Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral

Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral
The cathedral in 2006
Location	132 Dangar Street, Armidale, Armidale Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates	30°30′57″S 151°39′49″E / 30.5157°S 151.6635°E / -30.5157; 151.6635Coordinates: 30°30′57″S 151°39′49″E / 30.5157°S 151.6635°E / -30.5157; 151.6635
Built	1911–1912
Architect	John Hennessy (of Sheerin and Hennessy)
Owner	Catholic Diocese of Armidale
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: St Mary & St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group; St. Mary & St. Joseph; Saint Mary & Saint Joseph
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	13 February 2015
Reference no.	1925
Type	Cathedral
Category	Religion
Builders	George Frederick Nott
Location of Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral in New South Wales

Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral is a heritage-listed cathedral at 132 Dangar Street, Armidale, Armidale Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia. It is the diocesan cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Armidale and the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Armidale. The cathedral was designed by John Hennessy (of Sheerin and Hennessy) and built from 1911 to 1912 by George Frederick Nott. It is also known as the St Mary & St Joseph Catholic Cathedral. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 13 February 2015.^[1]

History

Religion and the establishment of places of worship have played an important role in the colonial expansion and settlement of NSW. As the boundaries of the colony expanded and settlers pushed into previously unestablished areas, the government ensured religion followed to cater for the spiritual education and morality of the settlers.^[1]

As for the Northern Tablelands region, European settlement came as early as 1832 as pastoralists searched beyond the colonial boundaries for new land on which to run their stock. At this time, the early settlers of the district were in fact illegal squatters who only gained colonial approval to work the land in 1836 with the passing of legislation recognizing the pastoralist's rights to graze (but not own) the land (for an annual fee of ten pounds).^[1]

Religion soon followed the pastoralists into the newly declared township of Armidale (established in the late 1840s). The first recorded Catholic service was conducted in Armidale in 1848 by a travelling priest in a newly-constructed Catholic chapel. The first resident priest, however, was not to arrive in the parish until 1853. Father Timothy McCarthy was to lead the parish until 1862 when the Catholic Diocese of Armidale was formally established.^[1]

The Very Reverend Timothy O'Mahony was appointed as the first bishop for the diocese but was not to arrive in the parish until 1871. In the meantime and under the bishop's instruction, parish priest Dean Lynch was responsible for the construction of the diocese' first cathedral. Built on the same site as the present cathedral (at the entrance of the current O'Connor Catholic College), the brick, stone and shingle cathedral was opened and dedicated in 1872 as the principal church of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale.^[1]

In 1882 Brother Gatti from the Catholic Church volunteered to landscape Central Park opposite the cathedral together with the original Catholic Church grounds, the Convent grounds and the Catholic section of the Armidale cemetery. These plantings included Mediterranean cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens) and Himalayan cedars (Cedrus deodara). The cypresses in Central Park were planted c.1902 (Michael Lehany, 1995 Central Park Conservation Study). The 2 Italian cypresses in the Cathedral grounds may have been planted not long after demolition of the original St Mary's Cathedral in 1912 and may demonstrate an association with the life and work of Brother Gatti, who was a keen horticulturist. The diameter of the base of the trunks of the cypresses in the church grounds is comparable with most of those planted in Central Park indicating that they may have planted within 10-20 years of one another..^[2][1]

The cathedral was to serve the religious needs of the growing community for some 40 years but it inevitably became too small for the expanding congregation. Considered to be beyond any structural alteration or enlargement, plans were soon underway for the construction of a larger and more resplendent cathedral to become the new seat for the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale.^[1]

Under Bishop Patrick O'Connor, the contract for the design of the new cathedral was awarded to Sheerin and Hennessy, a Sydney-based firm previously responsible for a number of Catholic buildings in NSW, with John Hennessy as principal architect. The builder engaged for the project was the prominent local contractor, George Frederick Nott, who, although a practising Anglican, was one of a number of local residents who contributed generously to the project.^[1]

In fact, the widespread support for the cathedral saw the construction complete and the cathedral opened within a mere 20 months after the laying of the foundation stone in February 1911. Opened in October 1912, the quick construction of the cathedral was a considerable achievement and was "a great tribute to the faith and generosity of the people" (New England Focus). The generosity of the congregation and community was so great that St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral was the first Australian cathedral opened free of debt - the 28,000 pound cost paid entirely by pledges and donations.^[1]

