History

St John’s, Wollombi

Designed by the eminent 19th. Century architect Edmund Thomas Blacket, St. John’s Anglican Church, Wollombi, is built of sandstone and wood in the Gothic tradition.

The Reverend R.T. Bolton laid the foundation stone on July 22nd. 1846 after tenders for the wood and stonework were contracted. As well as the foundation stone, a bottle containing coins, the name of the Church, the names of the Governor and the Bishop and others associated with the building was placed.

St. John’s has changed little in its 158 years, its unique beauty undiminished by time or misuse. The Church’s interior remains resplendently adorned with stained glass windows, on either side of the nave and in the East behind the cedar altar which carries large brass candlesticks. There are unique antique brass lamps above the aisle which throw a soft light throughout the nave and over the cedar pews aged and scuffed by the passing of years and worshippers.

In 1998, for its sesquicentenary, the church was fortunate to be given a single manual pipe organ when the Woodville Church was closed. This lovely organ, used regularly in Sunday worship, is over 150 years old and is listed in the “Historic Organs of N.S.W.” The ambience of St. John’s would make a romantic and tranquil backdrop for your special day.

For more information email us at enquiries@wollombiweddings.org

St Mark’s, Laguna

The Church of St. Mark was built by parishioners from locally hewn sandstone and felled cedar. The shingles on the bell tower are original and came from the Wattagan mountains. In November 1884, Bishop Pearson consecrated the Church and remarked that St. Mark’s was enriched by gifts contributed by local families. As you walk around the church, familiar family names are repeated on the plaques: testaments of a continuing reverence for this hand built church in the hearts of the founding families. The beautiful east window in the sanctuary came from St. Mathews Church at Payne’s Crossing after it was deconsecrated in the 1960s. In the new millennium, new stained glass windows have been added in memory of loved ones. A strong sense of community lives on in the untouched, relaxed, atmosphere of St. Mark’s.

For more information email us at enquiries@wollombiweddings.org