St Johns Anglican Church Precinct facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids St John's Anglican Church
St John's the Evangelist Anglican Church
St Johns Anglican Church Precinct
St John's Church, pictured in 2010
St John's Anglican Church Location in Sydney
34°03′24″S 150°41′49″E / 34.0567°S 150.6969°E / -34.0567; 150.6969
Location	6-22 Menangle Road, Camden, Camden Council, New South Wales
Country	Australia
Denomination	Anglican
History
Status	Church
Dedication	Saint John the Evangelist
Consecrated	7 June 1849 (1849-06-07) by Bishop William Broughton
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	John Cunningham Sir George Gilbert Scott Edmund Blacket
Architectural type	Church
Style	Gothic Revival
Years built	1840–1849
Completed	1842
Specifications
Number of spires	1
Spire height	38.7 metres (127 ft)
Materials	Brick, stone, slate, stained glass
Bells	8 ( 1897 (1897-o6))
Tenor bell weight	3.272 tonnes (3.220 long tons)
Administration
Parish	St John's, Camden
Diocese	Anglican Diocese of Sydney

St John's Anglican Church Precinct, also known as St John's Camden, is a historic church and its surrounding area in Camden, New South Wales, Australia. This special place includes the church, a rectory (house for the minister), a cemetery, two church halls, and beautiful grounds. The main building is the historic St John's the Evangelist Anglican Church. It was built between 1840 and 1849.

The church and its precinct are considered one of the most complete church groups in New South Wales. Much of the land and buildings were given by the Macarthur family. In 2018, there were plans to sell some of the land to fund a new worship center. This precinct was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 24, 2018, meaning it's a very important historical site.

Exploring the History of St John's

Who Lived Here First?

Not many records exist about the original people who lived in the Camden area before the British arrived. However, we know the land was used a lot. The Camden district was where three Aboriginal groups met: the Gandangara people, the Dharawal/Tharawal people, and the Darug people.

Sadly, many traditional owners suffered from a smallpox epidemic. The church's cemetery even has graves of some Indigenous people. Some burial plots were provided by the Macarthur family.

Early European Exploration of Camden

The first recorded trip by European colonists to this area was in August 1790. Captain-Lieutenant Watkin Tench and others explored the land southwest of Rose Hill (now Parramatta). They found a river but nothing else too exciting.

In 1795, rumors spread about missing cattle from the First Fleet. Governor Hunter sent Henry Hacking to check. Hacking's report was so good that Governor Hunter himself went to the district in November 1795. They found a herd of over 60 cattle. The area was described as "remarkably pleasant," with thick grass and scattered trees.

Governor Hunter decided to protect the herd for future use. Later, in 1819, Governor Macquarie opened the area for settlement. In 1826, Governor Brisbane ordered the remaining wild cattle to be gathered.

The Macarthur Family and Camden Park

John Macarthur joined the New South Wales Corps in 1789. He arrived in the colony with his wife, Elizabeth, and their infant son, Edward, in 1790. The family worked hard to improve their situation. By 1800, their land was worth a lot of money.

In 1801, Macarthur went to England. He saw an opportunity because Britain needed good quality wool. He resigned from the military and got support from the British Government. In 1805, he returned to the colony with merino sheep and a grant for 5,000 acres in Cowpastures. This land became known as the Camden Park Estate.

The Macarthur family continued to expand their estate. By 1837, it covered about 27,698 acres. In 1831, they started building a grand house for the estate, which was finished in 1835. After John Macarthur's death in 1834, his sons, James and William, took over the Camden estate.

The Macarthur brothers were smart and capable. They loved beautiful landscapes and wanted to create a picturesque environment. They planned three important structures: St John's Anglican Church, Camden Park House, and John Macarthur's grave monument. These formed a triangle of beautiful views. They believed adding man-made structures to the natural beauty would make it even better.

How Camden Town Started

The building of the Great South Road in the 1820s helped Camden grow. A bridge over the Nepean River in 1826 opened up the land to the south. There were no other major towns nearby, so a police station was set up in Camden.

In 1830, local residents asked Governor Darling for a settlement with a police station, courthouse, jail, and church. The government liked the idea but didn't own land there. The best spot was part of the Camden Park Estate, and John Macarthur didn't want to give up his land.

