampton Diocese, who after rejecting Hawes ' original design quietly but insistently argued that if a new church was to be built it was to be in the Gothic style. The Cathedral Chronicle reports, "At first he (J.C. Hawes) thought that Dean Irwin was very obstinate in rejecting his first scheme, but now he had to confess that he was quite right, and they could judge the finished results of their combined efforts.'>6 Mons. Hawes (1876-1956) was attached to the Geraldton Diocese between the years 1915-1839. Within that period he was architect, and in many cases the builder, of a number of Roman Catholic churches in the area. As a young man, Hawes trained as an architect, acquiring the skills and knowledge that would assist him later in life. Although he met with a measure of success in his profession, Hawes continued to feel drawn to a more religious life. In 1904, be took the step to join the Anglican Church. Following a period in the Bahamas he came to the conclusion that to be a proper priest be needed to belong to the Catholic Church.7 fu March 1911, he was received into the Catholic Church. As Father John Hawes, he arrived in Western Australia, in 1915, after meeting the Bishop of Geraldton while studying in Rome. Hawes continued his activities as an architect, h is skills particularly in demand in the Western Australian countryside where the vast open spaces and a small but growing population provided numerous opportunities to design new church buildings. His philosophy towards the design of church buildings is reflected in the following passage, "A proper church is no mere assembly-hall, theatre or auditorium for preaching and community singing: but it is first of all a place of sacrifice... It should breathe forth an atmosphere of prayer, of religious awe and supernatural mystery."' In addition, Hawes advocated that a church, regardless of size, should be of monumental character and that the design should be reminiscent of the past and also inclusive of the present - characteristics that are evident in St Mary's in Ara Coeli Church.9 His work ranged from the Geraldton Cathedral to a small church in Yalgoo. St Mary's in Ara Coeli Church and the Our Lady of Fatima Church, immediately south of the town of Nanson, were both built as churches to service a convent complex. In 1936, Hawes compared three of the buildings he had designed in the area, the Geraldton Cathedral (1916- 1936), the Mullewa Church (1920-1923), and the Northampton Church (1936), emphasising the design philosophy behind each. "In the Cathedral the underlying motif of the design was to express the idea of the solidity and strength of their church, hence the massive round pillars, almost cumbrous, and heavy roof timbers. At Mullewa, the motif was the antiquity of their church. compared with the Northampton Church it was not so impressive, nor as well proportioned ,but visitors found it interesting because its details were gathered from the far comers of the globe, and it reflected some of the romance and the quietness of some of the old, old churches of the past, that were full of such marvels as they would never see again. Spirituality was the motif of their Northampton church. In Gothic architecture all the lines soared upwards. Against the outer walls the strong buttresses sprang out of the ground and tapered aloft to the parapets. The sharp ridge of the steep roof cleft the sky like the bows of an ocean liner:and springing yet higher from the roof the spire pointed a finger heavenwards." w The planning and construction of the substantial church, over a number of years, was a community effort both the donation of labour and funds, made more difficult as the state was still recovering from the Depression years. At the opening ceremony the Hon. J. M. Drew, MLC mentioned that when he had been approached in 193 1, to make a donation, he was doubtful about the success of the project given the economic situation of the time. 11 However, the church was completed, and during the consecration proceedings the Bishop outlined the number of similar projects being carried out. "The Bishop said he arrived at the heightening of the depression and was still in it, but was pleased to state that U1e Diocese during that time has some six new churches (stone and cement brick), two presby teries, two convents, and a hospital, a college and three schools opened."12 A final remark at the opening ceremony illustrates the importance of the church at the time, "In conclusion His Lordship expressed his pleasure at being present on that grand occasion, and again congratulated Dean Irwin and all concerned with the new church, which, while enhancing the district of Northampton, would prove a source of pleasure to all travellers through the town."13 Over the years, changes to the liturgy within the Roman Catholic Church have resulted in modification of the internal arrangement of St Mary 's in Ara Coeli Church. The building has continued to be used as a church. The place will be entered into the forthcoming Northampton Town Planning scheme as a place of heritage value. The place is listed as being of heritage significance in the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail Brochure, an initiative of the Western Australian Heritage Committee and funded as part of the Commonwealth/State Bicentennial Commemorative Program. The church was entered on the National Trust of Australia' s (WA) Recorded List in May I 974.

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