ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Coleraine-Balmoral Road BALMORAL, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
St Patrick's Catholic Church is located on the northern side of the Coleraine-Balmoral Road, about one kilometre from the centre of the township of Balmoral. A simple rendered church, constructed from locally made bricks, St Patrick's is built in the Gothic revival style, formerly of three bays, now four, with a narthex or porch and a chancel also added in the early twentieth century. The interiors have been substantially modified in a recent modernisation with the removal of pews and the introduction of carpet being the most obvious changes. The original part of the church dates from 1895, although Catholicism was active in the township well before that time. Prior to the construction of the St. Patrick's, irregular services were conducted by itinerant priests from the Casterton (later Harrow) parish. Mass was held in the various places around the township, including the Mechanic's Institute, Western Hotel and the Court House. The architect of St. Patrick's is not known, but the builder's name was Mr. Wiltshire. The Church retains a high degree of integrity externally and fair degree of integrity internally subsequent to recent modernisation.
How is it significant?
St Patrick's Catholic Church is of historical, social and architectural significance to the township of Balmoral and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
St Patrick's Catholic Church is of historical significance as a representation of the importance of Catholicism within the community, and its growing popularity in the Balmoral district in the late nineteenth century. The complex is of social significance to the township of Coleraine as the focus for the Catholics who settled in the township in the mid nineteenth century, mostly small selectors of pastoral land in the mid to late nineteenth century. It is also of social significance as a centre for Catholic education. It is of architectural significance for its use of the Gothic revival style to express religious values, for the range of its memorials, and as a comparison with the churches of other denominations in the township.
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ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Physical Conditions
The church is in good condition externally and internally.
ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Physical Description 1
A simple rendered brick church, St Patrick's is built in the Gothic revival style, formerly of three bays, now four, with a narthex or porch and a chancel also added in the early twentieth century. It is not certain when the transept and porch on the west side were constructed. The original section of the nave has rockface bluestone footings. Buttresses divide the bays. The main roof of corrugated iron, painted green, is pitched at 60ยบ, as is the chancel roof and that of the porch. Four patent metal ventilators straddle the ridge line.
The interior is also typical of the style. The walls are plain plaster, the ceiling has simple exposed trusses, supported on hammer beams, and timber lining boards. The chancel is divided from the nave by a large Gothic arch and single step, the communion rail having been removed. Its window, which dominates the interior, is composed of a single lancet in two lights with diaper patterned leadlight and stained glass details. The side windows are leadlight in a diaper pattern. Typical plaster Stations of the Cross line the walls. Light fittings are suspended from metal tie-rods.
Toilets have been added at the rear of the church.
The church is surrounded by a simple garden and is approached by a semi-circular drive.
The interior has been substantially modified in a recent modernisation with the removal of pews and the introduction of carpet being the most obvious changes.ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 8 Developing Australia's cultural life
8.6 Worshipping
8.6.1 Worshipping together
8.6.3 Founding Australian religious institutions
8.6.4 Making places for worshipST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Usage/Former Usage
Church
ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Integrity
High degree of integrity externally and fair degree of integrity internally subsequent to recent modernisation.
ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Physical Description 2
Priests of the Balmoral-Harrow Parish:
1875 Fr Marshall (from Casterton)
1894 Fr O'Neill (from Casterton)
1919-33 Fr Dan McGowan
1933-52 Fr W A Ryan
1952-71 Fr V Sproules
1971 Fr D HurleyST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Physical Description 3
Roman Catholic Reserve
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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