Laying of Chapel Foundation Bricks

The Loreto Chapel was long desired by Mother Gonzaga Barry, who wished to be able to replace the original temporary (and very small) chapel built for the school.

Aided by the generous donations of past pupils and the local community, a chapel was designed according to Mother Gonzaga Barry’s vision and work began on the Chapel foundations in January 1898. Sadly, work soon needed to be paused when the available funds ran low.

That same year, Countess Elizabeth Wolff-Metternich attended Mary’s Mount as a parlour-boarder after spending time visiting friends in Australia. Although determined to enter the convent as a novice, she was encouraged to return home to her family for their blessing first. She died in April 1899 en route back to Germany, and in her will left a bequest to complete the chapel.

When construction recommenced, each of the students were invited to lay a brick in the foundation.

Visible in the background of the photo is St. Michael’s Novitiate (the three-storey red brick building built in 1895) and the original Wynne residence (the current gothic facade and second storey extension were added c.1913).

Opening of Chapel, 10 December 1902  

Four years after the first bricks were laid, the Mary’s Mount Chapel was officially opened and blessed. Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it was usually referred to as the ‘Children’s Chapel’.

The children pictured below are the students who performed a procession around the outside of the chapel and school grounds, following the Mass held inside. White dresses and veils today are usually associated only with the celebration of First Communion, but were common dress for Mass in the early 20th century.

Work continued for several years after the opening, with the installation of the large marble altar, the stencilling of fleur-de-lis and monograms in the arches, and the painting of the star-studded ceiling.

Further information about the Chapel:

https://loreto.vic.edu.au/loreto-college/facilities/loreto-chapel/

Further information about Countess Elizabeth Wolff-Metternich:

https://loreto.vic.edu.au/loreto-college/heritage/philanthropy/the-countess-and-the-church/