Mount Carmel Convent

Designations
Designations
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name	Mount Carmel Convent
Type	State heritage (landscape, built)
Designated	27 August 1999
Reference no.	601730
Significant period	1910s-1920s (historical); 1910s (fabric); ongoing (social)
Significant components	Views to, convent/nunnery, garden/grounds
Builders	William Richard Juster

Mount Carmel Convent (former)
	Mount Carmel Convent, 2017
	Location within Queensland
Monastery information
Full name	Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Order	Sisters of Mercy
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Established	8 August 1915
Disestablished	2011 (as a convent)
Archdiocese	Brisbane
People
Founder(s)	Archbishop James Duhig
Architecture
Status	Convent (1915 –2011)
Functional status	Residence and bed-and-breakfast accommodation
Architect	Hall & Dods
Style	Classicism
Site
Location	199 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, City of Brisbane, Queensland
Country	Australia
Coordinates	27°26′47″S153°10′33″E / 27.4464°S 153.1758°E

Last updated August 17, 2024

Mount Carmel Convent is a heritage-listed Roman Catholic former convent at 199 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Hall & Dods and built in 1915 by William Richard Juster. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 27 August 1999.^[1]

History

Mt Carmel Convent, a substantial two storey brick building with surrounding verandahs, was constructed in 1915 as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy. It was designed by the architectural partnership of Hall and Dods and constructed by William Richard Juster at a cost of £ 8000.^[1]

A Catholic presence in Wynnum was prompted by the establishment of the area as a popular seaside resort. The opening of the Wynnum South railway station in 1898 encouraged further development, and the demand for a religious presence in the area grew. In 1903, the first Catholic masses were held in the Shire Hall, and the Sisters of Mercy began visiting Wynnum to teach the children residing in the area.^[1]

Established primarily as a teaching order in 1831 in Ireland by Catherine McAuley, the first Sisters of Mercy arrived in Brisbane in 1861. Various orders were later established throughout Queensland to ensure children gained adequate education and religious instruction.^[1]

The first Catholic church in Wynnum, known as the Catholic Church of Guardian Angels was erected in 1905. Designed by architect Richard Gailey it was constructed on Bay Terrace on land donated by Archbishop Robert Dunne. Following the formal establishment of the parish of Wynnum in 1913, a new school also designed by Gailey and located in Bay Terrace, was opened.^[1]

On 8 August 1915 "the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was solemnly blessed and dedicated by His Grace, Archbishop Duhig." A collection which realised £ 110 for the furnishing fund was taken up during the opening ceremony.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Designed by architects Francis Richard Hall and Robert Smith (Robin) Dods, the convent was described in The Age as a "handsome 2 storey brick building situated on a commanding eminence on the west side of Bay Terrace." The article continues:^[1]

"The building is built of brick; wide verandahs and balconies extend round the main block. On the ground floor on both sides of the main entrance are parlours, the one on the right giving access to the music room, and the one on the left to the chapel through the sacristy. The children's study and refectory are entered from a corridor running at right angles on either side of the entrance hall. This corridor also gives direct access to the chapel, sister's dormitory, main staircase, music room and service passage and stairs. The sister's dormitory is connected with the chapel by sliding doors. The first floor is occupied with two large and five smaller cells, community room and children's dormitory. Spacious lavatory and bathroom accommodation on this floor completes the main block. A separate block comprises the kitchen, offices and laundry on the ground floor and a large dormitory and servants quarters on the first floor. This block is connected with the verandah and balcony of the main block by a covered way."^[1]

The partnership of Hall and Dods was established in 1896 and continued until 1916. Dods was appointed architect to the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane and the firm oversaw the construction of St John's Cathedral in this capacity. They also designed many buildings for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, including St Brigids Catholic Church, Red Hill and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital.^[1]

In 1940, additions were made to the church by Francis Leo Cullen. Alterations and additions were also made to the convent, school and presbytery at this time, possibly by Cullen also.^[1]

In 1957, a secondary girls school was established at Mount Carmel and continued to operate until 1992 when it was closed due to the falling numbers of school-aged children in the area. The Guardian Angels primary school remains operational.^[1]

In 1999, the convent housed only four Sisters permanently and was mainly used as a holiday centre for Sisters of Mercy in the Southern Queensland region.^[1]

In 2011, only two sisters were living in the property and it was sold for A$1.6 million to Ivan Simon.^[4] For the following three years, the property was extensively renovated at a cost of A$1 million, after which the Brisbane City Council gave approval for it to be used as a residence with bed-and-breakfast accommodation.^[5]

