THE historical and cultural significance of Armidale’s cathedrals may soon be etched in stone, with the Heritage Council of NSW considering their inclusion in the State Heritage Register.
The Anglican Cathedral Church of St Peter Apostle and Martyr and the St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral added to the rich heritage to the city of Armidale, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said.
“These are Armidale’s most iconic buildings and it’s a great thing that they are being considered for heritage listing as this will help preserve them for future generations,” Mr Marshall said.
Built and opened for worship in 1875, the Anglican Cathedral Church was the first cathedral to be constructed in what was then considered by religious hierarchy as a regional outpost.
The design was a collaborative effort between prominent architect John Horbury Hunt and Bishop James Francis Turner and the intricately detailed building is regarded as one of Hunt’s finest works.
Canadian by birth, Hunt revolutionised Australian architecture and was responsible for some of its most powerful and austere landmarks.
He also designed Booloominbah for Armidale’s first family, the Whites.
Current Anglican Bishop Rick Lewers said the cathedral was a great gift from the past and it was important to preserve it for the future.
“It is not only the heritage of brick and mortar, but the heritage of a community. The people who have gathered here and worshipped in the cathedral are the main gift,” Bishop Lewers said.
St Mary and St Joseph Catholic Cathedral, when completed in 1912, was considered to be the finest Catholic cathedral in Australia.
It was designed by prominent architectural firm, Sherrin and Hennessy and was the centre of the first order of the Ursuline Sisters who had settled in Armidale in 1882.
