Holy Trinity Anglican Church & Cemetery, Bindoon

Statement of Significance

The place is of considerable significance for its associations with the Church of England (Anglicans) parish since 1886. The church is the oldest remaining 'public' building in the Shire of Chittering. It is a fine example of rural church architecture of the period and the use of local materials and labour. It has a sense of place for generations of Chittering settlers, and the cemetery commemorates them. The church is a landmark on Great Northern Highway in Chittering.

Physical Description

Gothic style. Stone (local) construction with a gable roof clad with corrugated iron. The arched porch protects the two gothic doors which open into the church. Three gothic stained glass windows are on each side of the church. Communion rails separate the nave of the church from the sanctuary, and the pedal organ remains in place although it is no longer used. The original stone font next to the organ is still used.

History

In 1886, Archdeacon James Brown of Swan parish supported the Chittering community's request for a church. The standing committee of the synod purchased the land and work commenced that year. Work was slow as the community cleared each debt as the work proceeded. Fundraising involved the whole district, and after the success of the Culham Church fete, Miss Phillips of Culham was enlisted to assist at Chittering. In April 1886, a cricket match between Culham and Chittering was held at Henry Morley's property 'Enderslie' where the stone barn was the venue for the bazaar and afternoon tea, dancing and other events. Thirty pounds was raised, and the events at Morley's barn became regular. Busy bees were held regularly to gather collect and transport the local stone for the church construction. The timber was pit sawn and dressed by adze and broad axe. In August 1886, the first burial took place in the cemetery. Building tenders were delayed until February 1887, due to lack of funds for the plastering of the walls, and tradesmen were offered free transport to and from Perth. Then funds were short for the seating, windows, alter rails and font, but the church opened without those items. Ninety eight people attended the church when it was consecrated, and two children were baptised, on 16 October 1887 by Bishop Parry. Formerly on 104 acres, 90 acres were sold in 1905. In 1926, a 'Popular Girl' competition successfully raised money for the decorative wire fence surrounding the church and cemetery, replacing the original post and rail fence. The church cemetery closed in 1989, as part of a centralisation policy by the WA Cemetery Board. A memorial garden was initiated in 1986, but lack of water is a problem. There are 115 names on the church burial list, and 113 graves in the cemetery, as one name is a cremation, and one grave is a mother an infant son. In 1988, electrical services were connected to the church.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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