St Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Inverell

1928 Whitehouse Bros., Brisbane. 2m., 11 sp. st., 7c., tub.pn

From 1998 OHTA Conference booklet:

Originally part of the Wellington Charge (later Glen Innes), Inverell probably held its first service with The Revd A. Cameron in 1853. It was likely that services were held in the home of Mr Collin Ross and thereafter in a wooden church built In 1859 in the lower part of the town near the river. It was not until 1874 that it was decided to erect a more worthy structure for worship, built on higher ground above the previous flood level of 1872. In 1878 the handsome gothic-style brick church, which is still in use, was opened for public worship. [1]

This classified heritage church features a prominent corner tower and is in a dominant streetscape position. Its sound construction, picturesque massing and characteristic interior design make it typical of mid-Victorian church design in a prosperous town. The interior features three lancet windows with a rose window to the west end. The ceiling has diagonal boarding with modified king post trusses. Other features include Edwardian light fittings and a good deal of stained glass commemorating many of the pioneee of Inverell. [2] Of interest is the fact that this church was considered at the time to be extravagant in its size, ornateness and fittings, and that it was the winning entry in a competition for £50. [3]

In 1927 a pipe organ at a cost of £1,200 was presented by Mrs Braith Turner, daughter of Mr P.C. Campbell, in memory of her father. [4] Built by Whitehouse Bros., Brisbane 1927; repaired (cleaning and puffers releathered) 1977.

The specification is [5]:

GREAT Open Diapason Stop Diapason Dulciana Lieblich Flute SWELL Violin Diapason Lieblich Gedackt Salicional Gemshorn Oboe PEDAL Bourdon Bass Flute

8 8 8 4 8 8 8 4 8 16 8

A A

7 couplers
compass: 61/30
tubular-pneumatic action

[1] White, The Revd C.A., The Challenge of the Years: A History . . . pp.368-369.
[2] lnformation courtesy of Inverell Shire Council, June 1998.
[3] Wiedemann, E., World of its Own - Inverell's Early Years, Inverell, 1981, p.101 .
[4] Rushworth G.D., Historic Organs ... p.207.
[5] Specification supplied by Kevin Whitehouse, per David Vann, to John Maidment 30 September 1980, also by The Gvd. Peter Thornecroft to Kelvin Hastie, July 1998.

Photos: Trevor Bunning (Sept. 2007)