State Government heritage lists Yarloop church and cottage

5/4/02
An historic church and cottage with close ties to the development of the town of Yarloop has been heritage listed by the State Government in Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said St Joseph's Church and cottage, located on Barrington Knight Road, were important cultural and historical assets to both the State and local community.
"Yarloop was founded following the establishment of a timber mill by the Millars timber company in 1895, which in the early twentieth century was the largest timber company in Australia," Dr Edwards said.
"Millars provided housing and amenities for the local community, and assisted with the building of churches for the various denominations.
"As such, the timber and corrugated iron structure of St Joseph's Church was built in 1906 for the local Catholic community."
The cottage was one of a number of cottages transferred from other mill towns to accommodate the growing number of workers in Yarloop.
"Yarloop had at one stage been a town divided, with the town's farming and mill communities developing alongside each other with little interaction," Dr Edwards said.
"However, residents came together on Sundays to attend church services.
"Today it remains valued by the local community, and continues to be used for worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals."
The Minister said the formation of the St Joseph's Church Committee in 1982 to care for and maintain the building was indicative of local support.
"Many other timber churches in WA have since been demolished and replaced by larger churches, or are no longer used," she said.
Dr Edwards said St Joseph's had been officially opened in 1906 on St John the Baptist's feast day, and for this reason was originally named St John the Baptist.
"Another important historical factor relating to St Joseph's has been its association with Father John Fahey DSO, who was the only serving chaplain at Gallipoli to receive a combat medal," she said.
Minister's office: 9220 5050