Woodanilling 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

The building is on the north side of Robinson Road, on the east of the junction of Cardigan Street. The foundation stone was laid on the southern wall by HO Beeck on 12/2/1908 with other signatories being William Kennedy (pastor) and B Hobart (Secretary). The stone church has a corrugated galvanised iron steep pitched roof. The entrance porch which faces Robinson Road is made of stone and brick with turrets at the top. Three long windows provide light on the western (entrance) end and similar windows are on the northern and southern sides. The building is extended behind the alter on the eastern end with a stone lean to which acts as a kitchen/supper room with a door on both ends (northern and southern). The interior has a wide jarrah tongue and groove flooring with a crimped iron ceiling. A raised alter with steps either side. Five pews are each side of the centre aisle. Modifications are minor - the addition of electric lighting, facia's and repairs to the floor. To the north east of the building, offset from it is a toilet block.

History

The Agricultural Hall where the Baptists and Presbyterians first held services was often surrounded by water, so Pastor Kennedy's fertile brain and zealous heart began to plan for the erection of a more worthy sanctuary and place of worship. The pressing matter of establishing spiritual work was achieved by forming a Christian Endeavour Society which met alternately at his home and that of the stationmaster. The popularity of this and with an enthusiastic band of helpers, he began to plan and organise toward the building of a church that would not only fulfil the local need, but would be a focus for the surrounding districts. Kennedy would write to leading business firms in the State, outlining his schemes and asking for donations of bricks, or timber, or iron and in some cases he would make known the need for money. It was always to be his inflexible ideal to erect places of worship free of debt. Kennedy had a generous response and soon work was able to begin. The original site was rejected (old hands say that it was because it faced the hotel across the street) and so the corner site nearby was purchased. The stone for the building was carted from a hill between Woodanilling and Boyerine. Kennedy, his wife and small daughter all assisted in the working bees to raise the stone. He never experienced any difficulty in getting willing helpers, because as one man said: "He not only said to us - 'come and help', but he showed us how to do it." Those who could afford to donate money, did so, while others freely gave of their time or loaned wagons and horses. Henry Kippin became the architect for the church and with Mr and Mrs Kennedy, he planned the kind of building. While the stone construction work was being done by Messrs Gaunt and Faulkner, able assistance was received from JE Coate, H Beeck, B Hobart and G Jefferies. Kennedy manually assisted the contractors throughout the building, but his desire that it be raised free of debt was not wholly realised. (Later when he returned to Woodanilling after an absence of 12 or 13 years to conduct special services he found the small debt still existing. There and then he made an appeal that it be wiped out and to his joy the entire amount was raised). Before he left to return to Narrogin in January 1909, Kennedy had seen the Presbyterians given permission to hold their services in the Baptist Church rather than the dreary local hall.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original materials: Most Modifications: few

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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