St Leonard's Anglican Church

Statement of Significance

St Leonard's Church has aesthetic, historical and social significance. In 1895, the Millar Brothers secured 20,000 acres of karri forest around the hills of Denmark. By the end of that year they had established a saw mill at the mouth of the Denmark River. The town of Denmark sprang up as a result of the timber milling activity. The town soon had three timber mills and the population swelled. The Millars were unsuccessful in gaining permission to extend their activities into the Depp River area. By 1905 the timber resources in Denmark were depleted and the Millars were forced to close their timber mills at Denmark. In the early 1920s Denmark experienced new growth with an influx of settlers under the Group Settlement Scheme. Although the Scheme itself did not prove to be successful, some of the new settlers stayed in the district and Denmark soon developed into an agricultural community.

Physical Description

It was erected in a company timber town in the hey day of milling in this area. There are many features of this karri timber building. The basic structure is still sound. Much of the floor bears the marks of where rough boards were used. Originally the Church faced Strickland St and access was by step. After the cemetery was opened in Denmark (about 1910) and funerals were taken in the Church, the stairs were too steep to carry a coffin in and out. The interior was turned around and the entrance placed away from the street and the altar end moved to the west in 1913. The Strickland Street windows give light to the altar inside. The interior is lined with Baltic pine and features an unusual Gothic arch in the sactuary. The detailing and use of Balitc pine are said to reflect the influence of Norwegian mill workers fro the time of the construction of the building. Modern zincalume has replaced the original corrugated iron roof. Timber struts were placed on the southern side of the building to hep stabilise the church after it was damaged during Cyclone Alby (1978). These have been retained to record the damage done to the building and as a structural necessity.

History

Early in 1898 church services were being conducted in Denmark by the Rector of the Albany Parish, the Rev. Howell Griffiths. At one stage services were held in the local public hall. Construction of St Leonard's began early in 1899. Percy Harrison designed the church and the Millars donated the land and provided structural timber at a discounted price. The Church was built using voluntary labour. In October 1899 Bishop Riley dedicated the building. In 1905 the church was closed when the sawmills shut down and Denmark's population declined. It reopened in 1909 and in 1914 the local church committee decided that the church should bear the name of a patron saint, rather than remain known as "The Mission Church". Bishop Goldsmith chose the name St Leonard's. Around 1914 the porch which had been located on the eastern side was relocated to the western end as access for coffins and processions was difficult up the steep front steps. The arch, sanctuary and ancillary rooms which had formerly been located at the western end of the building, were relocated to the eastern end. Severe damage to St Leonard's Church was caused by Cyclone Alby in 1978. Cyclonic winds destroyed much of the roof and lifted the church partly off its stumps. Timber struts were placed on the southern side of the building to keep it upright. These have been retained to preserve that part of the church's history. St Leonard's Church is the oldest public building in Denmark and has been recognised by the Australian Heritage Commission (AHC). The AHC has listed St Leonard's on the Register for the National Estate and gave funds towards its renovation which began in 1989. The building is important to the function of the local Church community. Renovation/restoration works in line with the Conservation Plan for St Leonard's Church commenced in 2013.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Most

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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