Geraldton Diocese launches $1m restoration project to save historic Hawes churches from serious decay
A major restoration project has been launched by the Catholic Diocese of Geraldton to preserve two significant historical landmarks designed and built by renowned architect and priest, Monsignor John Cyril Hawes.
San Spirito Chapel in Utakarra, built in 1936, and Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church in Mullewa, built in 1927, are iconic Mid West landmarks that stand as remarkable expressions of Monsignor Hawes' architectural and theological vision and legacy.
Both buildings are currently in a state of deterioration, requiring urgent repairs to address issues such as rising damp, rotting timber, and crumbling stonework.
Spearheaded by Monsignor Hawes Heritage Inc, the Our Lady of Mt Carmel Precinct Project was established to develop a comprehensive conservation strategy. Initial works — including painting and waterproofing — were completed in 2024 on the dome and façade at the church at a cost of $37,000.
The full restoration of the church is expected to total about $1 million, with a recent $30,000 donation already allocated toward new boundary fencing.
Meanwhile, MHHI has been placed on a reserve list for a Heritage Council of Western Australia grant to assist with $181,000 in urgent external repairs for San Spirito Chapel.
San Spirito Chapel also holds deep historical and cultural significance. It is the final resting place of Archdeacon Adolphe Joseph Lecaille and features a commemorative plaque dedicated to Monsignor Hawes.
Artistic elements — such as Wilfred Priestner's wrought ironwork and a ceiling mural painted by Italian migrant artist Dan Mazotti — underscore the need for careful and extensive conservation.
MHHI is now calling on the the generosity of the local community to contribute time, resources, and fundraising efforts to help safeguard these treasured Mid West landmarks.
Father Robert Cross, director of heritage and chancellor of the Diocese of Geraldton, and chair of MHHI, addressed the community in the organisation's first 2025 newsletter.
'Age creeps up on us all — as it is on Hawes' buildings. Some of these buildings are now over 100 years old, and like ourselves require a lot of maintenance,' he said.
'Initial steps have been taken to develop a comprehensive and prioritised conservation works plan with the assistance of an architect.
'As local farmers await the opening rains of the 2025 season, perhaps they might consider doing what many of their parents and grandparents once did to help build and support these extraordinary churches . . . put in a few acres of wheat for the church, or come up with fundraising ideas, and more importantly, volunteer to conduct them.'
'Together we can do it.'
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