Our Buildings
Cunningham Memorial Chapel 2010,
St Aloysius College Archives
Cunningham Memorial Chapel
In 1920, Mother Cecilia Cunningham received an inheritance of £120,000 from her parents in Argentina. She had been disappointed by the lack of ornateness in Australian churches in contrast to those found in Latin America. She made one request regarding the disposal of her large fortune: she wanted part of it to be used to erect a convent chapel in memory of her parents. The dedication plaque inside the chapel records the name of the donor and her parents, Patrick and Harriet Cunningham. At the entrance of the chapel is a Holy Water font in marble, with the inscription ‘In memory of Harriet Cunningham, who died 20/11/1911’.
1920
Chapel Design
The architect, Mr. Walter Bagot, travelled to Rome to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore for inspiration. His design incorporated a blend of international and Australian materials and craftsmanship.
1922
High Altar
The High Altar is made from white Carrara marble, with columns of green and rose-toned marble. The tabernacle features gilt bronze doors flanked by African onyx. The crucifix and tall candlesticks were brought by the Sisters from the Argentine Republic.
1922
Front of Altar
The front of the altar shows a high-relief of the Last Supper carved from a single block of marble, with marble angels in niches on either side.
1922
Ceiling
The chapel ceiling is a key interior feature, with ornate octagonal and square panels. Decoration includes scrolls and acanthus motifs, highlighted with extensive gold leaf. The walls and columns are similarly finished in tinted plaster with gold detailing in soft buff and blue tones. This class of decorative work was new to Adelaide and probably to Australia.
1922
Stained Glass and Mosaic
The stained-glass windows were designed and crafted in Birmingham, while the mosaic Stations of the Cross were imported from Bavaria.
1922
Organ
The Estey Reed organ was installed by Kuhnells. It can be blown by using the pedals, the crank shaft or electricity.
1922
Floor and Seating
The floor was laid with Australian timber parquetry and the seating was crafted from both Australian and imported oak.
21 November 1922
Chapel Opening
The building was blessed and opened by Archbishop Robert Spence.
By Carol Grantham
St Aloysius College Archivist, 2026
References
Corporation of the City of Adelaide (n.d.) Convent of Mercy, Heritage of the City of Adelaide. https://d31atr86jnqrq2.cloudfront.net/heritage-places/heritage-place-information-sheet-32-46-angas-street.pdf
Opening of Building and Chapel [Photograph]. (1922). State Library of South Australia PRG 280/1/35/19. https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/PRG+280/1/35/19
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