Lumen Christi Catholic Church

Statement of Significance

Lumen Christi Catholic Church is of significance:
• For its role in serving the religious needs of the local Catholic population
• For its social value to members of the congregation, those associated with important personal services at the church, and the families and friends of these people
• For its social value in providing other groups in Augusta with facilities for various functions
• For its innovative use of rammed lime sand (reflecting the trend towards the use of alternative building materials in the Shire in the latter part of the twentieth century)

Physical Description

The church has two levels accommodated by the slope of the site. The main upper level has a roughly square plan form and accommodates the church, an open meeting/function room (with kitchen and servery) and other office/meeting areas.Externally the building has a linear return verandah (supported by circular concrete columns), which provides access to the public entrance doors and to the private lower level. Vehicular access is defined by a prominent, raised portico.The walls are constructed of rammed lime-sand. The hipped roof features a central raised lantern with narrow skylights and is clad with Colorbond.
Internally the church features exposed rafters, a timber boarded ceiling, and modern stained glass windows and highlights. The function room features extensive glazing providing open views across the Hardy Inlet.

History

Post-War Services and Diversification (c.1945-Present)
• Population Growth and Associated Development (c.1970-present)
William Ellis first arrived in Augusta in 1835 and was involved in whaling. He later became Master of a schooner trading between Fremantle and Augusta. In 1904 he donated part of a holding he had taken up in 1867 to the Catholic Church.This site was subsequently developed with the “Summer Palace” – a tiny, timber framed, two roomed building. One room, the chapel, was used by the community to celebrate mass and the other was a residence for Alice Brennan who built it.However, the local population of the district was mainly serviced by the larger Karridale Church (Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament) (Note: the celebration of the final mass was held in that church on August 15th 2004 and it was subsequently decommissioned).Lumen Christi was officially opened on January 26th 1986 (Australia Day) and was dedicated by Bishop Peter Quinn. Lumen Christi was constructed of stabilised rammed limestone and (like the comparable St Thomas More Catholic Church at Margaret River, Place # MR(T)-17, which also used rammed wall construction), was innovative and enterprising at its time.In addition to its spiritual and community role, the Church is now a local tourist attraction in the town centre. It is a focus for the Catholic community and other groups in Augusta who use the facilities for various functions.

Integrity/Authenticity

High: The original use has been maintained.
High: The original/significant fabric is largely intact.

Condition

Good (although with some repairs noted to base of rammed walls) *Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

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.