Our Lady of Mercy Church

Statement of Significance

Our Lady of Mercy Church has historic and social significance representing the role of the Catholic
Church in the developing residential area of Girrawheen. It has aesthetic significance for its design
quality as a good example of contemporary ecclesiastical architecture by prominent church architect
Iris Rossen. The interior space is particularly fine and features interesting lighting created by the three
rose windows. It has religious and social significance to the members of its congregation.

Physical Description

Our Lady of Mercy Church is located at 5 Patrick Court, Girrawheen in the City of Wanneroo's South
Ward. The church is located on the south side of Patrick Court and west of Girrawheen Avenue. Our
Lady of Mercy Primary and Pre Primary School is situated south of the church.
Our Lady of Mercy Church comprises a church with a parish centre attached to the east of the church.
The buildings are single storey and are constructed from cream coloured face brick with a Colorbond
clad roof. The interior of the church is planned on the diagonal with peaked gables which appear
similar to a Pope's Mitre and feature stained glass rose windows.
The Foundation Stone reads;
Our lady of Mercy Church
Dedicated & opened by
The Most Rev William J Foley
Archbishop of Perth
on
September 22 1985
Parish Priest Fr Tom Gaine
Architect Iris Rossen & Associates
Builder Primary Building Company
Landscaping comprises a bitumen driveways and grassed areas with gardens including rose bushes
and native shrubs.

History

'Girrawheen' is an Aboriginal word from eastern Australia meaning 'place of flowers'. The suburb was
established in 1970 and comprises predominantly public housing.
Our Lady of Mercy Church, Girrawheen was built by the Primary Building Company for the Catholic
Church in 1985 to designs by architect Iris Rossen & Associates.
Iris Rossen & Associates have designed a number of churches in northern Western Australia. Some
of these include St Mark's, Kalbarri, built in 1992, and six churches and three rectories comprising
part of the Outback Church Foundation (OCF). These are multi-purpose buildings serving not only for
church uses but also for a variety of group and community activities.

Condition

Good

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.