Local Government
Cockburn
Region
Metropolitan
320 Rockingham Rd Spearwood
Cnr Rockingham Road. Lot 102.
Cockburn Skillshare (fmr)
Cockburn
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1934
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 14 Jul 2011 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 10 Apr 2014 | Category B | |
St. Jerome’s Church is a significant building, with landmark status. St. Jerome’s Church has social significance as it serve the local Catholic community from 1934 to 1987.
St. Jerome’s Church (fmr) is set on a busy urban street. Built in 1934 this rough faced limestone building and bell tower is a well known landmark for local residents. The limestone blocks are random laid. The facade is symmetrical in design with a simple gothic shape given to the entrance and windows. Buttresses are built into the front wall. There are two small windows at the front of the building on either side of a small porch (the porch is an addition). The church has a steeply pitched corrugated iron roof. There is a small weatherboard room built onto the rear of the church and side verandahs have been added.
Until the 1930s the Catholics of Spearwood and surrounding areas held masses in a variety of places. In 1927 they secured the use of the Spearwood Market Gardeners and Fruit Growers Association Hall. From 1927 to 1934 monthly masses were attended by a growing congregation. In 1934 despite economic difficulties the Spearwood congregation built the first Catholic Church in the district. The limestone was donated by Andy Zemunik from his own quarry in Barrington Road. The builder, Fred Stevens, also completed all the timber finishings, including the bell tower, doors, floors, windows and pews. Steve Dobra gave much time with his labour to help construct the church. This voluntary labour supplied by many in the parish assured minimal costs. St. Jerome's Church was opened with a celebratory mass led by Archbishop Clune, and Father Goody among others. There was a markedly strong influence by the Croatian people in the parish. The church determined the location of St. Jerome’s first school which was first held on its premises. Later (1954) a purpose built school was constructed next door to the church. The church was a significant part of the Catholic community until the new St. Jerome's was opened in 1987. The old church is now leased by the City of Cockburn and is used by mature age students and people learning new skills and trades.
INTEGRITY: Good AUTHENTICITY: High
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Murphy; "Cosmopolitan Catholics; "A history of St Jerome’s Parish and School". | |||
| "National Estate Study". |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | EDUCATIONAL | Combined School |
| Original Use | RELIGIOUS | Church, Cathedral or Chapel |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | STONE | Limestone |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Religion |
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