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'''Louis Reginald Williams''' (1890–1980) was an [[ecclesiastical]] [[architect]] in [[Australia]]. He designed churches throughout the country, particularly in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], primarily [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican]] but also [[Methodism|Methodists]], [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]], [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]] and [[Christian Science|Christian Scientists]]. He himself regarded [[St Andrew's Church, Brighton|St Andrew's Anglican Church, Brighton]] in [[Melbourne]], as his greatest work.
'''Louis Reginald Williams''' (1890–1980) was an [[ecclesiastical]] [[architect]] in [[Australia]]. He designed churches throughout the country, particularly in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], primarily [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican]] but also [[Methodism|Methodists]], [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]], [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]] and [[Christian Science|Christian Scientists]]. He himself regarded [[St Andrew's Church, Brighton|St Andrew's Anglican Church, Brighton]] in [[Melbourne]], as his greatest work.
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==Early life and training==
==Early life and training==
Williams was born in [[Hobart, Tasmania]] and attended school at Queen's College. His father was a furniture manufacturer, and the family was very religious. Williams's interest in churches led to his choosing a career in architecture, and he was trained by [[Alexander North]], then architect to the [[Diocese of Tasmania]].<ref name=Moore/> Williams and North eventually became partners and moved to Melbourne, where they started a joint practice.
Williams was born in [[Hobart, Tasmania]] and attended school at [[Queen's College, Hobart|Queen's College]]. His father was a furniture manufacturer, and the family was very religious. Williams's interest in churches led to his choosing a career in architecture, and he was trained by [[Alexander North]], then architect to the [[Diocese of Tasmania]].<ref name=Moore/> Williams and North eventually became partners and moved to Melbourne, where they started a joint practice.


==Career==
==Career==
Williams executed some domestic and commercial commissions, but specialised in churches. His primary client was the Anglican Church; for many years he was diocesan architect for both [[Anglican Diocese of Bathurst|Bathurst]], where he enlarged the [[All Saints' Cathedral, Bathurst|cathedral]],<ref>''Journal and Proceedings - Royal Australian Historical Society'' 32 (1947) [http://books.google.com/books?ei=oGlAU8fhN4jd2AW0jYDQBw&id=2kkLAAAAIAAJ&dq=Louis+Williams%2C+architect%2C+Australia&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Louis+Williams p. 149].</ref> and [[Diocese of Grafton|Grafton]]; he was advisory architect to the [[Chapter (religion)|Chapter]] of [[St Saviour's Cathedral, Goulburn|Goulburn Cathedral]], and designed buildings for every diocese in Victoria and also for the dioceses of [[Anglican Diocese of Adelaide|Adelaide]], [[Diocese of North Queensland|North Queensland]], [[Anglican Diocese of Perth|Perth]], [[Anglican Diocese of Bunbury|Bunbury]] and for [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]] and [[Railton, Tasmania|Railton]]. He also worked for Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Christian Scientists.<ref name=Moore/> Churches designed by him exist throughout Australia and include concrete and timber bush buildings, suburban brick buildings, and three cathedrals, two of which he completed and one of which he designed in its entirety. He himself regarded as his best work St Andrew's Church in the Melbourne seaside suburb of [[Brighton, Victoria|Brighton]], where he lived.<ref name=Moore/>
Williams executed some domestic and commercial commissions, but specialised in churches. His primary client was the Anglican Church; for many years he was diocesan architect for both [[Anglican Diocese of Bathurst|Bathurst]], where he enlarged the [[All Saints' Cathedral, Bathurst|cathedral]],<ref>''Journal and Proceedings - Royal Australian Historical Society'' 32 (1947) [https://books.google.com/books?id=2kkLAAAAIAAJ&q=Louis+Williams p. 149].</ref> and [[Diocese of Grafton|Grafton]]; he was advisory architect to the [[Chapter (religion)|Chapter]] of [[St Saviour's Cathedral, Goulburn|Goulburn Cathedral]], and designed buildings for every diocese in Victoria and also for the dioceses of [[Anglican Diocese of Adelaide|Adelaide]], [[Diocese of North Queensland|North Queensland]], [[Anglican Diocese of Perth|Perth]], [[Anglican Diocese of Bunbury|Bunbury]] and for [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]] and [[Railton, Tasmania|Railton]]. He also worked for Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Christian Scientists.<ref name=Moore/> Churches designed by him exist throughout Australia and include concrete and timber bush buildings, suburban brick buildings, and three cathedrals, two of which he completed and one of which he designed in its entirety. He himself regarded as his best work St Andrew's Church in the Melbourne seaside suburb of [[Brighton, Victoria|Brighton]], where he lived.<ref name=Moore/>


