Presbyterian Church
1906 – Scott’s Church
1926 – Presbyterian Church
1977 – Current – Uniting Church
The former Presbyterian Church also represents the former Methodist congregation, which was established in Katanning at the same time. The Uniting Church therefore has social and historical significance, especially in light of the fact that little authentic evidence remains from the Methodist Church building.
Uniting Church Katanning
The church building has some architectural and aesthetic significance with its unique spire, which forms part of the skyline of the town. A brick and corrugated iron building of Federation Gothic design it has a prominent zinc clad spire protruding from a battlement campanile. Additions have been made to the north-east side of the original church building. The front has three trefoil head windows within a lancet opening and quatrefoil window within the arch although the additions are intrusive. (inHerit website)
The Rev. George Brewster of Albany gave the first Presbyterian service in Katanning in the early part of 1900. The interest stimulated by this first service resulted in a local committee being formed, the main purpose of which was to establish a minister in the district. In November 1900 Rev. A K Ross became the first Presbyterian minister to be posted in Katanning.
The early days of the Presbyterian congregation were not without their problems. A scattered and constantly moving population, lack of suitable building in which to conduct services, and want of experience of Australia and Australians were only a few of the difficulties. [Thomas, p. 91]
Owing to poor health, Rev. Ross resigned from the charge in 1904, but he had begun the work of having a church built. His successor, Pastor A. Lusted continued on with this work and “lost no time in raising the superstructure on the foundations already well and truly laid” [Thomas, p. 91]. Mr F. W. Burwell of Fremantle prepared plans for the church, and the contractor was Alex Thomson. The contract price was £567. 10s, and added to the cost of the land the whole project cost nearly £700. The bricks were all made locally and the roof of the church spire was skillfully performed by plumber, Charles Mitchell.
Pastor Lusted left in June 1906 and his replacement, Rev. John Smith was to see the foundation stone being laid 19 October, 1906, and the church open in October 1906. During the ceremony, attended by the Right Rev. H. C. Matthews and two hundred people, the secretary, John Barley, placed a sealed bottle containing newspapers and documents in a cavity in the memorial stone. The stone was removed on the 100th Anniversary of the building and a time capsule was recovered. This was replaced in the wall with additional information.
Also in 1906 those Badgebup residents who were of the Presbyterian faith built a small iron and bush timber church on government land where they held monthly services. Services were also being held at Rockwell, Woodanilling, Carrolup and Marracoonda. These places were visited by Pastor Lusted in a hired horse and trap.
In the 1960s the church and hall were in need of repairs, additions and alterations and the church was rewired when SEC power was connected to the town. The original timber fence was removed and replaced by a low brick fence constructed by Bob Coventry. A new notice board was purchased, repairs were done to the front outside wall (also by Bob Coventry), the hall windows were weatherproofed and some kitchen cupboards installed. In addition, Messrs Leach and McFarland repaired the lead-light windows, which had been damaged, and the Presbyterian Ladies Guild organised for new carpet to be laid in the church.
The possible amalgamation of the Katanning Presbyterian and Methodist Churches was first discussed in the early 1960s. In 1972 it was a reality and the two churches combined to form the United Parish of Katanning and Districts. After a trial period it was decided by the Council to use and develop the Presbyterian Church and buildings and to sell the Methodist Church. It was used for many year as the “Autumn Club” (for older people in the community) and it now forms part of the Katanning Historical Society’s “Historical Precinct”.
Presbyterian Church c1930
PAST NEWS ITEMS
Presbyterian Church – Perth
18 July, 1899
Katanning.
The clerk read a letter from the Rev. J. B. Reid, in which he accepted the appointment to work the agricultural district around Katanning and agreed to undertake the duties there at the end of his three months’ engagement at Subiaco.
Scots Church Concert.
Great Southern Herald
19 February, 1910
A very successful concert, under the auspices of Katanning Presbyterian Church, was held in the Rechabite Hall on Tuesday evening last. The attendance was good, and the programme was greatly appreciated. The town band was in attendance but owing to want of light could only attempt one piece out of doors. A second piece was played inside and was toned down nicely and enjoyed by the audience.
The programme included the following items, which were introduced by Rev. J. Haynes who presided:
“The Auld House,” party. Mr. A. W. Thomas was heard to advantage in two songs, “Roses,” and “Three for Jack” (encored). Miss Baldock sang two songs, “When We Meet,” and “The Woodpecker,” (encore, “The Mission of a Rose.”)
Mrs. A. D. Smith sang first the fine old Scotch song “Auld Robin Gray,” and later on “Waiting for Thee,” for which she also had to respond and sang with good feeling and expression “The little silver ring you gave to me.” Mrs. Wanke was quite at home in her song “The Link Divine,” as also was Miss McDonald in ” Jessie’s Dream”. Mr. J. McDonald sang the fine old song “The Bugler,” and Mr. J. Wanke, “A heart of Gold”.