After John Macarthur died, his sons, James and William, restarted the plans for a town. They wanted to create a town that promoted good behavior and spiritual values. An Anglican church was planned to be the main building.

In 1835, the Macarthur brothers cleared 8 hectares for their town. They wanted the church to be the first building. James Macarthur was very religious and believed that religious progress was good. He wanted the church to be built by everyone working together.

The government approved their plans in 1836. Surveyor-General Thomas Mitchell designed Camden as a rectangle with two main streets. John Street, running north-south, was designed to lead directly to the Anglican church. The church was placed on a hilltop overlooking the town. This made the church a central focus, both physically and spiritually.

By July 1841, town lots were sold, and Camden began to grow.

Building St John's Church

The church set in the streetscape, pictured c. 1900.

Before the church was built, religious services were held in homes or schoolrooms. In 1827, Reverend Thomas Hassall became the Chaplain for the Cowpastures area, which included Camden Park.

The Macarthurs' plans for the church fit well with Governor Burke's Church Act of 1836. This Act offered money to help build churches of all major Christian groups. The Macarthurs received £1,000 towards the church's total cost of £2,500.

Bishop William Broughton initially hired James Hume to design the church in a classical style. But in 1839, Emily Macarthur, James's new wife, wanted a Gothic Revival style, which was popular in England.

What Influenced the Church's Design?

In the 1830s, the Gothic Revival style became popular for churches in England. This was due to movements like the Oxford Movement and the Cambridge Camden Society.

The Oxford Movement wanted to bring back older Christian traditions into the Anglican Church. They believed churches should focus on sacraments and not separate people by social class.

The Cambridge Camden Society studied church design. They decided Gothic architecture was best for churches. They had strict rules for church designs, like having a clear separation between the nave (where people sit) and the chancel (where the altar is). They also preferred stone buildings.

Emily Macarthur was aware of these new trends. Since there weren't many architects in the colony who could design in the Gothic style, she and James decided to have a British architect, John Cunningham, design the church. He had designed other Gothic churches.

Construction started in the winter of 1840. Bishop Broughton laid the foundation stone on November 3, 1840. Richard Basden was the local builder, and John Le Ferve was the carpenter. Bricks were made locally, and timber came from Mount Hunter.

By April 1842, the roof, tower, and spire were finished. However, a financial crisis stopped the work. Funds were lost, and the church couldn't be completed.

Despite the delay, the church's Gothic Revival design was very new for the colony. Its unique windows and roof became standard for later Gothic Revival churches.

In May 1841, the Macarthur brothers formally gave the land for St John's Church to the Anglican Church. This land was specifically for the church, a minister's residence, and a burial ground. The first burial in the cemetery happened in March 1843.

By 1848, the church was almost finished. It was used for marriages even before it was fully consecrated. Bishop Broughton officially consecrated St John's the Evangelist Anglican Church on June 7, 1849. About 500 people attended the ceremony.

The church was described as having a nave, chancel, and western tower with a spire, all made of brick. The windows were well-made, and the floor was excellent. It was considered very large for Camden's population at the time. This size showed the Macarthurs' vision for a big, thriving settlement.

How St John's Camden Has Changed

Church Leaders

The Anglican Parish of Camden started around 1836. The Macarthur family supported the church and helped choose the ministers. The first minister was Rev. Robert Forrest, appointed in 1843. He lived nearby and held services in schoolrooms.

Rev. Edward Rogers became the minister in 1848. He was there when the church was consecrated in 1849. The first churchwardens were James and William Macarthur, and George Macleay.

In 1858, Rev. Henry Tingcombe became the minister. He was the first to live in the new rectory, built in 1859. The Macarthur family continued to support the minister's salary.

Changes and Additions to the Church

When St John's was finished, some people felt its chancel (the area around the altar) was too short. In 1857, Sir William Macarthur asked famous English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott for plans to extend it. Edmund Blacket also provided a design.

After James Macarthur died in 1867, the congregation wanted to add a memorial for him. They decided to enlarge the chancel and add a stained-glass window. The extension was completed in 1874.