Williams was usually commissioned to design a church of a specified capacity within a specified budget. At a time when other architects were experimenting with new styles, he preferred to work within the traditional Arts and Crafts, [[Neo-Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style. Concerned about quality, craftsmanship and architectural integrity, he insisted on also designing furniture and fittings to harmonise with the building. He advised on lighting, [[stained glass]], metalwork, altar furnishings, plate, carved ornamentation, murals, [[Opus sectile|opus sectile mosaics]], and floor coverings. He gathered a group of trusted craftsmen with whom he usually worked.<ref name=Moore/> He introduced innovations that increase the sense of space in his churches and make them more comfortable in the hot climate.<ref name=Moore/>
Williams was usually commissioned to design a church of a specified capacity within a specified budget. At a time when other architects were experimenting with new styles, he preferred to work within the traditional Arts and Crafts, [[Neo-Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style. Concerned about quality, craftsmanship and architectural integrity, he insisted on also designing furniture and fittings to harmonise with the building. He advised on lighting, [[stained glass]], metalwork, altar furnishings, plate, carved ornamentation, murals, [[opus sectile]] mosaics, and floor coverings.


He gathered a group of trusted craftsmen with whom he usually worked, including the noted woodcarver [[Walter Langcake]].<ref name=Moore/> Williams also introduced innovations that increase the sense of space in his churches and make them more comfortable in the hot climate.<ref name=Moore/>
⚫
His career lasted for more than 65 years, until he was 86. In World War II, when most building was suspended, he moved his practice from Queen Street in [[Melbourne City Centre]] to his home in Brighton.<ref name=Moore/>

⚫
His career lasted for more than 65 years, until he was 86. In World War II, when most building was suspended, he moved his practice from 108 [[Queen Street, Melbourne]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209809004 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Age]] |issue=27014 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=15 November 1941 |access-date=10 July 2023 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> to his home in Brighton.<ref name=Moore/>

==Personal life==
⚫
Williams married Mary Tasker Sampson, the sister of Senator [[Burford Sampson]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68824334?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Family Notices: Deaths"], ''[[The Advocate (Tasmania)|The Advocate]]'', 15 September 1943, p. 2.</ref>

Later in life, years after Mary died, he married Frances Joyce McDougall (née Mason), a widow of 30 plus years. They were old family friends from Brighton and Aireys Inlet. Their children were friends from very young. (Source: Christine Frances McDonald (née McDougall), granddaughter of Frances Joyce McDougall)


