Church of the Holy Cross

Parent Place or Precinct

01612 Church of the Holy Cross & Priest's Cell

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The significance of the building is both social and historical, the original section being designed and built by Mons. Hawes and well supported by the community. Local stone was quarried from Mick Neagle's farm for the original building and for the extensive additions of the 1960's.

Physical Description

The building comprises a nave, with transepts and a semi-circular copse at both ends, plus various porches and storerooms and an uncompleted tower. The original apse has a curved brick ceiling; elsewhere ceilings are plywood lined between timber and steel roof trusses. Behind the alter is a Toodyay Stone faced feature wall. The inner doors of the main entry are of heavy jarrah, cross-braced, with a wrought iron upper panel There is a plaque inside the church above the entry door with the following inscriptions: Sanctuary & Extensions Blessed and Altar Consecrated by Bishop F.. Thomas June 26th 1966 On the exterior east wall there is a marble foundation stone, with lead infill, with the following wording; ECLESIAE EN HONOREMSANCTAE CRUCIS LAPIS AUSPICALIS JACTUS FUIT A REVMOACILLMP JACOBO P.O 'COLLINS GERALDTONENSIS EPISCOPO TERTIO DIE XVIIIDECEMBRIS ANNO MCMXXXII PIUS PONTIFEX MAXIMUS The church contains several paintings by O. Boddington, an Aboriginal artist.

History

A Church was needed, so plans were drawn up by Dean Hawes. Stone quarried from the farms of T Neagle and G Agar was carted by Messrs Hancock, Regan and Hall. Mr Bill Owman was the builder, and with Dean Hawes’s supervision, the foundation stone was laid by the Bishop of Geraldton, J P O’Collins, on December 18, 1932, on Lot 150 Davis Street, Morawa. Mr Thomas Leo Bradley became the Secretary for the Parish. With the help of M Neagle, M White, T Bradley, N Gill, C Cole, G White, S Valentine, J Powell, T Kramer and P Haddock and families. It is certain we shall never know the many fund raising raffles, picnics, dances and other functions which were held to culminate in the opening of the Church. Dean Hawes built the Hermitage (or Presbytery) in 1933, as his residence. This little building is distinct and stands adjacent to the Church. A small pedal organ had been purchased and a choir comprising Mr Peter Haddock, Mrs V Francis, Mrs Molly White, Mrs Nora Powell and Mrs M Neagle, with Mrs Monty White as organist practised regularly at Mrs Monty White’s home. Masses composed by Dom Moreno were sung. It was at one of the choir practices on the 1st June 1933 that the new church linen was viewed. The kind donor was Mother Vincent O.P. on behalf of the Dongard Dominican Convent. On 2nd July 1933, the Church was opened by Bishop J.P. O’Collins. There were two masses celebrated, the first for the Committee who had catered for 130 guests, and capably managed when a further 100 appeared. The banquet was held in the old Morawa Hall and help was given by many people, no matter what religion was followed. Following the close of the second World War, many displaced persons and their families came from the Baltic States to our district, as interim settlers. They were delighted when Mrs N Gill arranged for a Polish priest, Fr Dzieciol, to a visit in 1953 and say Mass in Polish, followed by a meal and happy conversation. The parishioners, meantime, were working towards the establishment of a Convent and School, so a cropping programme was introduced. With Fr Bryan’s guidance, architects were consulted, bricks were carted by the menfolk, from the Irwin brickworks and building began. The welcome to the Domenican Sisters, and the opening of the Morawa Convent and School buildings was given by the Rev A.J. Gummer, Bishop of Geraldton, on the 27th March 1955. The Domenican Sisters celebrated their Silver Jubilee in Morawa in 1980, and their value over the years in our community could not be measured. With the advent of iron ore mining in Morawa, it became clear that the Church was too small for the population. Mons. Bryan and Mr A Roach acted as principal Contractors and again with the parishioners and W.M.C. help, additions were added to seat 250 persons. The stone was from the original quarry, with Toodyay stone for the Sanctuary. The opening ceremony conducted by Bishop F.X. Thomas was held on 26th June 1966. The Holy Cross Church was consecrated on Sunday 24th October 1976. Bishop J P O’Collins returned from Ballarat for the occasion and assisted Bishop F X Thomas in the consecrated Mass. Parish Priests Rt.Rev. Mons Hawes Fr. Augustine – S.A.C Fr. Lynch Fr. Albert – S.A.C Fr. Leo – S.A.C Fr. Girke – S.A.C Fr. Wellems – S.A.C Rt.Rev. Mons Bryan Fr. M O’Flaherty Fr. T Smith Fr. T Manley Fr. E Jarcov Fr. B Van Der Geest Fr. P Downes

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: The church was enlarged during the 1960s mining boom, when the nave was extended and the alter switched to the opposite end. Integrity: Despite construction over a lengthy period the building maintains a high degree of consistency and integrity.

