St Paul's Anglican Church, Graveyard & Sandalwood Trees

Parent Place or Precinct

04269 Arthur River Precinct

Child Places

• 23808 St Pauls Graveyard
• 23851 St Paul's Church (Anglican)
• 23465 St Pauls Graveyard
• 23804 Sandalwood Tree (St Pauls)

Statement of Significance

St Paul's Anglican Church demonstrates the growth ad development of the Anglican faith in Western Australia as well as the development of small rural settlements along the Perth-Albany road before rail transport. Elements of the church are a rare examples of the Victorian Romanesque style.

Values

Together with the graveyard on site, the place has a long association people of the district and is associated with the establishment and development of the community. The earliest grave dates from 1885.

The place is a good example of a small-scale rural Church. Construction was extended over a considerable period as locals had to raise sufficient funds to cover building costs. The place is associated with the importance of the Church in early rural communities.

The place was built by F.E. Smith & A.G. Horley, quite prominent builders in the community and surrounding districts.

Physical Description

St Paul's Anglican Church, Graveyard & Sandalwood Trees, comprises a small granite Church with elements of the Victorian Romanesque style (1884), a graveyard and mature plantings, including Sandalwood trees.

History

Arthur River initially began as a military outstation on the track linking Albany to the Swan River. Improvements to the road in the 1850s brought more settlers into the region, and by the late 1880’s Arthur River had formed its own Road Board, Post Office and Telegraph Office. The opening of the Great Southern Railway in 1889 saw the beginning of a decline in settlements along the Albany Road.

In 1885 John Taylor of Yangebine donated land and the sum of 50 pounds to the West Australian Branch of the Church of England to aid with the establishment of a Church in the region. Builders A.G. Horley and F.E. Smith began construction in 1882. This was the third Church inspired by the work of Rev. Joseph (Holy Joe) Withers and built by Horley and Smith, with others in Kojonup and Williams. They also built the ‘Tabelup’ homestead for Charles Piesse.

The building was completed in 1885 as the local community had to raise the balance of funds for the Church’s completion. The Church was not immediately consecrated but the first service was held in the incomplete building on 17th January, 1884. Bishop Parry finally consecrated the building in 1885 Reverend J. Withers was the Clergyman for this and several other Churches in the region. He was later replaced by Mr. Orchard and then Canon Marshall after the turn of the century.

The Parish eventually came under the jurisdiction of the Bush Brotherhood based at Williams. The Church continues to be serviced by Williams. In 1937 the Church took receipt of a timber lectern, a gift from the Parish Church at Narrogin. Renovations were carried out at various times over the history of the building. Electric power was introduced c. 1908. Records show some work was done to the building in 1927/28, possibly rendering of the original quoins and insertion of steel rods to strengthen the walls. The roof has also been re-covered with asbestos and the windows converted to awning sashes.

The site is also occupied by a graveyard. The earliest tombstone is that of Catherine Whilelmine Hamersley, nee Spratt, the dating from 1885. The Spratt family were pioneers in the district, running Arthur River’s post-office and first Inn.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.