==Selected works==
==Selected works==

⚫
* Memorial Church of St. Silas, [[Albert Park, Victoria]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/2153235?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Memorial Church for Albert Park"], ''[[The Argus (Melbourne)|The Argus]]'', 16 October 1925, p. 9.</ref>
* Anglican church at [[Barmedman]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/17469990?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams#pstart1181584 "Church at Barmedman"], ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 31 May 1938, p. 6.</ref>
* Memorial Church of St. Silas, [[Albert Park, Victoria]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2153235?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Memorial Church for Albert Park"], ''[[The Argus (Melbourne)|The Argus]]'', 16 October 1925, p. 9.</ref>
* Memorial Cathedral of All Saints, [[Bendigo]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/2131517?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Memorial Cathedral for Bendigo"], ''The Argus'', 29 June 1925, p. 9.</ref>
* Holy Trinity Church of England, [[Ararat, Victoria|Ararat]].<ref name=new>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3960505?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Country Churches"], ''The Argus'', 3 October 1928, p. 5.</ref>
* Anglican church at [[Bourke, New South Wales|Bourke]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/17546550?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Anglican Church, Bourke"], ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 20 December 1938, p. 5.</ref>
<!-- * Memorial chapel, [[New England Girls' School]], [[Armidale, New South Wales|Armidale]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25293784?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "The Florence Green Memorial Chapel at the New England Girls' School, Armidale"], ''[[The Queenslander]]'', 19 February 1927, p. 28.</ref> -->
* St. Cuthbert's Church, [[Brunswick, Victoria]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/4259452?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church at Brunswick"], ''The Argus'', 13 February 1931, p. 5.</ref>
* Anglican church at [[Barmedman]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17469990?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams#pstart1181584 "Church at Barmedman"], ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 31 May 1938, p. 6.</ref>
* Methodist church, [[Canterbury, Victoria]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/3941325?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Design for Church at Canterbury"], ''The Argus'', 16 June 1928, p. 27.</ref>
* Memorial Cathedral of All Saints, [[Bendigo]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2131517?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Memorial Cathedral for Bendigo"], ''The Argus'', 29 June 1925, p. 9.</ref>
* St. Paul's Church of England church, [[Caulfield, Victoria]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/11246689?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Caulfield Church"], ''The Arhus'', 14 September 1939, p. 7.</ref>
* Anglican church of the Holy Innocents, [[Bourke, New South Wales|Bourke]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17546550?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Anglican Church, Bourke"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 20 December 1938, p. 5.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27950687?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Church at Bourke"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 13 August 1940, p. 5.</ref>
* Novitiate and community buildings, Community of the Holy Name, [[Cheltenham, Victoria]].<ref>''The Argus'', 6 September 1935, [http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/11764848?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 5].</ref>
* St. Peter's Anglican Church, [[Box Hill, Victoria|Box Hill]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10953610?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Church At Box Hill: Special Architectural Features"], ''The Argus'', 9 October 1934, p. 9.</ref>
* Church and associated buildings, [[Flemington, Victoria]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12446766?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church"], ''The Argus'', 1 May 1925, p. 13.</ref>
* [[St Andrew's Church, Brighton|St. Andrew's Anglican Church]], [[Brighton, Victoria]], extension including tower.<ref>The Anglican Parish of St Andrew, Brighton: A History in Celebration. Brighton, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3739631?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Tower for Brighton Church"], ''The Argus'', 13 March 1926, p. 5.</ref>
* St. Alban's War Memorial Church, [[Griffith, New South Wales]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/27519095?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Builders Start on Church"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 16 March 1954, p. 11.</ref>
* St. Cuthbert's Church, [[Brunswick, Victoria]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4259452?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church at Brunswick"], ''The Argus'', 13 February 1931, p. 5.</ref>
