By Marco Ceccarelli
One of Perth’s hidden gems recently received the honours it deserves as celebrations were held for the 50th anniversary of the St Thomas Aquinas Chapel.
The heritage-listed building, which is located on the Aquinas College property in Salter Point, Perth, was officially opened on 12 August 1966 and to this day remains an architecturally stunning building with a rich history of liturgical celebrations.
To commemorate the event, two Masses were held: one on Friday, 12 August, with the Aquinas community who have been associated with the chapel since 1966, and one on Saturday, 13 August, with the Aquinas community who have since the same year been married in the chapel.
Celebrating the Anniversary Mass for the chapel was the Diocese of Geraldton, Vicar General Father Michael Morrissey, himself an ex-alumni of Aquinas (class of 1969). The Anniversary Mass for married couples was celebrated by the Archdiocese of Perth Vicar General, Fr Peter Whitely.
In his introductory statement for the Friday Mass, Aquinas College Headmaster Mark Sawle described the Chapel as the very heart of the College community which holds a very special place in the lives of current and past students and staff.
“The concrete, jarrah, copper and glass may reflect a building of stunning design and beauty, but it is the soul of the chapel which holds the very core of our existence as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition,” Mr Sawle said.
“If the Chapel walls could talk, they may speak to us of celebrations, loss, love, happiness and forgiveness. They would attest to struggles, achievements, change and 50 years of spiritual strength and worship under the guidance of our Christian Brothers and the Chaplains who have led our community,” he added.
Designed by Henderson & Thomson, who were represented by family at the Mass, construction on the St Thomas Aquinas Chapel by Cyril Wildy commenced in 1965 under the guidance of Brother Bill Woodruff, then Headmaster of the College.
Constructed of Mt Barker Stone, nyata timber (located in the circular ceiling above the altar), marble and jarrah, the chapel’s final stone was laid in 1966 with Brother Francis Redmond helping place the stone at the apex.
A time capsule, which remains to this day, is enclosed in this stone.
The chapel also features stunning “holy spirit” themed stained glass windows by pioneers of stained glass production in WA, Edward George Gowers and Albert Stanley Brown.
Designed in symbolic form using the French antique glass and English curious glass, the bubbles and swirling glass create a visually pleasing, solemn and peaceful atmosphere.
Other pieces within the chapel, such as copper light fittings, the crucifix and statue of Our Lady, the monstrance, the ciborium, Communion plate, the thurible, the incense bowl and the processional cross can be attributed to Czech artist Voitre Marek.
Special guests at the Friday Mass included Br John Carrigg, Br Leo Hassam, Bill and Gwen Woodruff, Br Brian Clery, Br Joe Murphy, Br Max McAppion, Br Berkeley Fitzhardinge, Br Phil O’Loghlen, Old Aquinian priests Fr Greg Carole, Fr Brennan Sia, Fr Greg Donovan, and Br Robert Stewart.
JP Churchill Fellow and current researcher of stained glass window history in Western Australia, Mr Ken Wildy, was also present, representing the Wildy family’s contribution to the construction of the chapel.
Former headmaster Bill Woodruff, Fr Morrissey and Mr Ken Wildy received a commemorative token from Aquinas College to mark the special occasion.