Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Statement of Significance

This church was one of three churches inspired by the work of the Rev. Joseph (Holy Joe) Withers - the others being Mount Pleasant (Arthur River) and Kojonup (Eticup).

Physical Description

In 1879 the Reverend Joseph Withers, formerly of Bunbury, was stationed at The Williams River and holding divine services at five different places. However, during 1880 a reserve of 50 acres was set aside for a Church of England parsonage at Bannister townsite which is situated about five miles east of the present townsite of Williams. A building to be known as The Parsonage was built of pug and stone. (1). Site 241. Soon after his arrival at the Bannister townsite, the Reverend Withers began to agitate for the erection of a church building near the Williams River bridge with the result that in Januaiy 1882, a reserve, (No 508A), was set aside for a church. The first Church of England was built of locally made bricks during 1882 and consecrated in January 1883. However its proximity to the river and the low lying nature of the site resulted in damage to the foundations and structure. This building remained in use for 38 years and finally it was declared unsafe for regular worship, resulting in land being acquired over the river in the new townsite and a new Church built in 1925. (2). A large olive tree marks the site of the first church.

History

This church was one of three churches inspired by the work of the Rev. Joseph (Holy Joe) Withers - the others being Mount Pleasant (Arthur River) and Kojonup (Eticup). The drive and energy of Withers is exemplified by the progress of the church building - the reserve was set aside in January, the foundation stone laid in June and completion and consecration in January. Correspondents for 'The Inquirer' at Arthur River and Williams River in July 1882 highlight the progress made under Withers' leadership. There are three Churches in course of erection in this district, one at the Arthur, and the other at Kojonup. The contractors (Messrs. Smith and Horley) are pushing their work along vigorously, and our worthy minister, too, is deserving of great praise for the energy he displays in connection with church matters. These new edifices are urgently required in the three districts, as service, at the present time, has to be held in a court house, or, failing that, at the house of some private individual. On Tuesday last, the 20th inst., we had quite a gala day at the bridge. The foundation stone of the new church was laid by Mrs Chas Hamersley in the afternoon, and in the evening a tea meeting was held in the Courthouse, at which nearly seventy people, of various ages attended. The amount realised was something over one pound. Brighter days seem to be dawning for the Williams River I must not forget to add that the contract for the erection of this church is taken by Messrs. Smith and Horley - two young men who have just completed extensive buildings for Messrs F & C Piesse at the 124 mile station. (3) Withers remained at Williams until the end of 1887 and in 1889 his replacement was Rev. F.G. Gillett. During 1890 Frederick Gillett was succeeded by the Rev. William Marshall who took up residence in a private house opposite St. Paul's Church at Arthur River. This alteration was made to domicile him more centrally in the district he was to serve. He held divine services at Williams River, Arthur River, Eticup, Kojonup (School), Katanning (private house), Wagin (private house), Wandering (School), Marradong (private house). It appears that Marshall was not long in residence. In November 1892, the Rev. Gillett took up service at Mourambine. From that centre he visited Williams until his death in 1904 at the early age of 38 years. From 1904 to 1907 Williams was placed under the care of the Rev. Carr, of Narrogin. In 1908, Rev. G.T. Canton was stationed at Williams. However, because of ill health he was replaced by the Rev. A.D. Webb, who filled the position until the establishment of the Brotherhood of Saint Boniface in 1911. (4)

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