* [[St Boniface Cathedral, Bunbury|St Boniface Cathedral]], [[Bunbury, Western Australia]]<ref name="inherit cofb profile">{{cite web |author1=City of Bunbury |title=St Boniface Anglican Cathedral / Place number 05667 |url=https://inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au/Public/Inventory/Details/ff0d578f-7e35-41e5-9016-21d039e74afd |website=inHerit (WA) |access-date=2023-12-24 |date=1997-05-13}}</ref>
⚫
* Church of St. John, [[Mansfield, Victoria]].<ref>''The Argus'', 13 May 1939, [http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12127884?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 2].</ref><ref>''The Argus'', 13 April 1940, [http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12446766?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 9].</ref>
* Presbyterian church, [[Murrumbeena, Victoria|Murrumbeena]].<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/11709796?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Presbyterian Church for Murrumbeena"], ''The Argus'', 10 November 1933, p. 11.</ref>
* Anglican church at Cooee, [[Burnie, Tasmania]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67870937?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Burnie: New Church for Cooee"], ''The Advocate'', 24 July 1931, p. 6.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67922585?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Cooee's Handsome New Church: A Mother's Monument to Her Daughter"], ''The Advocate'', 30 April 1932, p. 6.</ref>
* St. John's Church, [[Toorak, Victoria]], extension.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/11887783?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Extension to St. John's"], ''The Argus'', 2 July 1936, p. 10.</ref>
* St. Mary's Church, South [[Camberwell, Victoria|Camberwell]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4748357?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church For South Camberwell"], ''The Argus'', 13 July 1933, p. 5.</ref>
* Methodist church, [[Canterbury, Victoria]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3941325?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Design for Church at Canterbury"], ''The Argus'', 16 June 1928, p. 27.</ref>
* St. Paul's Church of England church, [[Caulfield, Victoria]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12070881?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church of St. Paul, Caulfield"], ''The Argus'', 3 December 1938, p. 4.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11246689?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Caulfield Church"], ''The Argus'', 14 September 1939, p. 7.</ref>
* Novitiate, community buildings and chapel, [[Community of the Holy Name (Australia)|Community of the Holy Name]], [[Cheltenham, Victoria]].<ref>''The Argus'', 6 September 1935, [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11764848?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 5].</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11035094?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Community House Established: Memorial to Sister Esther"], ''The Argus'', 16 May 1936, p. 26.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11265850?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Chapel At Cheltenham"], ''The Argus'', 17 August 1939, p. 6.</ref>
* St. John's Church, [[Colac, Victoria|Colac]], completion and furnishings.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11704995?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Architecture & Property: Additions to St. John's, Colac"], ''The Argus'', 26 October 1933, p. 13.</ref>
* St. Stephen's Church of England, [[Darebin]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3820834?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church for Darebin"], ''The Argus'', 13 November 1926, p. 33.</ref>
* St. Matthew's Church of England, [[East Geelong]].<ref name=new/>
* St. Mary's Church of England, [[Preston, Victoria|East Preston]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22531490?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church For East Preston"], ''The Argus'', 21 February 1948, p. 20.</ref>
* All Saints Church , Emu
* [[St Hilary's Anglican Church, Melbourne|St. Hilary's Anglican Church]], [[Kew, Victoria|Kew]].<ref>Rodda, C. Behan McCullagh & N. Gwen, 1988. St Hilary's Anglican Church Kew 1888-1988. Melbourne: St Hilary's Anglican Church. p. 27.</ref>
* Church and associated buildings, [[Flemington, Victoria]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12446766?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church"], ''The Argus'', 1 May 1925, p. 13.</ref>
* Memorial chapel, [[HMAS Cerberus (naval base)|Flinders Naval Depot]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75572870?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Flinders Naval Depot Memorial Chapel Design"], ''[[The Central Queensland Herald]]'', 8 February 1951, p. 9.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23183292?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Navy Honors War Heroes"], ''The Argus'', 8 August 1952, p. 4S.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63476949?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Navy Honours Its War Dead"], ''[[Townsville Daily Bulletin]]'', 3 October 1952, p. 3.</ref>
* St. John's Church, [[Footscray, Victoria|Footscray]], tower and vicarage.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11088087?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Footscray Memorial Tower"], ''The Argus'', 21 August 1937, p. 35S.</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11255036?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Vicarage at Footscray"], ''The Argus'', 29 July 1939, p. 8.</ref>
