Thomas Little Memorial Hall

Statement of Significance

Thomas Little Memorial Hall, a small brick rural neo-Gothic chapel of the mid-nineteenth century, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• the original building is the first Catholic church established outside the metropolitan area of the Swan River Colony. It is of considerable significance as the ecclesiastical centre for the Catholic Church in the south-west coastal districts in the early history of European settlement;
• the place is closely associated with Thomas Little, who was instrumental in the development of the colony because of his agricultural, viticultural and commercial activities and his unique social position;
• the place is able to demonstrate the importance of religious ritual and liturgy as a focal point for a close-knit minority group of rural settlers in the early days of European settlement in Western Australia;
• the place has the refind proportions of an Irish rural Gothic Chapel transferred without interpretation to an Australian setting; and,
• the place demonstrates the manual skills and resourcefulness of colonial tradespeople using hand tools and local materials.

The sacristy which now forms part of the building is of less significance than the main church building, while the front porch is an intrusive element.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE cont.

Aesthetic Value
Thomas Little Memorial Hall is noteworthy as a reflection of the European background and beliefs of an isolated Catholic group of early settlers. It is a direct translation of an Irish rural Gothic church building into an Australian setting, with
little or no concession made to Western Australian climatic conditions.
Thomas Little Memorial Hall contains examples of finely crafted hand-made joinery , especially the lancet windows and
sashes. It also displays considerable masonry skills using local wood-fired bricks.
Historic Value
Thomas Little Memorial Hall illustrates, and was a focal point in, the early development of a rural Catholic enclave in a
predominantly Anglican colonial community.
Thomas Little Memorial Hall is significant for its association with Thomas Little, a local landowner who sponsored
Catholic settlement in the Dardanup area, provided the land and building materials for the construction of the building and
raised funds for its completion.
Social Value
Thomas Little Memorial Hall has been valued by the Catholic community at Dardanup for 140 years, filling a central role
in the religious, educational and social life of the district. The community 's willingness to maintain, restore and utilise the
place over this period indicates the regard in which it is held.
Condition
The place is in a sound condition. Dampness and salt accumulation have damaged the face bricks and affected the internal
plaster, while the external render is deteriorating. Some restumping is needed, and the floorboards do not appear to have
been inspected.
Integrity
The integrity of its underlying fabric is moderate.
Authenticity
The authenticity of the place is moderate.

Physical Description

For a discussion of the physical evidence refer to Michael Broderick and Partners, Architects: 'Conservation Plan for the Thomas Little Memorial Hall formerly Church of the Immaculate conception Catholic Parish of Dardanup' (prepared for the Thomas Little Memorial Hall Committee August 1996).

History

Assessment 1998
Construction 1854 -57
Alterations/additions 1884, 1979, 1992
For a discussion of the documentary evidence refer to Michael Broderick and Partners, Architects: 'Conservation Plan for the Thomas Little Memorial Hall formerly Church of the Immaculate conception Catholic Parish of Dardanup' (prepared for the Thomas Little Memorial Hall Committee August 1996).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.