Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church - Former

The former Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, South Melbourne closed, and the property was sold (1995). The church had been part of the Diocese of Melbourne. 

"Designed by William Patrick Conolly and built by Reynolds Brothers, the former Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption at 77 Park Street, South Melbourne is locally significant. Archbishop Mannix laid the foundation stone in August 1928, and blessed and opened the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in December 1928. The Church was constructed to cater to the growing catholic population and the consequent need for an additional church to serve the eastern side of the St Peter and St Paul’s Parish. The interwar era was a sectarian period when Catholic identity with its association with the labor movement, and under the guidance of Archbishop Mannix, stood in contrast with conservative mainstream Anglo Protestant Australia. The Church was funded by the local community, and its exterior as presented to the public domain is demonstrative of that community spirit. The Church is a relatively intact, confident and sturdy example of Romanesque design, favored for Catholic churches of the period, with red brick with rendered elaboration. The symmetrical front façade features a simple projected arched entry vestibule with stepped recessed jamb. The central element of the Romanesque façade, below the niche that held the statue of “Our Lady”, is a two-tiered arcade of window tracery, set within a larger semi-circular arch, flanked by buttresses. Non-original alterations and additions are not significant." [Sourced from:City of Port Phillip Heritage Review', Citation No. 2392].

More historical information/photographs of the former church/congregation are invited. Photographs uploaded 14/6/2021.

 

Note: Photograph attribution/source - https://www.commercialpropertyguide.com.au/property/347421/lease/77-park-street/south-melbourne-vic-3205/other/?utm_source=Lifull-connect&utm_medium=referrer