Description

Mount Carmel Convent, a two storeyed brick building with a corrugated iron roof, is located in a prominent position in Bay Terrace, Wynnum. It is surrounded by minimal gardens and lawned areas which are enclosed by a recent metal fence incorporating an earlier wrought iron gate.^[1]

The building itself is asymmetrical in plan and is constructed of glazed face brick laid in English bond. The building comprises a main wing running parallel to Bay Terrace, with a transverse wing at the southeastern end. Verandahs encircle the entire building on both levels, with a combination of cast iron and timber balustrading and ripple iron sheeted ceilings. Windows are double hung with clear glass, apart from those in the chapel which feature leadlighting. French doors provide access to the verandahs from most rooms. A single storeyed building containing the kitchen and laundry is located at the rear of the main building, attached to it by breezeways which have been enclosed with aluminium framed windows.^[1]

The entry is centrally located within the main wing and is defined by a rendered archway rising through the two storeys. The entry door is located within a timber framed arch and leadlighting is featured in the side panels. A second rendered archway is located on the front elevation of the transverse wing, with a statue of Mary and Jesus featured in the gable above.^[1]

Internally the layout remains relatively intact, apart from the main dormitory for boarders on the upper level, which has been divided into smaller rooms. Two parlours (one now an office) open from the entry, and leadlight doors open onto a hallway which runs parallel to Bay Terrace. The dining room is located behind this and the hall terminates at the chapel which is located in the transverse wing. The main stair is located between the dining room and the chapel. It comprises a half turn with two landings and features a simply designed dark stained timber balustrade. A secondary stair is located at the northwestern end of the building.^[1]

The upper level is also divided by a central hall, with cells opening from both sides. Two large rooms, now used as recreational rooms are located in the transverse wing. Bathrooms and toilets are located on the enclosed rear verandah and an external stair, enclosed by lattice is located on the southeastern verandah.^[1]

Heritage listing

Mount Carmel Convent was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 27 August 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history.

Constructed in 1915, Mount Carmel Convent demonstrates the evolution of the Order of the Sisters of Mercy and the educational, religious and social practices they implemented throughout Queensland.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places.

The place demonstrates the principal characteristics of a convent building, including a two storeyed plan featuring a chapel, dining area, reception rooms and cells. Finishes are typical of the period and include pressed metal ceilings, dark stained timber detailing simple decorative features and cast iron balustrades to the exterior verandahs. Its prominent location on the rise of a hill overlooking Moreton Bay is also typical of convent buildings.^[1]

The place is important because of its aesthetic significance.

Mount Carmel Convent is of aesthetic significance due to its well-composed design which, externally features a combination of decorative elements including cast iron and timber balustrades, glazed face brick walls with rendered sections, timber latticework and a statue of Mary and Jesus in the south eastern gable. Interior features including pressed metal ceilings, stained glass and leadlight windows, and arts and crafts style timber balustrades and joinery contribute to the aesthetic value of the place.^[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The Convent has strong associations with the local community, and with the Sisters of Mercy, who use it as a holiday retreat during the summer months.^[1]

The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

It also has strong associations with the architectural partnership of Hall and Dods, who are highly regarded for their early 20th century ecclesiastical work.^[1]

Related Research Articles

Glengariff is a heritage-listed villa at 5 Derby Street, Hendra, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Hubert George Octavius Thomas, with 1907 alterations by Robin Dods, and built from 1888 to 1889. It is also known as Dura and Glenaplin. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 August 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wairuna, Brisbane</span> Historic site in Queensland, Australia

Wairuna is a heritage-listed detached house at 27 Hampstead Road, Highgate Hill, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Robin Dods and built from 1896 to 1900. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Goldicott is a heritage-listed house, set on 1.23 hectares, located at 50 Grove Street, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1885 to c. 1918.

Old Bishopsbourne is a heritage-listed house at 233 Milton Road, Milton, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Benjamin Backhouse and built from 1865 to 1959. It is also known as St Francis Theological College and Bishopsbourne. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Nazareth House is a heritage-listed benevolent institution at 272 Wynnum North Road, Wynnum, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1924 to 1939. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 2 April 2002.

Villa Maria Hostel is a heritage-listed nursing home at 167–173 Saint Paul's Terrace, Fortitude Valley, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Frank Cullen, Hennessy, Hennessy, Keesing & Co, & J P Donoghue and built from 1927 to 1968. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 18 September 2008.