Condition

Very Good

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Church of the Holy Cross & Priest's Cell

Child Places

• 24866 Church of the Holy Cross
• 24867 Priest's Cell

Condition

Sound condition

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 24866 Church of the Holy Cross
• 24867 Priest's Cell

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Priest's Cell

Parent Place or Precinct

01612 Church of the Holy Cross & Priest's Cell

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building was constructed whi continued to be used as a dwelling social, historical and architectural e Father Hawes was working on the adjacent church. It by resident priests until about 1955. The building is of nterest and a unique example of Mons. Hawes' work.

Physical Description

This very small building, only the length of a bed, has a stone fireplace, the chimney of which is of brick with shingle terra cotta tiles. The door and vent openings are arched, while two windows are rectangular shaped, with shutters. On an inner wall there is white painted sandstone with the following inscription: A.E.D.G. Campanam Dedit R.R. Joannis C. Hawes

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The building fully maintains its integrity. Modifications Natural Trust records refer to structural alterations.

Condition

Good, although rendered dado needs patching.

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Morawa Shire Office & Town Hall

Child Places

• 24868 Morawa Shire Offices
• 24873 Morawa Town Hall & Lesser Hall

Condition

Morawa Shire Office & Town Hall has received regular maintenance over the years to facilitate the continuous uses of the places. Both buildings are in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Morawa Shire Offices

Parent Place or Precinct

01620 Morawa Shire Office & Town Hall

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

The original building occupies a prominent corner location and forms part of the Prater Street precinct, which contains several buildings of different architectural styles, all constructed in the 1930s.

Physical Description

The original building is symmetrically designed around a corner entrance, with a pediment above, to provide a classical appearance. The entrance doors are an unsympathetic alteration. The Council Chamber addition does not interfere with the lines of the original building. There are plaques situated on the eastern walls, with the following inscriptions: 1. Plaque bronze. 30cm x 46cm. Shire of Morawa These council Chamber Office extensions and library were officially opened by The Premier of Western Australia Hon. D. Brand M.L.A. on Friday 10th December 1956. Architect Perry Rosenthal and Associates Builder Golowin bros. Pty. Ltd. Shire Pres. Clr.N. C. Croot Shire Clerk G.E.Jones F.I.M.A. 2. Plaque bronze. 46cm x 51cm. Iron ore sample imposed. This plaque was unveiled by The Minister for Mines Hon.A.F. Griffith M.L.C. to commemorate the inauguration by the Premier ofW.A. Hon.David Brand M.L.A. of the first commercial export of iron ore from this State. This ore was mined at Koolanooka Hills by The Western Mining Corporation Ltd. The first train load was carried on this day Friday 4th February 1966 to the port of Geraldton. 3. Plaque bronze. 35cm x 28cm, external Morawa Water Supply This plaque was unveiled by The Hon. David Brand M.L.A. Premier of Western Australia on 16th December 1965 To commemorate the supply of water from the Arrino Bores Hon.Ross Hutchinson D.F.C. M.L.A. Minister for Works and Water supplies. J.E.Parker B.C.E., A.M.I.E., Aust. Director of Engineering J.McConnell J.P., A.A.S.A. Under Secretary for Works. 4. Plaque Satin Bronze 36cm x 28cm, external Shire of Morawa Morawa waste water scheme. This plague was unveiled by Hon. G.C. Mackinnon M.L.C. Minister for Works, Water Supply and Tourism To commemorate the official opening of the scheme March 30. 1979. J. A. North. President. P.S.Jenkins. Deputy President. Councillors, L.J.Broad. G.C. Catto. C.Croot. S.C.Glassford. L.G.Harley. C.L.Lane. K.R..Ludlow. R.L.More. JR..Patterson. K.L.HUI Shire Clerk. Contractor, Connought Earthmoving Consulting Engineer and Drainage contractor Richard Wittenoom & Associates Pty.Ltd. 5. Cream painted flat iron. Brown painted lettering. 92cm x 61cm. Morawa Public Library in association with Th Library Board of W.A. 1964.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Although altered, the form of the building remains to provide a degree of integrity. Modifications: 1959, cream plastered walls, tall glass entrance doors, tile roof; 1965 new Council Chamber and entry from Dreghorn Street, red brick painted

Condition

Good

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Morawa Town Hall & Lesser Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

01620 Morawa Shire Office & Town Hall

Uses

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Statement of Significance

This building is another example of the progress that took place in Morawa during the Depression. The hall has served the community well for many years as the community centre. Dances were held regularly until society moved to other types of entertainment. As a result of cyclone damage the hall has been re-roofed.

Physical Description

The hall is situated beside the Shire Council Offices, with a parking area on the west side and detached toilets at the rear. The bulk of the structure is such that it is the largest building in Morawa. The facade is in simple art deco style.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The street facade maintains its integrity. There have been additions at the rear and the interior has been much altered. Modifications : A bio-box addition for (external) picture gardens was an early modification: early 1960s rear of main building extended with red brick, matching steel windows, kitchen rebuilt with aluminium frame windows and fibro ceilings; 1980s jarrah panelling around stage removed, ceiling lowered, metal perforated tiles installed; 1992/3 new aluminium front doors installed, men's toilets removed, lesser half remodelled internally with metal ceiling and carpet.

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