In 1850, a school was built on the church land. It was used until 1879. The building was later sold in 1906 to help fund a new church hall.

The rectory (minister's house) was built in 1859. James and William Macarthur donated the money for it. It was a large brick building with a verandah.

In 1861, Emily Macarthur donated a new organ from London. A new gallery was built at the west end of the church to hold it.

Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow, James and Emily's daughter, was a strong supporter of the church. In 1897, she donated a clock and eight bells for the church tower to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The bells were named after members of the Macarthur family.

By the late 1800s, the church cemetery was almost full. A new cemetery was opened in 1898.

The first Church Hall was built in 1906. It was designed by famous Australian architect Sir John Sulman. The land for this hall was partly funded by selling a piece of the original church grant.

In 1905, the Macarthur-Onslow family donated the rectory building and its land to the Camden Parish. They also donated more land in 1910 and 1929. Some of this land was later sold for housing.

In 1912, a memorial lych gate was built at the church entrance in honor of Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow. Her children continued to support the church.

The second Church Hall was built in 1973. It was opened by the Archbishop of Sydney.

What St John's Looks Like Today

The St John's Anglican Church Precinct includes the church, rectory, cemetery, two church halls, and its beautiful grounds. It sits on St John's Hill, overlooking Camden. It's considered one of the most complete church groups in New South Wales.

The precinct has three main parts: the church lot, the rectory lot, and a horse paddock. These areas are bordered by Menangle Road, Broughton Street, Forrest Crescent, and a residential area.

The Church Building

St John's Anglican Church has a large nave, a chancel (extended later), a vestry, and a west tower with a brick spire. It's considered the first "archaeologically correct" Gothic Revival church in New South Wales. This means its design was very true to the medieval Gothic style.

The church's roof is made of terracotta shingles. The spire is rendered (covered in a smooth coating). The walls are made of local bricks, which have many colors. The windows have stone frames.

Clock and Bells

The church tower has a clock and eight bells, installed in 1897. They were ordered from England by Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow. The clock was made by Gillett and Johnson, and the bells by Meares and Stainbanks. Six of the bells are named after members of the Macarthur family. Electric motors now help ring the bells.

Inside the Church

Nave: The main part of the church where people sit. It has original timber ceilings and painted walls. The floor is made of large stone slabs laid diagonally.
Pews: The wooden pews are from different time periods.
Pulpit: The cedar pulpit, where the minister preaches, was a gift in 1858.
Lectern: A carved wooden eagle lectern, used for reading the Bible, was bought in London in 1894.
Font: The stone font, used for baptisms, was made from local stone.
Windows: Many windows are beautiful stained glass, some are memorials to important people. For example, one window commemorates soldiers from World War I. Another is a memorial to Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow.
Organ: An electric organ was installed in 1987. The original pipe organ from 1861 was restored.
Lighting: The church originally used candles, then kerosene lamps, then gas, and finally electricity in 1932.

Chancel: This area is near the altar. It has timber ceilings and rendered walls.
Table: The cedar altar table was replaced in 1917.
Communion Rail: The wooden communion rails have carved Gothic arches.
East Window: This large stained-glass window was installed in 1869 as a memorial to James Macarthur. It shows the Transformation.
Lancet Windows: Four tall, narrow windows depict the Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

Vestry: A room used by the minister. It has timber ceilings and original windows.

Memorials and Plaques

Many plaques and tablets inside the church remember important people and events. These include memorials to the Macarthur family, church rectors, and significant donations like the electric lighting and clock restoration.

Organ Loft and Choir Gallery

The organ loft and choir gallery were added in 1861. The pipe organ, made by Bates and Son of London, is the only known example by this maker in New South Wales. It has been restored multiple times.

Rectory and Stables

The rectory, built around 1859, is a two-story brick building in the Georgian style. It has large windows with shutters. The original front verandah was removed but later rebuilt in 2003. A family room was added later.

The stables, also made of brick, were used for horses and carriages. Part of the building was removed in 1968 to make way for a road.

Church Halls

The first Church Hall, built in 1906, is in the Federation Gothic style. It has a timber roof and brick walls.

There is also a second, more modern church hall, built in 1973.

