St David's Anglican Church, Mossman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St David's Anglican Church, Mossman |
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St David's Anglican Church, Mossman, 2010
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| Location | 3 Foxton Avenue, Mossman, Shire of Douglas, Queensland, Australia |
| Architect | Edwin Roy Orchard, Edward Taffs |
| Architectural style(s) | Byzantine |
| Official name: St David's Anglican Church and Raintrees (Samanea saman) | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 6 August 2010 |
| Reference no. | 602760 |
| Significant period | 1912–1952 |
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St David's Anglican Church is a special church in Mossman, Australia. It's known for its unique design and the beautiful old raintrees that stand in front of it. The church was designed by Edward Taffs and Edwin Roy Orchard. It's so important that it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on August 6, 2010.
Contents
Building St David's Church
St David's Church is made of stone and was built in different stages between 1912 and 1952. It has a main area called a nave, a rounded end called an apse, and a front porch. Later, a vestry (a room for clergy) and a chapel were added around 1982.
This church replaced an older wooden church that was destroyed by a big cyclone in March 1911. The first design for the new stone church was inspired by the old buildings of the Byzantine Empire. This design was created by Reverend Edward Taffs, who was the church leader in Mossman for a very long time. He worked hard to get the church built throughout his career.
Mossman's Early Days
Mossman is a town located inland from Port Douglas, near the Mossman River. In the late 1800s, people came here to cut down cedar trees. After the trees were mostly gone, farmers started growing sugar cane.
The Mossman Central Co-operative Mill was built in the mid-1890s. This helped the sugar industry grow a lot in the area. As more people settled in Mossman, different churches started to appear.
The First Church and Reverend Taffs
The first St David's Church was a simple wooden building. It was opened on May 29, 1899. It was named after Saint David, a Welsh patron saint.
In 1904, Reverend Edward Taffs became the church leader in Mossman. He stayed there for 46 years until he passed away at 90 years old. He and his wife traveled a lot, even on horseback, to visit people in the wider church area. Reverend Taffs was very dedicated to his work.
Rebuilding After the Cyclone
On March 16, 1911, a powerful cyclone hit Mossman and Port Douglas. It destroyed many buildings, including the first St David's Church. Because the church didn't have much money, it was hard to raise funds to rebuild. For a long time, the church services were held in the parish hall.
The people wanted to build the new St David's Church out of stone so it would be stronger. Reverend Taffs helped design the new church. It was planned to have domes and rounded arches, like ancient Byzantine buildings.
Building started in 1912. Stones were brought from a local farm. The Mossman Central Mill even helped by providing a special train track to move the stones. Strong foundations were laid to protect against floods. However, work slowed down because of World War I (1914–1918).
More problems came up, like another cyclone in 1920 that damaged the temporary church. Money meant for the new stone church had to be used for repairs. Building was very slow during the 1920s and 1930s due to money problems.
Reverend Taffs and his two grandsons did most of the stone wall work in 1940. But then World War II (1939–1945) started, causing more delays.
Reverend Taffs passed away in 1950, just two years before the church was finished. His replacement, Father Ware, made sure the church was completed. The design was changed to have a simpler roof. Finally, in August 1952, the church was finished. It was officially opened on September 27, 1952, 40 years after building began!
In 1979, a storm damaged the church. Later, in 1982, a new chapel and vestry were added. These additions completed the church that Reverend Taffs had started.
The Amazing Raintrees
An avenue of large, old raintrees grows along Foxton Avenue, leading up to St David's Church. These trees make the church look even more beautiful, especially when you approach it from the south. Their branches meet over the road, creating a cool, shady tunnel.
Raintrees are native to places like Mexico and South America. They can grow very tall, sometimes up to 25 meters, with wide, dome-shaped tops that can be 30 meters across! The trees at St David's are very old and impressive. Some have multiple trunks, and ferns and other plants grow on their branches.
These raintrees are now common in coastal North Queensland. They add a lot to the special feeling of St David's Church.
Why St David's Church is Important
St David's Anglican Church and its raintrees are important for several reasons:
- Showing History: The church, built over many years, shows how the Anglican church grew in far North Queensland. It also shows how dedicated people like Reverend Taffs were, even when facing challenges like cyclones and money problems.
- Beautiful Design: The church's unique stone design, inspired by ancient Byzantine buildings, and the stunning avenue of raintrees make it a very beautiful and special place in Mossman.
