Presbytery and Sisters of Mercy Convent (former)

The land that Huron stands on had been owned by a Mr William Langley since 1886. There is no firm evidence to suggest Langley ever lived on the property, making it difficult to ascertain an accurate construction date; nevertheless, the house is clearly a late nineteenth century structure. Post Office Directories for the period indicate the house was occupied by tenants up to its purchase by Archbishop Duhig. Unverifiable evidence also suggests that it may have been used as a doctor’s surgery. The house was constructed during one of the early periods of residential development in the Hamilton area. In the 1880s Hamilton was characterised by the coexistence of large estates bearing fine homes, and large areas of undeveloped land held by speculators. This vacant land was steadily subdivided into suburban allotments in the late 1880s and 1890s. This house was constructed during this period of subdivision.

The foundations for the new church were laid in Late in 1913, and it was opened in April 1915. Following a blessing and opening ceremony conducted by Duhig on 2 August 1914, Huron was put to use as a presbytery by Father J. Gowen, the area’s first Parish Priest. Catholic Church publications state that it was used in this role until late 1916 when it was transferred to the Sisters of Mercy to serve as a convent. Historical title deeds indicate the property was officially transferred to the Sisters of Mercy circa 1928. It is feasible that the building had been in use by the Sisters of Mercy while still under Church ownership before they made their outright purchase. 

The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was established in Brisbane by Mother Vincent Whitty in 1861. Guided by their vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and apostolic service, the Sisters of Mercy have undertaken may works of community benefit in Brisbane. Notable among these is the establishment of All Hallows School and the Mater Hospital. Care of the poor and the disadvantaged has always been the order’s highest of priorities.

The Sisters of Mercy retained the building until 1994 when it was purchased by the current owners, the Society of the Divine Word. This organisation, also an affiliate of the Catholic Church, is the most recent occupants in a building with a lengthy association with Catholicism.

Throughout its association with the Catholic Church, the building has undergone changes to its physical appearance indicative of that association. Most prominent are the “ecclesiastic” alterations to the front of the building. Much remains to indicate the late nineteenth century construction date however.

While the building was not constructed as part of the initial Church development on College Street, it has been a significant part of the Catholic presence in Hamilton since the First World War. Furthermore, the area bounded by College, Hants and Windsor Streets (containing St Cecilia’s church, school, and former Sisters of Mercy Convent) has extra significance through the pleasing visual impact of attractive timber buildings set in a large expanse of lawns and large mature trees. The site, of which the house is an integral part, has considerable aesthetic appeal which should be protected from inappropriate development.