Interior of the historic St Stephen's Church, Kurrajong.
The site on which St Stephen's Church, Kurrajong, is built was the joint gift of Mr Alfred Jones and Mr John Lamrock. "The Australian Churchman", a newspaper of those early days, in reporting the gift, goes on to say: "A more beautiful spot could not be found in the diocese; in fact, from it's elevated position this sacred edifice when completed will form quite a conspicuous landmark." The same report continues: "The site is on the road leading from the North to the South Kurrajong, and as nearly in the centre of the two districts as possible."
In those days of one hundred years ago, Grose Vale was known as South Kurrajong. The main road, Bells Line of Road, twisted it's way from the North, down through Wheeney (which was then the main part of the village of Kurrajong) then up past the point where the South Kurrajong Road (now known as Grose Vale Road) joined it. St Stephen's Church, then, is on what used to be known as South Kurrajong Road.
The Foundation Stone of the Church was laid by the Right Rev Frederick Barker, D.D., Bishop of Sydney, during a ceremony commencing at 12 noon on Wednesday, 26th August, 1868.
After the ceremony 270 people sat down to a luncheon provided in a booth which was probably erected for the purpose. After lunch the Bishop presided at a public meeting held in the open air.
The Bishop "pointed out the value of the Church to the residents, and the necessity for its completion in a liberal and generous spirit." He then called upon Rev G. A.C. Innes, who was working in Kurrajong, under the Rector of Richmond, of which parish Kurrajong was part, to move the following resolution: "That it is desirable that immediate steps be taken for the completion of the Church, and this meeting pledges itself to use its best efforts for this purpose." This resolution was carried unanimously, and apparently it was acted upon with enthusiasm.
An early report tells us that the total cost was about 700 pounds, most of which "was raised by contributions from residents ...many of them having taken great interest in the work and most willingly assisted ...not only by giving money but also labouring with their own hands."
The completed Church (except for the porch and belfry) was ready for the first service on the 15th April, 1869, which was held on a Thursday morning at 11am. The prayers were read by the incumbent (Rector of Richmond), Rev John Elder. The sermon was preached by Rev Thomas Kemmis, from the text, "What mean ye by this service?" (Exodus 12:26). "After the service the congregation, which was larger than could have been expected, the weather being most unfavourable, partook of luncheon in a tent erected near the Church." The Bishop was unable to be present at the opening Service due to the meeting of the diocesan Synod.
Nothing has been found to indicate the date of the erection of the porch and belfry. However, judging by the appearance of the brick work and stone work, they must have come fairly soon after the main building. The beautiful sketch on this brochure shows these additions to advantage and has captured something of the loveliness of this old Church. The side-on placing of the belfry is considered to be unique.
St Stephen's was separated from the Richmond parish in 1873, and Rev George Middleton was the first Rector.
This article is reproduced from the printed invitation to the Celebrations for St Stephen's Centenary in 1969.
Since then, a modern Christian Education Centre has also been erected. This building has been used for regular Sunday services, as the older building was too small, and at times, impractical for some activities. In addition, St Stephen's was colonised by hundreds of micro bats, who made a considerable mess and potential health hazard with their droppings.
However in 2000, maintenance and restoration work was carried out, which has successfully excluded the bats. Careful attention was paid to internal painting, woodwork and original furniture in this historic church building.
This has meant that St Stephen's was ready to recommence regular services in 2001, with a traditional prayer book style of service at 8:00am, every Sunday. Our family service at 9:30am and our youth oriented service at 7:00pm continues in the modern building.