Opened in 1956, this notable modernist church was recently added to the National Trust Register in recognition of its architectural, historical and community value.
Perched prominently atop a sloping hill in Ngunnawal Country, Yass, St Augustine’s Church is a striking landmark of the regional township and a place of enduring civic importance. An outstanding example of a post-war modernist church, St Augustine’s was designed by renowned architect Joseph Charles Fowell. Celebrated for his contribution to ecclesiastical architecture in Australia, Fowell designed more than 40 churches over the course of his career, as well as several other salient landmarks including the British Medical Association Building in Macquarie Street and the Commonwealth Club in Canberra.
Art meets architecture
One of the distinguishing features of St Augustine is the exceptional and fully integrated artwork of the noted modernist Australian sculptor Tom Bass. The works were designed specifically for the building and form part of its architecture, rather than later additions, making St Augustine’s Church a unique collaboration between architecture, art and faith. In 2004, Tom Bass returned to the church to create a relief sculpture of St Augustine, continuing his creative relationship with the parish across almost 50 years.
A highly individual design
The architectural features of the church are highly distinctive. The prominence of the building is accentuated by a dramatic freestanding belltower surmounted by a cross. A curved concrete entrance canopy links the belltower to the main building, cleverly drawing attention to the building’s hilltop position. Mosaic tiles are a key feature throughout, providing an eye-catching contrast to the blonde brickwork of the building.
Celebrating heritage
While the original 1838 St Augustine’s Church still stands opposite the new church and is a listed heritage item under the Yass Valley Local Environment Plan (LEP), the present St Augustine’s Church is not currently on any heritage register. This National Trust Register listing seeks to rectify this anomaly and strengthen the recognition of this significant heritage place.
Find out more about the critical role of the National Trust (NSW) Register.
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