With its commanding position on Armidale's central park, its finely decorated Gothic Revival design and 47m needle spire dominating the landscape, the new Catholic cathedral was a grand ornament to the district and diocese and was considered to be the finest cathedral in all of Australia.^[1]

Although the original cathedral had remained next to its replacement during its construction, it was dismantled in 1912 and much of its material retained and reused later in the construction of the St Mary's Primary School and Cathedral Hall. A remnant of the original cathedral can also be seen in the plinth supporting the statue of St Peter overlooking the grave site of Bishop Edward Doody (appointed bishop, 1948-68).^[1]

Formally opened in the Golden Jubilee year of 1912 (although not consecrated until 1919), the cathedral was dedicated to the memory and legacy of Bishop Elzear Torreggiani, who served the diocese from 1879-1904. Bishop Torreggiani was dedicated to building communities and establishing a number of schools in the diocese at a time when funding education was often troublesome. Until 1882, funding for secular and denominational schools was administered by the government but funding for denominational schools was to cease following the passing of the Public Institutions Act of 1880. Although a substantial impost on the diocese, Bishop Torreggiani was committed to continuing schools at the direct expense of the diocese.^[1]

In order to achieve this, the bishop sought to appoint Catholic nuns who, having vowed to a life of poverty, could establish and operate educational facilities for the children of the district. During the 1880s, the bishop attracted several teaching orders including a group of Ursuline sisters who, having been expelled from their convent in Duderstadt, Germany in 1877, had settled in Greenwich, London. In bringing the Ursuline sisters to Armidale, the diocese secured their permanent home by purchasing a 1860 house (to be named Merici House after the founding member of the order, St Angela Merici) to be used as the convent. The diocese would also pay the passage of 12 sisters from London to Armidale.^[1]

The sisters arrived in 1882 and soon opened the High School for Young Ladies as well as operating the existing parish school in Dangar Street.^[1]

The sisters were an experienced order with an established educational philosophy. "For them, education was total, embracing all the years of a child's life from about seven to 17"^[3]and catered for students of all ages and educational standard. The sisters focussed on instilling refinement in their pupils and teaching the necessary skills required for a well-educated lady (namely music, art and needlework).^[1]

The widespread success and popularity of the Ursuline convent saw the construction of St Ursula's College in 1888, the convent chapel in 1928 and a new presbytery in 1938. St Ursula's School closed in 1975 and was converted into the O'Connor Catholic High School and, although education continues, the Ursuline Sisters finally left the convent in 2011 after some 130 years of service to the Catholic community of Armidale.^[1]

Description

Built in 1912 in the Federation Gothic Revival style, St Mary & St Joseph Catholic Cathedral is a grand and impressive feature in the Armidale townscape. Finely constructed of Armidale Blue brickwork with a lighter decorative brick trim, the cathedral has a slate roof with tall needle spire (47m) above a castellated bell tower. Although simply styled, the cathedral is finely detailed and is noted, in particular, for it large feature stained glass windows, marble sanctuary, chancel arch, eastern facade, and Flemish bond work. The cedar pews and internal joinery were constructed using timber from the GF Nott's, the local builder, own sawmill.^[1]

The historic Catholic cathedral group also includes the St Ursuline Convent, Ursuline Chapel, Bishops House, former St Ursula's College, Catholic Schools Administration Building and surrounding landscaping and fencing.^[1]

It was reported to be in very good condition upon an inspection on 18 April 2013. Some buildings in the cathedral precinct were reported to be unused as of May 2013, but a masterplan for the site was under development at that time.^[1]

Heritage listing

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is of state heritage significance as the landmark Catholic cathedral for the regional colonial centre of Armidale. On the site of the first Catholic cathedral (1848), the cathedral was constructed in 1911-12 to serve the religious needs of the growing community and to serve as the centre for the Catholic Diocese of Armidale (formed in 1869, this was one of the first dioceses to be established outside of the colonial settlements of Sydney and Newcastle). Today, the cathedral continues to be the centre of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale.^[1]

The cathedral group is also of state heritage significance as the centre of the first order of the Ursuline Sisters (who settled in Armidale in 1882) and for its association with the prominent architectural firm, Sheerin and Hennessy. Sited in a landmark position in the Armidale township, the cathedral is a finely detailed and decorated building that, upon its completion, was considered to be the finest Catholic cathedral in Australia.^[1]