Church Grounds and Features

Plants and Trees

The church grounds have many different trees, both native and exotic. These include kurrajongs, conifers, and bunya pines. Many of these trees were planted from William Macarthur's nursery.

Special Memorials

Lych Gate: A special covered gate at the church entrance, built in 1912 to honor Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow.
John Street Entry: Brick steps and iron railings leading from John Street were built in 1935.
Sundial: A sundial was donated in 1953 by Mrs Violet Macarthur-Onslow.
Columbarium: A memorial garden for ashes was built in 1964 and extended later.

Other Features

Old Roads: Remains of old roads can be seen, including one that led to Camden Park House.
Horse Paddock: A grassy area between the rectory and church, once used for grazing.
Tennis Courts: A flat area where tennis courts used to be.
Hills: The church grounds have rolling hills, with the church, rectory, and Masonic hall on separate rises.

The Cemetery

The cemetery covers about 1 acre and has around 1600 grave sites. It is maintained regularly, but some older sections need repair.

How the Church Fits into the Landscape

St John's Anglican Church, with its tall tower and spire, stands out on St John's Hill. It overlooks Camden and can be seen from many places in the area, like Cobbitty, Narellan, and Cawdor. This was planned by the Macarthur family to create a beautiful landscape that reminded them of the English countryside.

The church's location also showed the power structure the Macarthurs wanted. It was a reminder of God's presence and the Anglican Church's importance.

Two important views were planned:

From Camden Park House, you can see St John's spire framed by the Blue Mountains. This view is why some say the church was "built to the glory of God and to improve the views of the Macarthurs."
Looking south up John Street in Camden, the church is a commanding sight. This was designed to show the church's moral authority over the town.

Condition of the Precinct

As of 2017, St John's Anglican Church was in good condition. It still has most of its original parts. Some areas, like the clock, bells, roof, and walls, need ongoing care. The grounds and cemetery are well-maintained, though some older graves need repair. The rectory and church hall are in fair condition and also need some maintenance. Overall, the precinct is very well preserved.

Why St John's is Important

St John's Anglican Church Precinct is very important to the history of New South Wales. It's a group of church buildings in a beautiful landscape with old trees and open grassy areas.

St John's Church itself is important because it was the first Gothic Revival church in New South Wales that was "archaeologically correct." This means its design was very accurate to the medieval Gothic style. It was a key example for other Gothic Revival churches built later in the colony. The church's tower and spire are also a beautiful landmark in the Camden landscape.

The church is part of a special landscape design created by the Macarthur family. Along with Camden Park House and Camden town, it shows the power structures the Macarthur family wanted in the early 1800s. This landscape design is a significant example of early planning in New South Wales.

The entire church precinct has a strong historical link to the Macarthur family. They donated the land, funded most of the buildings, and supported the church for many years. Many parts of the church and its furnishings are gifts or memorials from the Macarthur family. It's a lasting tribute to their contributions to the Camden region and New South Wales.

St John's Anglican Church Precinct was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 24, 2018, because it meets several important criteria:

It shows the history of New South Wales: It was the first "correct" Gothic Revival church in the colony. It also shows how the 1836 Church Act led to many churches being built.
It's linked to important people: It has a strong connection to the Macarthur family, who were very important in the history of New South Wales. They helped establish and fund the church.
It's beautiful and well-designed: It's a fine example of church buildings in a beautiful rural setting. The church's design is an early and successful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its placement in the landscape shows how the Macarthurs used design to express their influence.
It can teach us things: The church's original parts, like its tower, bells, stained glass, and organ, can teach us about 19th-century technology and craftsmanship. The Bates & Son pipe organ is the only known example by this maker in New South Wales.
It's rare: It's rare to find such an "archaeologically correct" Gothic Revival church from that time. The Bates & Son organ is also rare. The whole precinct, with its church, rectory, cemetery, and grounds, is a rare and complete example of a 19th-century parish church group.
It represents a type of place: It's a great example of early Gothic Revival architecture and a complete church precinct from the 19th century.

Images for kids

St John's Church, pictured in 2010
The church set in the streetscape, pictured c. 1900.
The main entrance to the church taken from Menangle Road with the lych gate in the foreground, pictured in 2017.