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ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Other Name

thematic, St Joseph's Catholic Church complex

Location

4 GUYS ROAD, and BRIDGE STREET, KORUMBURRA, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE

Level

Rec for HO area contributory

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
St Joseph's Catholic School, designed by Mr Harper and constructed by Abraham Firth in 1914, at 1-3 Bridge Street, Korumburra.

St Joseph's Catholic School, designed by Robert Harper and built in 1914, is a simple brick half hipped structure with symmetrical projecting gables to the east enclosing a straight verandah with turned posts and fret brackets. The northern end has a raised section (formerly a stage?) with a storage undercroft below. The roof is of unglazed terracotta tiles.
How is it significant?

St. Joseph's Catholic Church complex, Korumburra, is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to the South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?

Historically, the complex demonstrates the development of St Joseph's in the early twentieth century after it was elevated to Parish status. This scale of this complex demonstrates the status of Korumburra as a regional hub within South Gippsland. (Criterion A)

It is significant as a representative Catholic Parish centre based around a place of worship, with an associated residence, convent and school. The convent and school demonstrate the importance of education to the Catholic Church and the expansion of Catholic education in the early to mid-twentieth century. (Criterion D)

Aesthetically, St Joseph's is the finest Interwar church in the Shire. It is notable for its substantial scale and fine detailing to both the exterior and interior, which reflects the skill of the architect, P.J. O'Connor. Situated on one of the highest points in Korumburra it is a prominent landmark. It is complemented by the presbytery, which is a fine example of a Federation bungalow with characteristic form and detailing including the dominant hipped roof and fine detailing to the verandah, gable ends and chimneys, and the convent and school, which collectively form a distinctive grouping. (Criterion E)

St Joseph's has social value for its strong and enduring associations with the local community through its use as a church, school and parish centre, which has been a focal point of the Catholic congregation for up to 100 years. (Criterion G)

Group