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

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