* St. Paul's Church of England, [[Frankston, Victoria|Frankston]], rebuilding and extension.<ref>''The Argus'', 9 December 1932, [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4513259?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 7].</ref><ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73270310?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church of St. Paul"], ''[[Frankston and Somerville Standard]]'', 23 December 1933, p. 7.</ref>
* Chapel, [[Geelong Grammar School]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3951997?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Gift Chapel for Geelong School"], ''The Argus'', 9 May 1928, p. 19.</ref>
* Junior school block, [[Korowa Anglican Girls' School|Korowa Church of England Girls' Grammar School]], [[Glen Iris, Victoria|Glen Iris]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11127763?searchTerm=New%20England%20Girls%27%20School&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Building At School"], ''The Argus'', 27 November 1937, p. 39.</ref>
* St. Oswald Church of England, Glen Iris.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22517386?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Churches Co-operate on Extensions"], ''The Argus'', 1 November 1947, p. 44.</ref>
* [[Community of the Ascension|House of the Ascension]], [[Goulburn]], New South Wales.<ref>Moore, Gladys Marie, ''Louis Reginald Williams'', (2001: University of Melbourne thesis), p 131.</ref>
* St. Alban's War Memorial Church, [[Griffith, New South Wales]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27519095?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Builders Start on Church"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 16 March 1954, p. 11.</ref>
* Holy Trinity Church, [[Hastings, Victoria]], extension, repairs, and fittings.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4726266?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Church at Hastings"], ''The Argus'', 27 March 1933, p. 10.</ref>
⚫
* Church of St. John, [[Mansfield, Victoria]].<ref>''The Argus'', 13 May 1939, [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12127884?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 2].</ref><ref>''The Argus'', 13 April 1940, [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12446766?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 9].</ref>
* St. David's Church of England, [[Moorabbin, Victoria|Moorabbin]], and associated buildings.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22522783?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Methods in Church Planning"], ''The Argus'', 29 November 1947, p. 44.</ref>
* Presbyterian church, [[Murrumbeena, Victoria|Murrumbeena]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11709796?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Presbyterian Church for Murrumbeena"], ''The Argus'', 10 November 1933, p. 11.</ref>
* Presbyterian church, [[Ormond, Victoria|Ormond]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11129975?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "New Ormond Presbyterian Church"], ''The Argus'', 4 December 1937, p. 10.</ref>
* Holy Trinity Church, [[Pascoe Vale, Victoria|Pascoe Vale]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4443531?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Simple and Dignified"], ''The Argus'', 26 March 1932, p. 5.</ref>
* St. Stephen's Church, [[Peak Hill, New South Wales|Peak Hill]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16587817?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Notes"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 27 September 1929, p. 8.</ref>
* Anglican Church of St. Mark, [[Red Cliffs, Victoria|Red Cliffs]].<ref>''The Argus'', 26 July 1947, [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22440139?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams p. 40].</ref>
* Anglican Church of St. Paul, [[Temora, New South Wales|Temora]], remodelling and addition of church hall.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17208841?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "St. Paul's, Temora"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 31 December 1935, p. 4.</ref>
* St. John's Church, [[Toorak, Victoria]], extension.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11887783?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "Extension to St. John's"], ''The Argus'', 2 July 1936, p. 10.</ref>
*St. Barnabas's Church, [[West Wyalong]].<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17313760?searchTerm=&searchLimits=l-publictag=Louis+Williams "West Wyalong Church"], ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', 1 December 1936, p. 6.</ref>
*St George's Anglican Church, [[Parkes, New South Wales|Parkes]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-06-27|title=St George's Parkes|url=https://stgeorgesparkes.wordpress.com/about/st-georges-parkes/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Anglican Parish of Parkes|language=en}}</ref>
*All Saints' Anglican Church, [[Canowindra, New South Wales|Canowindra]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/38261/300554_MOORE%20vol.%201.pdf | title=Louis Reginald Williams | website=minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references />


