One of Australia's national treasures, St Thomas' Church, will throw open its doors as part of Port Macquarie's Heritage Week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Archivists Lorryl Rumble-Fuller and Carol Chandler say a visit to the church during the celebration was important.
"You've got to be prepared to look after our history, and St Thomas' is an integral part of what Port Macquarie was during its early settlement days," Mrs Rumble-Fuller said.
"This church is 192 years old. It has a warmth and charm that is second to none. Even when you sit in here, some days you can almost feel the history.
"Part of our role is to ensure that the history of the church - and Port Macquarie - is maintained.
"To do that, we have introduced storyboards with information on different aspects of the church, and its history.
"We have also, over the years, catalogued many items of interest that will also be on display. We have to also acknowledge the many people who have made contributions over many years.
"One of the highlights for Heritage Week is a display of linen including a cloth used in the church in the 1840s during the time of the Reverend John Cross. Other highlights include a proclamation penny, a communion set plus many other items of interest."
Mrs Chandler, who can trace her family links to a wedding of descendants in 1836, said the church has been long part of Port Macquarie.
"The first service was held here in 1828," she said.
This church was the centre of community events throughout its history. The church provided for this community in so many ways.
- Carol Chandler
"A church was actually built on Church Hill even before a jail was constructed. That was because the commandant at the time said that we can save more souls if we build a church before the jail.
"This church was the centre of community events throughout its history. The church provided for this community in so many ways.
"We encourage people to come along for a tour during Heritage Week so they can soak up the history of the church and the wider Port Macquarie area."
During Heritage Week, St Thomas' Church - the fifth oldest church in Australia - will be the centre of a number of activities.
Heritage Day on Church Hill is on Saturday April 28, from 9am until 1pm.
Guided tours of the church, colonial chapel and surgeon's cellar will be held regularly. The tour takes about 30 minutes.
Other activities include, Port Macquarie history and storytelling, heritage linen display, Devonshire Tea and a barbeque, cake stalls, garden stall, youth group car wash, live entertainment and plenty of bargains at the Op Shop.
Visit portanglican.com for more information. For details on other Heritage Week 2018 activities go to council’s website.
