Church of Christ the King, Marble Bar

Statement of Significance

This building has aesthetic significance owing to its prominent location and its simple design. It has historic significance, having been built in 1941 due to the efforts of the first residential Catholic priest in the Pilbara, Father Edward Bryan. It has social significance and was an important part of the life of the Catholic parishioners in the Marble Bar area for many years.

Physical Description

The Church of Christ the King is located in a prominent position on the edge of the Marble Bar township.
The timber framed building is clad in corrugated iron and has a corrugated iron roof. It has a medium pitched gabled roof, with a timber cross located at the apex of the gable. Original fittings to the building have been replaced by more sturdy, functional fittings. Today (1997), the basic structure is doorless, shapeless and structurally unsound, with roof and wall panels missing. It will soon be beyond rescue if repair work is not carried out.

History

High on a hill overlooking the township of Marble Bar is Lot No. 52 which was acquired by the Catholic Church in 1909. The land remained vacant for many years. It was not until 1941 that, motivated by the enthusiasm of Father Edward Bryan, the first residential Catholic priest in the Pilbara, the locals began to fund raise to build their own church. In September 1941 Father Bryan returned from retreat in Geraldton with Bill Daly who had consented to build the church. Designed in the shape of a cross, the wooden-framed and corrugated-iron clad building was rapidly erected. The cement floor was trowelled and barely dry when it was used for the first time in early December, 1941 ( a wedding). It was not until the end of 1942 that the church was solemnly dedicated to Christ the King. Ravages of cyclones over the years saw the dainty glasspanelled french doors (front and sides) replaced by heavy, ugly but functional doors. The two side sacristies and eventually the altar alcove were also lost to storms.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.