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Roy R. Prentice. "Biography of Louis R. Williams LF.R.A.I.A., Ecclesiastical Architect". Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Biographical Committee, 1974. {{OCLC|223023953}}
* Roy R. Prentice. "Biography of Louis R. Williams LF.R.A.I.A., Ecclesiastical Architect". Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Biographical Committee, 1974. {{OCLC|223023953}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Louis}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Louis}}
[[Category:Australian architects]]
[[Category:Australian ecclesiastical architects]]
[[Category:Arts and Crafts architects]]
[[Category:Arts and Crafts architects]]
[[Category:1890 births]]
[[Category:1890 births]]
[[Category:1980 deaths]]
[[Category:1980 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Hobart]]
[[Category:Tasmanian architects]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian architects]]
[[Category:People from Brighton, Victoria]]

Latest revision as of 03:53, 17 October 2024

Louis Reginald Williams (1890–1980) was an ecclesiastical architect in Australia. He designed churches throughout the country, particularly in Victoria, primarily Anglican but also Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Christian Scientists. He himself regarded St Andrew's Anglican Church, Brighton in Melbourne, as his greatest work.

Williams was probably the major church architect in Australia in the Arts and Crafts tradition from the 1920s to the 1970s.[1]

Early life and training

[edit]

Williams was born in Hobart, Tasmania and attended school at Queen's College. His father was a furniture manufacturer, and the family was very religious. Williams's interest in churches led to his choosing a career in architecture, and he was trained by Alexander North, then architect to the Diocese of Tasmania.[1] Williams and North eventually became partners and moved to Melbourne, where they started a joint practice.

Career

[edit]

Williams executed some domestic and commercial commissions, but specialised in churches. His primary client was the Anglican Church; for many years he was diocesan architect for both Bathurst, where he enlarged the cathedral,[2] and Grafton; he was advisory architect to the Chapter of Goulburn Cathedral, and designed buildings for every diocese in Victoria and also for the dioceses of Adelaide, North Queensland, Perth, Bunbury and for Devonport and Railton. He also worked for Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Christian Scientists.[1] Churches designed by him exist throughout Australia and include concrete and timber bush buildings, suburban brick buildings, and three cathedrals, two of which he completed and one of which he designed in its entirety. He himself regarded as his best work St Andrew's Church in the Melbourne seaside suburb of Brighton, where he lived.[1]

Williams was usually commissioned to design a church of a specified capacity within a specified budget. At a time when other architects were experimenting with new styles, he preferred to work within the traditional Arts and Crafts, Gothic style. Concerned about quality, craftsmanship and architectural integrity, he insisted on also designing furniture and fittings to harmonise with the building. He advised on lighting, stained glass, metalwork, altar furnishings, plate, carved ornamentation, murals, opus sectile mosaics, and floor coverings.

He gathered a group of trusted craftsmen with whom he usually worked, including the noted woodcarver Walter Langcake.[1] Williams also introduced innovations that increase the sense of space in his churches and make them more comfortable in the hot climate.[1]

His career lasted for more than 65 years, until he was 86. In World War II, when most building was suspended, he moved his practice from 108 Queen Street, Melbourne[3] to his home in Brighton.[1]

Personal life

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Williams married Mary Tasker Sampson, the sister of Senator Burford Sampson.[4]

Later in life, years after Mary died, he married Frances Joyce McDougall (née Mason), a widow of 30 plus years. They were old family friends from Brighton and Aireys Inlet. Their children were friends from very young. (Source: Christine Frances McDonald (née McDougall), granddaughter of Frances Joyce McDougall)

