Muradup Catholic Church

Statement of Significance

The Muradup Catholic Church has historic and social significance, having been made possible owing to the tireless fundraising efforts and financial contributions of the Yates and Sexton families. Although it is no longer a church, it is a reminder of a small locality such as Muradup for which fortunes change but still needs to establish its own facilities and services such as church to add to the life of the community.

Physical Description

This former church is situated on a level block on Blackwood Road, the main road in Muradup. The building is constructed of face-brick laid in stretcher bond, with a medium pitch tiled roof and buttresses on each side with rendered caps. The Romanesque style tower which forms a front porch gives the church an asymmetrical form, although the main building is symmetrical.
On the southern wall - in the front gable - is a inset statue of Mary, with the alcove highlighted by cream coloured bricks. There are two small rooms on either side of the northern end, one a priest's changing room and the other a confessional box. The church has jarrah floors, rendered interior walls and a plaster ceiling. The 14 Stations of the Cross are fixed to the walls and the pews are polished jarrah.

History

The Muradup Catholic Church was built after much effort by Mrs. Annie Yates, who started fund raising in the 1930's with cake stalls, catering, balls, etc. It was not until after WWII when more Catholic families arrived in the area that the church was finally built at the cost of four thousand pounds. One of these people was George Jeffs, 'a man of purpose', who strongly promoted building the church. Some of the money was raised by the Committee, and the rest was donated by A. Sexton and L. Yates. The church was blessed by Bishop Goody on 7 April 1957. The first priest was Father Steven Hawe. The first baptism was Lockie Hamersley, while the first wedding was that of Gino and Maria Leucsiatti and the first funeral was for Harry Larsen. The church was still used by the Catholic and Anglican communities until the early 2000s after which it was sold and is now a private residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

Authenticity - Medium - most of the original fabric remains intact.
Integrity - Low - now a private residence.

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.