This grand and ornate Federation Gothic Revival regional cathedral and its precinct is also significant as it demonstrates the religious requirements of the district and holds important and ongoing social significance for the community and Catholic congregation of Armidale and the wider Northern Tablelands district.Note: There are incomplete details for a number of items listed in NSW. The Heritage Division intends to develop or upgrade statements of significance and other information for these items as resources become available.^[1]

St Mary & St Joseph Catholic Cathedral was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 13 February 2015 having satisfied the following criteria.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is of state heritage significance as the landmark Catholic cathedral for the regional colonial centre of Armidale. On the site of the first Catholic cathedral (1848), the cathedral was constructed in 1911-12 to serve the religious needs of the growing community and to serve as the centre for the Catholic Diocese of Armidale. The diocese had formed in 1869 and was one of the first to be established outside of the colonial settlements of Sydney and Newcastle.^[1]

Due to the considerable public support for the construction of the cathedral (from both Catholic and non-Catholic residents of the Northern Tablelands district), the cathedral was constructed in a mere 20 months and was the first cathedral in Australia to open entirely debt free due to the generous donations and pledges of the community.^[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is of state heritage significance for its association with the prominent architectural firm, Sheerin and Hennessy. Joseph Sheerin and Jack Hennessy were architects of considerable stature in NSW at the time and had previously been responsible for the design of a number of Catholic and public buildings throughout the state. During the construction, Jack Hennessy was the President of the Institute of Architects NSW as well as the principal architect on Armidale's Catholic cathedral.^[1]

The Catholic cathedral group also has a significant association with the Ursuline Sisters, a group of nuns who arrived in Armidale in 1882 to lead the Catholic education of the children of the district. In the late 19th century, religion and church institutions played a significant role in the development and operation of educational establishments in regional NSW.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is of state heritage significance for its aesthetic value.^[1]

Designed by prominent ecclesiastical architectural firm, Sherrin and Hennessy, the Gothic Revival cathedral is a grand landmark in the Armidale townscape and, as the formal seat for the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale, the cathedral is a dominant building in the region.^[1]

A finely detailed and decorated building, the cathedral dates from the key period of the development of Armidale as a regional city and, with its 47m tall needle spire, was considered to be the finest Catholic cathedral in Australia upon its opening in 1912. In a commanding position overlooking Armidale's central park, the St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is a landmark in the district and the diocese.^[1]

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral is complemented by a precinct of religious buildings, including the St Ursuline Convent, Ursuline Chapel, Bishops House, former St Ursula's College and Catholic Schools Administration Building. This precinct of religious buildings use the same construction materials and reflect the architectural nature (albeit simplified) as the cathedral building.^[1]

The place has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is of state heritage significance for its social value to the community and congregation of Armidale and the wider Northern Tablelands district.^[1]

From its settlement in the 1830s, Armidale was regarded in the colony as a suitable centre for the provision of religious services to the expanding and wide-reaching population. Once built, the cathedral became the centre of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale (one of the first dioceses to be established outside of the colonial settlements of Sydney and Newcastle in 1869).^[1]

The construction of the cathedral in a mere 20 months, due entirely to the considerable public support and generosity of both Catholic and non-Catholic residents of the district, reflects the value this site has to its community.^[1]

The central position of the cathedral in the Armidale township, in conjunction with the adjacent Anglican Cathedral Church of St Peter Apostle and Martyr and St Pauls Presbyterian Church, forms a landmark religious precinct that has significance and value to the community.^[1]

The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

Sited on a previously undeveloped portion of land, there is potential for further investigation of the cathedral site to reveal evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the Armidale region prior to the arrival of European settlers in the 1830s.^[1]

This potential for investigation would be relevant across the Armidale district.^[1]

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

Although the St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group may not be a rare example of its type in NSW, it is a prominent landmark building in the Armidale townscape and religious precinct.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.

The St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral Group is of state heritage significance as a representative example of a grand and ornate Federation Gothic Revival regional cathedral and religious precinct. Positioned around the cathedral (that was considered to be the finest in Australia upon construction), the Catholic precinct reflects the religious requirements of the broad congregation and community it serves. The development of educational institutions is typical of religious organisations in the late 19th century.^[1]

References