Manna Flat Church Services Site

Statement of Significance

The site is significant as an early meeting place for settlers to conduct religious worship.

Physical Description

The shed in which the services were held is about 50 metres west of the homestead. A galvanised iron roof has replaced the former straw roof. Due to the new structure, not initially being tied with cross beams, it has pushed out the walls to some degree. Remnants of sheoak pug walls on the western end are in good condition. Adjoining this section were stables, but these were demolished when a new machinery shed.was constructed.

History

Church services in the Cartmeticup area were commenced in the home of Andrew Patterson as well as Sunday School for the children. Records show it was known as the 'Whitelaw Gully' Sunday School, Miss Ethel Harvey being perhaps the first teacher from April 25, 1897. After Andrew left, William Patterson's home was used, but as numbers grew and all the worshippers couldn't be accommodated in the Patterson home the services were held in his straw sheds with a sewing machine for a pulpit. One such service in the barn saw a hen lay an egg on the top of the shed and it rolled down narrowly missing the minister delivering his sermon. (It appears as if this story grew from a remark by George Jefferies that the cackling of a hen after laying her egg combined with the noise emitted by the record number of babies born in 1897 made it difficult for the minister to make himself heard). Following the completion of the Cartmeticup Church in 1902, a large frame certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr and Mrs WG Patterson for having services at their place for the preceding four years. William Patterson also took a keen interest in public affairs and in 1898 became a member of the Katanning Road Board for eight years and became a firm advocate of the formation of the Woodanilling Road Board of which he became a long serving member. The two original Patterson properties 'Manna Flats' and 'Whitelaw Gully' both changed hands in the late 1960's. After the death of William Patterson 1938, 'Manna Flats' was farmed by his only son, Spencer until his retirement in 1967 when it was taken over by Frank Shackley and his sons, who are great grandsons of William Patterson. Later Andrew Patterson's 'Whitelaw Gully' farm was purchased by the Shackley family, thus finally merging these two farms originally selected in 1893.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original materials: Most Modifications: Some

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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