St Mary's Roman Catholic Church Complex
116 Cecil Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Cecil Street Heritage Precinct
Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
St Mary's Roman Catholic Church complex, comprising the Church designed by William Wardell and originally constructed between 1858-72 with later additions, the Presbytery constructed in 1876-77 and enlarged in 1903 and the School and Parish Hall designed and constructed by Bart Moriarty in 1925, at 116 Cecil Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?St Mary's Roman Catholic Church complex is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, the church is, in part, the earliest surviving example in Williamstown serving the town's earliest Christian parish, while the presbytery is one of the earliest surviving ecclesiastical residences in the area from the nineteenth century. The church is of interest as an example of the work of William Wardell. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)
Socially, the complex illustrates the importance of the Catholic Church in the formation and development of the Williamstown community. (AHC criterion G1)
Aesthetically, the buildings form part of an intact complex, which illustrates the history of the church on this site over a long period. The church is an unexceptional design but it is a large and near original example of a common church form which achieves landmark quality because of its simple design, sombre materials and relatively large scale, which is emphasized by the spire. Although in a somewhat clumsy and common ecclesiastical style, the Presbytery is important as a near original and a contributing part of this complex. Together, the buildings contribute to the historic character of the public buildings within this precinct. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
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FORMER MORGUE
Victorian Heritage Register H1512 -
WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Victorian Heritage Register H1639
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RESIDENCE
Victorian Heritage Register H0487
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