Cartmeticup Baptist Church

Statement of Significance

Provides an excellent example of building styles in this period and makes a positive contribution to the
landscape. The site is significant for its role in community activities and as a venue for religious and social
gatherings.

Physical Description

Mud bricks were made by the members near the NE corner of the Church and the Mouritz family (John
Joseph and his sons) erected the building. The Harry and Lillian Hobart legacy to Cartmeticup was their
church. As keen church member and secretary for many years, the site for the original church was surveyed
out of paddocks at the junction of what was named Church-Cronin Roads
The original building consisted of a mud brick frame with a galvanised iron roof. Later (1940's) a front
porch was added and a lean to at the rear (east end) was built in (1940's). Both additions had concrete
floors. The cement bricks were purchased from Glencoe (being made by Nellie White). The ceiling was of
crimped iron and the walls (internal and exterior) cement rendered to protect the mud brick. The building
faced east and west with both ends having door access. Where the pulpit stood (east end) was the baptism
tank (about 6' x 3') and floor boards later added indicate this spot. A wooden dado around the walls were
to accommodate the backs of seats. The building with its steep pitched roof has two windows each side.
With the erection of the new church adjacent, the old building became a hall. Subsequently, a windowed
servery and bench was added to the rear wall, with the advent of grid electricity the building was wired and
fitted with electric lights.

History

The first service was conducted by the Rev Alfred Metters from Katanning on 10 August, 1902. The
celebrations were concluded on August 13 with a tea and public meeting at which the building was declared
free of debt. Even though the walls were unplastered, there was no ceiling, only a dirt floor, the seats had
no backs to them and the pulpit was a galvanised iron packing case on four short legs (about a foot high),
there was great rejoicing, the long felt need had been fulfilled.
The settlers of Cartmeticup whom mostly had originated from South Australia brought with them their
hardworking, temperate and God fearing traditions and ideals. Their origins, their isolation and kinship had
all contributed to their success in developing their virgin selections. Life was hard, but they derived their
own enjoyment and fulfilment from their gatherings whether religious or social. Men like George Jefferies
were an example of the resourcefulness of this community. He was one of the main movers in the
establishment and building of the Cartmeticup Church and he worked hard for this ideal. As the original
secretary-treasurer he was responsible for it being free of debt when opened. He was also a local preacher
of note, a strong singer, as well as giving recitations at church functions. While it was designated a Baptist
Church, many of the original members had previously belonged to other denominations - the Paterson's
had been devout Wesleyans in South Australia. On their arrival at Cartmeticup, "they had felt the need and
importance of a religious service for they did not wish to deteriorate or their children to grown up as
heathens" So these faithful, isolated few had conducted their early services in their home and later, sheds.
The Baptists in Katanning were prepared to administer the faith to these families and accepted Marracoonda
and Cartmeticup as outstations. If occasionally the Pastor from Katanning failed to turn up the breach was
filled by a layman or local resident.
The Cartmeticup Church was built at a cost of £24. The builder was John Mouritz, who had arrived some two years
before from SA. In 1903 he was elected to the Katanning Roads Board and became a strong advocate for
the formation of the Woodanilling Board.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original materials: Most
Modifications: some additions (proch, kitchen, electricity)

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.