Loreto Chapel

The Loreto Chapel, or Children’s Chapel as it was known, was designed by architect, William Tappin, and built between 1898 and 1902 by builder, George Lorimer. It is built in an English Gothic style with French influence. The stone is Barrabool Hills sandstone from near Geelong with white Oamaru stone detailing from New Zealand.

Building on the Chapel was interrupted due to a lack of funds but the project was eventually completed with a large bequest from the German Countess Elizabeth Wolff-Metternich who was a student at the Convent in 1898. The Countess tragically died on a return visit to her family in Germany.

The inside of the Chapel is decorated in soft pastel colours with artwork and statuary donated to the sisters by Ballarat and Irish families. The Rose Window over the Organ Gallery depicts St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, surrounded by symbols of the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The windows over the altar depict the instruments of the Passion of Christ. The marble altar features the Nativity scene as was requested by the children.

The interior of the Chapel was restored in 1999 through the bequest of past pupil, Lucy Kerley, and maintenance is continued with a bequest from past pupil, Eileen Macintyre (McGrath).

Virtual Tour

Enjoy a 360 tour of our Chapel

The Story of the Loreto Chapel - The Children's Chapel

This video, produced by students and staff of the College in 2015, shares the special story of the Children's chapel...

Further information

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