ALL SAINTS’ ANGLICAN CHURCH, COLLECTOR – A Brief History
Collector by all accounts is one of the oldest centres both in the Anglican Diocese and in the South Western Districts of NSW.
The Rev. Robert Cartwright moved from Liverpool NSW into the area as early as 1820 His work saw him preaching in rooms, houses even tents as suitable buildings for apparently large church congregations were scarce. It wasn’t until 31 March 1838 at the age of 66, Rev. Cartwright was licensed to minister in the area and so began his Ministry, which lasted 18 years. Rev. Cartwright’s District stretched as far as Boorowa, Yass, Collector, Lake Bathurst and Tarago.
Around the year 1841 Rev. Cartwright established a small school and chapel on his own property at Collector beside Collector Creek (behind Collector Store). Previous to that time services were held at Vine Cottage, the home of Mr John Sheridan (where the carpark for Lynwood Café is today!)
Records have made mention of the second Bishop of Australia, Bishop Barker touring the area in 1855 and confirming 10 people in the chapel including “a noted Bushranger” – unfortunately we are not given a name. During that same year Rev. Cartwright died in Goulburn and was buried at Liverpool.
Rev. and Mrs Isabella Cartwright’s daughter, Isabella died in 1860 at age 18. Rev. Cartwright’s niece Mary Ann Waddell who died at age 19 in 1875. Both are buried at the back of the Cemetery at Collector.
April, 2001
All Saint’s Anglican Church by all accounts commenced to be built in 1859. The stone church was consecrated on 25 March 1873 and originally had a shingle roof! During 1860 the “Church Society” made a grant of £25 to building costs. Who actually dedicated the building and who was resident clergy remains something of a mystery as records from 1857-1864 have been lost in history.
Rev DPM Hulbert was appointed to the District of Collector in 1864. It would appear that he was a somewhat strong character who didn’t mind expressing his opinions or standing up to those in higher authority.
It is recorded Rev. Hulbert refused to allow Dean Sowerby to conduct a funeral service in All Saints’. The funeral service was then conducted in Cartwright’s chapel!
According to records one of the earliest Sunday Schools to be established was at All Saints’ which commenced in 1860 and was discontinued in 1939. |
In 1938 a service of commemoration was held on the site of Rev. Cartwright’s property near Collector Creek following a procession from All Saints’. The service was organised by the Rector of the day Rev. C Ashley Wilson complete with an organ on site transported by truck. The guest speaker was the Archbishop of Sydney the Most Rev. Howard Mowll. In photos it is noted that the Archbishop is not dressed for Communion as he was involved in a car accident on his way to Collector and his robes and vestments were left in his car! Some of the current All Saint’s congregation can be seen in the photos as children!
On the 1st of November 1959 (All Saints’ Day) a celebration was held to commemorate All Saints’ Collector Centenary. A service of Confirmation, Holy Communion & commissioning of the men of the Parish to the Parish Mission by Bishop Arthur took place. Many items given to mark the centenary are still in use in the Church today. The Goulburn Municipal Band accompanied hymn-singing and after the Service a picnic lunch was held in Collector Park. The Rector of the Parish of Gunning was Rev. TJ O’Brien.
All Saints’ Day in 1987 saw two modern stained-glass windows dedicated. The Confirmation Window, in memory of Marie Granger, was worked on by the Confirmation class of 1987. Jesus the Water of Life Window is in memory of George and Clare Granger. Both these windows were created by our Rector of that time Rev. Paul Woodhart.
Rev. Woodhart again bought his creative talents to the fore when in 1989 he created a stained-glass, double boomerang shaped memorial to Rev. Cartwright using the last of the remaining stone at the Collector Creek site. This memorial is placed in All Saints’ church yard.
During the year 2000 a very special event took place when Collector’s very own resident triplets Jake, Maddison and Brent Bolin were baptized in front of family, friends and the congregation.
Our Church life has undergone a change also during the year 2000 when the Uniting Church congregation at Collector and All Saints’ congregation decided to join together for worship. Our services are now held 1st Sunday in the month at the Uniting Church, 3rd Sunday in the month at All Saints’.
In closing I make mention of the fact that the Sheridan and Granger families still worship at All Saints’. Yet another unbroken tradition dating back to Rev. Robert Cartwright’s time.
Jeanette Sheridan
8 April, 2001 |
