Holy Trinity Church, York, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church |
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Holy Trinity Church at York in 1994
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| Alternative names | York Anglican Church |
| General information | |
| Address | Corner of Suburban Road and Pool Street |
| Town or city | York, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°53′12″S 116°46′20″E / 31.88653°S 116.77236°E |
| Construction started | 1854 |
| Completed | 1858 |
| Renovated | 1968 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Richard Roach Jewell |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 28 June 1996 |
| Reference no. | 3213 |
| References | |
| York municipal inventory | |
Holy Trinity Church is an important historic building in York, Western Australia. It stands at the corner of Suburban Road and Pool Street. This church was officially opened for religious services in 1858. The first Anglican Bishop of Perth, Mathew Blagden Hale, led the special ceremony.
Contents
Early Churches in York
Before Holy Trinity Church was built, there was another Anglican church in York. It was located on Avon Terrace. This first church was built in 1840 and dedicated in 1848. It was named St John's.
However, the St John's church was made of mud bricks. It started to fall apart and was eventually taken down. A new church was built in its place in 1861.
In 1849, new land was given to the church on the other side of the Avon River. A house for the church leader, called a parsonage, was built there in 1852.
Holy Trinity Church was built on this new land starting in 1854. Both the second St John's and Holy Trinity churches were used for many years. In 1905, the second St John's church was moved to the Holy Trinity site. It then became the parish hall, a building used for community events.
Building the Church
The person who designed Holy Trinity Church was an architect named Richard Roach Jewell. He designed the church in a style called Norman or Victorian Romanesque. This style was popular in the late 11th century.
The original plan for the church included a tall spire on top of its tower. It was also designed to hold about 250 people.
The first stone for the church was laid on October 25, 1854. Mrs. Fitzgerald, the wife of the Governor, Captain Charles Fitzgerald, did the honors.
Workers were hired to provide materials like lime and bricks. They also worked on the roof, walls, and inside features like doors and seats. The total cost to build the church was 1,100 pounds.
Newspapers at the time praised the workers, many of whom were convicts. They said the workers showed great skill and care in their building.
The church officially opened on October 26, 1855. When it was first finished, it had a main hall (called a nave) and a small entrance area (a porch). It was then consecrated in 1858.
Later, in 1893, the roof was made taller. A bell tower, a special area near the altar (chancel), and rooms for the clergy (vestries) were added.
Inside the Church
The church has a beautiful organ. It was built in London by Albert Pearse in 1898. The organ was shipped in pieces to Australia and put together in the church that same year. It was later fixed up in 1998.
The altar, which is a special table used in church services, and the bishop's chair were dedicated to Edward Williams. He was a church leader who sadly died in a horse accident in 1899.
The church also features amazing stained glass windows. These were put in during 1986 and designed by Robert Juniper. The windows show traditional religious scenes. But they also include pictures of the local landscape, plants, and animals. They even show historical events from the Avon Valley area.
Church and World War I
During the First World War, the church was a place for community events. These events included early versions of Anzac Day celebrations. Church services and activities continued throughout the war years.
The 1968 Meckering Earthquake
In 1968, a big earthquake hit Meckering, a town nearby. This earthquake caused serious damage to Holy Trinity Church. The bell tower was especially affected, and its height was reduced by about one-third. After the earthquake, the tower had to be rebuilt.
Protecting its History
In 1995, a special report was made to help protect the church and its surrounding buildings. This report looked at how to keep them safe for the future.
Because of its importance, Holy Trinity Church was added to the State Register of Heritage Places in 1996. This means it is officially recognized as a significant historical site that needs to be preserved.
- The church was also listed on the Anglican Church Inventory in 1996.
- It was included in the York Municipal Inventory in 1995.
- The National Trust classified it as important in 1985.
- It was listed on the Register of the National Estate in 1978.
