St Mark The Evangelist Church

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a good example of a church constructed in phases reflected elements of the Federation Gothic and Inter War Gothic styles. • The place has historic value for its association with periods of development of the district in the early 20th century, the Inter War and Post-World War Two periods. • The place has social value for its provision of religious and social services to the Bassendean community at this site since 1915, and in the district since 1909.

Physical Description

This ecclesiastical building is constructed in exposed red brickwork with stucco detailing. There is a portico entrance to one side in brickwork with a gable roof. Catholic cross is located on top of parapet gable and a small circular window over larger pointed arch window. Concrete tracery to windows with stained leadlight glazing.

History

This portion of Bassendean, on the west side of Wilson Street, was subdivided by a group of investors in the early 1900s under the promotional name of 'Tanner's Estate' or the 'Tanner's Extension Estate'. The group of investors included some of the most well-known members of colonial society: S.H. Parker, G.H.Leake, H. Anstey, Dr D. Kenny, J. James, J. Grave, H.E. Parry, Dr. J. Hope and W. Paterson. Three of these men; Parker, Leake and Paterson; were at various times members of parliament. The origin of the name of Wilson Street is likely to have been either Frank Wilson, Premier of Western Australia (1910-1911) developer of the Eden Estate, or in honour of Colonel Wilson an early resident of Guildford. The Anglican Church established a church in West Guildford in 1909 in Lord Street but this weatherboard building was destroyed in a windstorm in 1915. This site on high ground nearer to the centre of the townsite was chosen for the new church. In October 1915, foundations for the brick sanctuary and chancel were laid. The original weatherboard structure was re-erected as a meeting room and hall. On 15th January 1916, the new brick chancel was consecrated by the Archbishop of Perth C.O. L. Riley. The furnishings for the new portion were donated by friends and members of the congregation and the frontal was 'donated by the Cathedral and worked by Mrs Phillips of Claremont'. This portion is currently [2015] the sanctuary of the church. In 1937, the church was completed with the construction of a brick nave. The completed church was consecrated by Archbishop of Perth, Primate Dr H. F. Le Fanu on 12 December 1937. In the period following World War Two, Bassendean experienced a population growth and a successful Stewardship program secured funds to enable the construction of a new hall on the site. It was opened on 19 July 1959. The church has continued to evolve as the needs and practices of the community have changed. In 1985, four stained glass windows were donated to the church. In 1991, the hall was rewired and new lighting was installed. In 2001, the interior of the church was rearranged to create a church in the round and in 2008 the church and hall received an electrical upgrade.

Integrity/Authenticity

High High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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