St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong
Coordinates: 38°09′10″S 144°21′38″E / 38.15278°S 144.36056°E
| St Mary of the Angels Basilica | |
|---|---|
 St Mary's Basilica west facade viewed from Yarra Street | |
| Basic information | |
| Location | Yarra Street, Geelong. Australia |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| District | Archdiocese of Melbourne |
| Year consecrated | 1872 |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Minor basilica |
| Leadership | Fr Kevin Dillon |
| Website | www.stmarysgeelong.com.au |
| Architectural description | |
| Architect(s) | Messrs Dowden and Ross |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1854 |
| Completed | 1937 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
| Length | 200 ft |
| Width | 130 ft |
| Height (max) | 210 ft |
St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, formerly St. Mary's Church, is a basilica located in Yarra Street, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
Since the completion of the current he Gothic revival bluestone building in 1937 St Mary of the Angels has the tallest bluestone spire in Australia, at 150 feet and is the 4th tallest church (non-cathedral) in Australia. In 2004 it became Australia's fifth basilica upon gaining Vatican approval.[1]
It is the tallest building in Geelong at a total height of 210 feet from the pavement and a major landmark to the city.
History
The first St Mary church was a small wooden chapel built in Yarra Street on 27 November 1842.[2] The congregation quickly outgrew the chapel and a stone replacement was constructed in 1846.
The optimism the Victorian gold rush brought to Geelong called for a cathedral-like landmark church for the city. The architects were Messrs Dowden and the foundation stone was laid in 1854.
However, as Geelong's boom slowed, work ceased two years later leaving Geelong with an incomplete landmark for over a decade.
Construction was revived in 1871 when Archdeacon R. S. Downing contracted builder Mr Clement Nash to continue works until 1872.
Work on the spire did not commence until 1931 and was completed by June 1937.
Architecture
The bronze cross at the top of the spire stands at 12 feet high.
See also
References
- ↑ (June 17, 1984). Honour just heavenly for church. The Age. Retrieved Feb 21, 2010.
- ↑ http://www.stmarysgeelong.com.au/history.html
"A chronological survey of Geelong in 1870". Investigator: 10. February 1970.
External links
Media related to St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong at Wikimedia Commons
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