Cremorne is a heritage-listed villa at 34 Mullens Street, Hamilton, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Eaton & Bates and built from 1905 to 1906. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

St Brigid's Convent is a heritage-listed former Roman Catholic convent at 9-17 Upper Clifton Terrace, Red Hill, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Eaton & Bates and built from 1902 to 1923. It was also known as Convent of the Annunciation and Red Hill Convent. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 28 March 2003.

La Scala is a heritage-listed detached house at 517 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Ramsay Hall and built c. 1915. It was originally known as Craig Athol. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Our Lady of Assumption Convent is a heritage-listed former Roman Catholic convent at 8 Locke Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Simkin & Ibler and built from 1891 to 1914. It is also known as Assumption College, Cloisters, and Sophia College. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

St Mary's Presbytery is a heritage-listed Roman Catholic presbytery of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church at 142 Palmerin Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Wallace & Gibson and built from 1885 to 1887 by John McCulloch. It is also known as Father JJ Horan's private residence. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 31 July 2008.

Rockhampton Girls Grammar School is a heritage-listed private school at 155 Agnes Street, The Range, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Edwin Morton Hockings and built in 1890 by Moir Cousins and Co. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 20 October 2000.

The Range Convent and High School is a heritage-listed private school at 263 Agnes Street, The Range, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from c.1880s to 1930s. It is also known as Our Lady of Good Counsel Convent and School and The Catholic College Residential. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

St Patrick's Convent is a heritage-listed Roman Catholic convent at 45 The Strand, North Ward, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It was built in c. 1883. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 3 February 2012.

St Monica's Cathedral is the cathedral of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Cairns. It is located at 183 Abbott Street, Cairns City, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The cathedral was designed by Ian Ferrier and built from 1967 to 1968. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 31 August 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cooktown Museum</span> Historic site in Queensland, Australia

Cooktown Museum is a heritage-listed former convent and school and now museum at Furneaux Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built from 1888 to 1889 Hobbs & Carter. It was formerly known as St Mary's Convent and School. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

St Columba's Convent is a heritage-listed Roman Catholic former convent at 169 Cunningham Street, Dalby, Western Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Bernard Roskell and built in 1913 by John Draney. It is also known as Iona. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 9 December 2010.

All Hallows' School Buildings are a heritage-listed group of Roman Catholic private school buildings at 547 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They were designed by a number of notable Brisbane architects and were constructed over many years. The earliest is the All Hallows Convent, also known as Adderton. The buildings were added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Marist Brothers College Rosalie Buildings are heritage-listed Roman Catholic monastery and school buildings at Fernberg Road, Rosalie, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They are also known as Marist Brothers' Monastery and Marist College. They were added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 18 September 2008.

The Buildings of St Joseph's College, Nudgee is a heritage-listed group of school buildings at St Joseph's College, Nudgee at 2199 Sandgate Road, Boondall, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They were built from 1891 to c. 1960. The school is also known as Nudgee College and St Joseph's Nudgee College. The buildings added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 6 November 2006.

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 "Mount Carmel Convent (entry 601730)". Queensland Heritage Register . Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
↑ "THE WEEK IN BRISBANE". The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) . Sydney, NSW: National Library of Australia. 19 August 1915. p. 29. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
↑ "NEW CONVENT AT WYNNUM". The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933) . Qld.: National Library of Australia. 10 August 1915. p. 7. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
↑ Chancellor, Jonathan (7 September 2011). "Convent sale fetches highest Wynnum price bar nun". Property Observer. Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
↑ "Mt Carmel Convent renovated for $1 million after three year battle with Brisbane City Council". Courier Mail . 9 August 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.

Attribution

This Wikipedia article was originally based on "The Queensland heritage register" published by the State of Queensland under CC-BY 3.0 AU licence (accessed on 7 July 2014, archived on 8 October 2014). The geo-coordinates were originally computed from the "Queensland heritage register boundaries" published by the State of Queensland under CC-BY 3.0 AU licence (accessed on 5 September 2014, archived on 15 October 2014).

External links

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[qhr-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 "Mount Carmel Convent (entry 601730)". Queensland Heritage Register . Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.

[2] "THE WEEK IN BRISBANE". The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) . Sydney, NSW: National Library of Australia. 19 August 1915. p. 29. Retrieved 18 December 2014.

[3] "NEW CONVENT AT WYNNUM". The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933) . Qld.: National Library of Australia. 10 August 1915. p. 7. Retrieved 18 December 2014.

[po-4] Chancellor, Jonathan (7 September 2011). "Convent sale fetches highest Wynnum price bar nun". Property Observer. Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.

[cm-5] "Mt Carmel Convent renovated for $1 million after three year battle with Brisbane City Council". Courier Mail . 9 August 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]