St Martins Anglican Church

Statement of Significance

The building is a representative example of a simplified interpretation of the Gothic style.

The place has historic value as a demonstration of the confidence felt by the local community in the town's future in the 1920s, even though it was realised that Wandering was not going to become a major administrative centre.

Physical Description

The building is intimate in scale, with a steeply-pitched gable roof, and is sited in an elevated position overlooking Watts Street and to the farming properties beyond.

The nave is unconventionally orientated north-south and has an entrance on the south wall. The north wail is shaped to accommodate the altar in the building interior.

The brick walls, laid in stretcher bond, are buttressed and sit on a rendered plinth. The nave consists of 6 semicircular arched windows, three either side, divided into three lights with horizontally pivoting iron sashes in the central panes. The windows are highlighted by rendered recesses, sills and surrounds. The window panes are textured thickened glass.

The main roof lacks ornamentation other than weatherboard panelling with three slit windows with louvred vents in the gable ends, timber battened projecting eaves, simple timber bargeboards, and timber gable finials, although partly missing.

The entrance has been altered, the original lintel is partially obscured by a new metal awning which has been added to protect the new timber panelled door. The entrance is approached by a series of concrete steps.

The interior of the building is austere, roof timbers are exposed and there is no internal lining in the gable ends. The walls are rendered and the floors are timber boards. A curtained partition has been added to the rear corner of the interior. The altar is slightly raised.

The church building is in fair condition, brickwork has been repaired to the south and west walls.

A separate W.C. is at the rear of the site.

History

Between 1860 and 1930, the church people of Wandering relied on spasmodic visits of clergymen to assist in the religious side of their family work, but no attempt to erect a church building until the end of this period. Towards 1929, the building of the first church in Wandering was suggested. This project was undertaken by the Wandering members of the Church of England. Fund -raising activities were carried out and Mr George Watts jnr. donated a suitable block of land on which to erect the church.

The brick church was dedicated by Bishop Wilson on 11 August 1929. It was situated within the Parish of Williams until 1 May 1963 when it was transferred to the Parish of Pingelly.1

When construction was completed, certain vestments and furniture were donated by parishioners and others were purchased from Church funds. The Church organ was donated by Mrs Francis Watts.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree
AUTHENTICITY High Degree

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.