Mr. M. King recited “The story of a London mission” and the chairman followed with “A rata, avis,” and also sang “The lass O’ Gowrie.” Mr. A. Morrell played two violin solos with his usual good taste and expression, and Mr. Watts delighted the audience with a ‘cello solo. Mr. J. Baker gave a baritone solo “Killarney,” which proved a very pleasing number. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Cranbrook, Mrs. Smith, Miss Brittain, Miss McRoberts, and Miss McDonald.
On a motion of the chairman, a comprehensive vote of thanks was accorded to all who had helped to make the concert a success, and the National Anthem brought all to a conclusion.
Interesting Lecture
BY THE PRESBYTERIAN MODERATOR.
Great Southern Herald
10 December, 1921
On Monday evening last in the Katanning Town Hall, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Western Australia, Rt. Rev. E. G. Petherick, gave an exceedingly interesting and humorous lecture on the “Australian Hero and Humorist“. The major portion of his address dealt with the doings of the “Diggers” abroad, and the manner in which the stories were related, could only be told by one who had been there.
At the conclusion of the Moderator’s address, Mr. G. R. Kirkby moved a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer for his most gratifying address, which was seconded by Mr. J. Berkley. The Rev. C. E. Hapwell then moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Geo. McLeod for occupying the position of Chairman, which was carried by acclamation.
During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs. L. Mann, Miss Etty Mann, and Mr. Jack Woods, and were much appreciated. Supper, was served at the Presbyterian Church by a ladies committee.
WEDDINGS.
PIESSE – LONGMIRE.
Southern Districts Advocate
20 April 1936
At the Presbyterian Church, Katanning, on Saturday, the 11th inst, a wedding of considerable interest was solemnised, when Miss Mollie Dawson Longmire, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Longmire, “Riverside,” Rockwell, was married to Edmund S. R. Piesse, “Langaweira,” Katanning, son of the late Arnold E. Piesse, formerly a member in the Legislative Assembly for the Katanning electorate. The Rev. J. R. Thrum performed the ceremony.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a beautiful gown of pink satin ribolene, cut on classically simple lines with the skirt lengthened to form a train. It had a high cowled neckline and long open sleeves. An exquisite hat of pink tinted leaves was worn with a small veil falling to the shoulders. A sheaf of pink and cream roses completed her toilette, which was strikingly elegant in its simplicity.
Mrs. John Hunt, sister of the bride, was matron of honour and wore a becoming frock of silver ribble crepe and lace, with hat and shoes to tone, and carried a bouquet of pink roses. Mr. Herbert Hood, of Gnarlabing, East Katanning, was best man.
After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs, Longmire held a reception at the Katanning Hotel, Mrs. Longmire receiving her guests in a frock of black georgette and lace, with a smart black hat to match. Her bouquet was of red roses. Later in the evening the bride and groom left for their honeymoon, the bride travelling in a smart navy costume, a chic little hat, shoes and bag exactly matching, and a beautiful squirrel fur competed her attractive toilette.
KATANNING WEDDING
Sunday Times
7 December, 1947
Wedding of much interest to country and city folk took place at the Presbyterian Church, Katanning, on Friday evening, when Miss Henrietta Mary Freemantle was joined in matrimony to Mr. Ronald Pooley.
The bride, who is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Freemantle, of Katanning, looked charming in a long frock of silver lame with short veil and pink and white flowers to tone with her bouquet. Her sister, Mrs. T. A. Stevens, was matron of honor.
The bridegroom, a former Perth resident, who served with the 11th Battalion during the war, is local manager of Wilcox Mofflin Ltd. Mr. Victor Courtney acted as best man.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. Guthrie Thrum, who came from Perth, and the Rev. N. Ross of Katanning. Their reception took place in the Masonic Hall, Katanning, where a large gathering of friends offered congratulations to the happy couple. Mr. and Mrs. Pooley subsequently left by car for their honeymoon.
OBITUARY
Mrs. J. D. Shaw.
Great Southern Herald
18 November, 1939
The death occurred at her home “Wellwood,” Badgebup, on Sunday, November 12, of Janet Fergus Clement, wife of Mr. James Duncan Shaw, aged 64 years.
Mrs. Shaw had suffered indifferent health since she underwent an operation some years ago, and last month sustained a relapse, after which her condition declined rapidly. She had lived for upwards of 27 years in the district where she was well known and highly respected.
The funeral took place on Monday, the cortege moving to the Presbyterian portion of the Katanning Cemetery where her remains were laid to rest under the ministrations of the Rev. A. Macliver.
The pall bearers were Messrs. H. Kingswood, O. A. Caldwell, F. H. Ross, V. A. Meredith, G. Goodchild and T. E. Russ. Many beautiful wreaths, floral tributes and other expressions of esteem and sympathy were placed on the graveside by relatives and friends.
ABOUT PRESBYTERIANISM
Presbyterianism is a part of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism, which traces its origins to Britain, particularly Scotland.
Presbyterian churches derive their name from the Presbyterian form of church government, which is governed by representative assemblies of elders. A great number of Reformed churches are organised this way, but the word Presbyterian, when capitalised, is often applied uniquely to churches that trace their roots to the Church of Scotland, as well as several English dissenter groups that formed during the English Civil War. Continue reading [2] [3]