Local Government
Wandering
Region
Wheatbelt
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Mission Rd Wandering
Location Details
Construction Date
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 20 Feb 1997 | Category 2 |
Category 2 |
|
Statement of Significance
The old Retreat has aesthetic value for its characteristics of fine proportions and detailing. The place in its elevated position overlooking the old mission, is a landmark and provides a pleasing vista from the mission.
Physical Description
The old Retreat forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The place occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland.
The old Retreat is in an elevated position that overlooks the Mission. The retreat is conventionally orientated east west and is approached by a long series of concrete steps.
The structure, about 2.5 metres wide x 3.0 metres long, sits on a concrete slab. The exterior of the structure has rendered walls, and a lancet shaped doorway with a decorative iron gate with a cross that features in the centre of the gate. A small awning window is on each side elevation-. The roof features a small bellcote at the ridge of the roof.
The interior is unadorned, with a concrete floor and an altar with brick sides and a concrete slab top. The ceiling has been relined.
History
In September 1944, the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverent R. Prendiville, announced that a mission station for natives in the Arch-diocese was to be established at Wandering Brook and to be named St Francis Xavier's Native Mission Station.
In making his announcement His Grace said that for a long time he had felt that little or nothing was being done for the full-blooded and half-caste natives in the southern portion of the state. In spite of the money difficulties in establishing such a mission during the war years, the Archbishop resolved to proceed with his plans. After negotiating with the State Government, a native reserve of 9,600 acres was gazetted some 10 miles north of the township of Wandering. At the invitation of the Archbishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Kimberley, Monsignor O'Railable provided a staff to conduct the mission. The Sisters of St John of God of Broome and Beagle Bay also promised the necessary staff to conduct the Girls' Orphanage, School and Hospital.
The construction of the old Retreat was part of the continued development of the Mission.
Integrity/Authenticity
INTEGRITY High Degree
AUTHENTICITY High Degree
Condition
Good
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | RELIGIOUS | Other |
| Original Use | RELIGIOUS | Other |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| Roof | TILE | Terracotta Tile |
Creation Date
04 Feb 2002Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.