Selected works

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Gladys Marie Moore, "Louis Reginald Williams", Masters thesis, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne, 2001, Abstract.
  2. ^ Journal and Proceedings - Royal Australian Historical Society 32 (1947) p. 149.
  3. ^ "Advertising". The Age. No. 27014. Victoria, Australia. 15 November 1941. p. 4. Retrieved 10 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "Family Notices: Deaths", The Advocate, 15 September 1943, p. 2.
  5. ^ "Memorial Church for Albert Park", The Argus, 16 October 1925, p. 9.
  6. ^ a b "New Country Churches", The Argus, 3 October 1928, p. 5.
  7. ^ "Church at Barmedman", The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 May 1938, p. 6.
  8. ^ "Memorial Cathedral for Bendigo", The Argus, 29 June 1925, p. 9.
  9. ^ "Anglican Church, Bourke", The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 December 1938, p. 5.
  10. ^ "Church at Bourke", The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 August 1940, p. 5.
  11. ^ "Church At Box Hill: Special Architectural Features", The Argus, 9 October 1934, p. 9.
  12. ^ The Anglican Parish of St Andrew, Brighton: A History in Celebration. Brighton, 2013.
  13. ^ "New Tower for Brighton Church", The Argus, 13 March 1926, p. 5.
  14. ^ "New Church at Brunswick", The Argus, 13 February 1931, p. 5.
  15. ^ City of Bunbury (13 May 1997). "St Boniface Anglican Cathedral / Place number 05667". inHerit (WA). Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  16. ^ "Burnie: New Church for Cooee", The Advocate, 24 July 1931, p. 6.
  17. ^ "Cooee's Handsome New Church: A Mother's Monument to Her Daughter", The Advocate, 30 April 1932, p. 6.
  18. ^ "New Church For South Camberwell", The Argus, 13 July 1933, p. 5.
  19. ^ "Design for Church at Canterbury", The Argus, 16 June 1928, p. 27.
  20. ^ "New Church of St. Paul, Caulfield", The Argus, 3 December 1938, p. 4.
  21. ^ "New Caulfield Church", The Argus, 14 September 1939, p. 7.
  22. ^ The Argus, 6 September 1935, p. 5.
  23. ^ "Community House Established: Memorial to Sister Esther", The Argus, 16 May 1936, p. 26.
  24. ^ "New Chapel At Cheltenham", The Argus, 17 August 1939, p. 6.
  25. ^ "Architecture & Property: Additions to St. John's, Colac", The Argus, 26 October 1933, p. 13.
  26. ^ "New Church for Darebin", The Argus, 13 November 1926, p. 33.
  27. ^ "New Church For East Preston", The Argus, 21 February 1948, p. 20.
  28. ^ Rodda, C. Behan McCullagh & N. Gwen, 1988. St Hilary's Anglican Church Kew 1888-1988. Melbourne: St Hilary's Anglican Church. p. 27.
  29. ^ "New Church", The Argus, 1 May 1925, p. 13.
  30. ^ "Flinders Naval Depot Memorial Chapel Design", The Central Queensland Herald, 8 February 1951, p. 9.
  31. ^ "Navy Honors War Heroes", The Argus, 8 August 1952, p. 4S.
  32. ^ "Navy Honours Its War Dead", Townsville Daily Bulletin, 3 October 1952, p. 3.
  33. ^ "Footscray Memorial Tower", The Argus, 21 August 1937, p. 35S.
  34. ^ "New Vicarage at Footscray", The Argus, 29 July 1939, p. 8.
  35. ^ The Argus, 9 December 1932, p. 7.
  36. ^ "New Church of St. Paul", Frankston and Somerville Standard, 23 December 1933, p. 7.
  37. ^ "Gift Chapel for Geelong School", The Argus, 9 May 1928, p. 19.
  38. ^ "New Building At School", The Argus, 27 November 1937, p. 39.
  39. ^ "Churches Co-operate on Extensions", The Argus, 1 November 1947, p. 44.
  40. ^ Moore, Gladys Marie, Louis Reginald Williams, (2001: University of Melbourne thesis), p 131.
  41. ^ "Builders Start on Church", The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 March 1954, p. 11.
  42. ^ "New Church at Hastings", The Argus, 27 March 1933, p. 10.
  43. ^ The Argus, 13 May 1939, p. 2.
  44. ^ The Argus, 13 April 1940, p. 9.
  45. ^ "New Methods in Church Planning", The Argus, 29 November 1947, p. 44.
  46. ^ "New Presbyterian Church for Murrumbeena", The Argus, 10 November 1933, p. 11.
  47. ^ "New Ormond Presbyterian Church", The Argus, 4 December 1937, p. 10.
  48. ^ "Simple and Dignified", The Argus, 26 March 1932, p. 5.
  49. ^ "Notes", The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 September 1929, p. 8.
  50. ^ The Argus, 26 July 1947, p. 40.
  51. ^ "St. Paul's, Temora", The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 December 1935, p. 4.
  52. ^ "Extension to St. John's", The Argus, 2 July 1936, p. 10.
  53. ^ "West Wyalong Church", The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 December 1936, p. 6.
  54. ^ "St George's Parkes". Anglican Parish of Parkes. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  55. ^ "Louis Reginald Williams" (PDF). minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au.

Further reading

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  • Roy R. Prentice. "Biography of Louis R. Williams LF.R.A.I.A., Ecclesiastical Architect". Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Biographical Committee, 1974. OCLC 223023953
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