St Nicholas Church

Statement of Significance

St Nicholas Church, a timber clad building with a corrugated iron roof settled amongst a group of gum trees, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the church is a good example of the Carpenter Gothic style, which has been adapted, particularly through the incorporation of the commodious verandah, to cope with the intense weather conditions of the North West. the church is a local landmark on Third Avenue and Simpson Street due to its identifiable ecclesiastical style, its picturesque presence amongst mature trees and prominent presence on a corner location. the church fulfills an important role in the religious activities of the community and specifically to members of the Anglican Church. the church represents the role of settlers to the new Onslow townsite for their initiative to raise funds for the construction of a place for worship, demonstrating the true spirit of the community. the church is also one of the few early buildings, built soon after the relocation of the town to Beadon Point, that has survived the harsh climatic conditions of the North West, as cyclones and floods have destroyed many of the structures from the pre-1920s period. The place is raised on raised on concrete blocks and would have involved minimal ground disturbance when constructed; and it is understood that no bodies were buried here. There is limited evidence of other structures on the site of the church and therefore the site has limited archaeological potential.

Physical Description

Exterior: St Nicholas Church stands on a 989 m² corner block at Third Avenue and Simpson Street, enclosed by a post-and-rail steel fence with decorative gates and shaded by gum trees. The building is a North West–adapted example of the Federation Carpenter Gothic style, characterised by its simple box form, steep gabled iron roof, and timber weatherboard cladding. The weatherboard church sits on concrete blocks and has a steep corrugated-iron roof with cyclone battens. A lower rear gable houses the sanctuary. Its most distinctive feature is the wide verandah that wraps around the front and both sides, continuing the line of the main roof. The verandah has timber floors and square timber posts with balustrades; termite damage required major replacement works in 2016, using recycled jarrah, and a universal access ramp was added. Interior: Inside, the church has a simple rectangular layout, with a projecting sanctuary at the rear and a small private room to the north-west. It has timber floors and walls lined with vertical boards to shoulder height and horizontal shiplap boards above. There are no fixed pews; single timber chairs sit either side of a central aisle. The timber-lined ceiling follows the steep rake of the gabled roof, creating a tall, open interior space.

History

The first St Nicholas Church in Ashburton was built in 1904 at Old Onslow but was destroyed by a cyclone in 1909. The building had hosted fortnightly socials, dances, and the annual Race Ball, so after its loss these events shifted to private homes, which also raised funds for a replacement. Worshippers met in homes until the Mechanics Institute Hall opened in 1912. No new church was built for another 18 years. When Onslow relocated to Beadon Point, a building fund committee of six women raised more than £600 in two years. Fundraising events included a large cabaret at Minderoo Station in 1925, attended by about 100 people and raising more than £200. Construction of the new church began in January 1927, built by Jack Collins. The first service was held on 20 March 1927 by Archdeacon Simpson. The Western Mail described the new building as an imposing structure built on proper ecclesiastical lines and an ornament to the town. Also dedicated to St Nicholas, the new church proved resilient during several cyclones. In the 1934 cyclone—which destroyed many substantial buildings—the church survived, though afterwards it was described as leaning slightly.

Archaeology

The place is raised on concrete blocks and would have involved minimal ground disturbance when constructed; and it is understood that no bodies were buried here. There is limited evidence of other structures on the site of the church and therefore the site has limited archaeological potential.

Integrity/Authenticity

High. The church continues to be used for the original purpose. The church appears to have retained almost all of its original fabric although portions of the verandah and portions of the balustrade are no longer extant.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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