In June 1863, Jane Andrews, her husband Thomas, and Henry Western met together as the first members of the Church of Christ on the Manning River. They were joined by John Newby Snr on Christmas Day 1864 after his baptism and then by George Saxby in 1865 who joined from the church at Newtown.1 These humble gatherings were typical of the church’s beginnings in Australia.2
The first purpose-built church was erected in Chatham in 1887.3 Twenty years later the congregation moved to a timber church built at 140 Victoria Street, Taree4 where W J Williams, was employed as the first full-time preacher.5
In 1933 the Rural Bank of NSW made the church an offer they couldn’t resist so the church bought new premises diagonally across the road at 95-99 Victoria Street.6 The land included a large brick residence which became the manse.7
The relocation of the 20 ton timber church and school hall was Taree’s main attraction in April 1934. It took three days to move the building which spent one night in the middle of the street, lit by lanterns to warn motorists, before being backed into its new location.8 But this was not its last journey. On 7 September 1957 a new brick church opened at the front of the land which necessitated moving the timber church to the back of the block to be used as a hall.9
The Church of Christ Taree holds the stories of many local families whose lives have been connected to this institution for over 160 years.
Author: Janine Roberts
References:
1 Leaflet of 100 Years Anniversary, June 1863-1963 supplied by Glenda Dutton.
2 Kerrie Handasyde, Churches of Christ in Australia: Our Story, https://cofcaustralia.org.au/our-story/
3 Leaflet of 100 Years Anniversary, June 1863-1963 supplied by Glenda Dutton.
4 Section 3 Lot 3 MidCoast Stories Historic Rates Books, https://midcoaststories.com/taree-rates-books-3/
5 Leaflet of 100 Years Anniversary, June 1863-1963 supplied by Glenda Dutton.
6 NSW LRS, Vol-Fol: 4330-81.
7 Leaflet of 100 Years Anniversary, June 1863-1963 supplied by Glenda Dutton.
8 Manning River Times, 11 April 1934, 2; SMH, 13 April 1934, 12; Northern Champion, 14 April 1934, 4.
9 Leaflet of opening of new church, 7 Sep 1957 supplied by Glenda Dutton.