On Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown, opposite Steel Street, stands an intriguing small wooden church in a state of disrepair and neglect.

The Port Stephens Examiner, of 18 February 2021, carried an article calling for the former Williamtown Uniting Church to be either repaired or demolished. In its current state it was said that it is an eyesore and attracts the dumping of rubbish.

The church site is now privately owned, and the article stated the owner remains uncontactable.

The Church as it stands today at 2115 Nelson Bay Road

But what is the history of this church which was once not only a place of religious devotion but an integral part of the life of the surrounding community.

It was originally a Wesleyan Methodist denominational Church which was merged into the Methodist Churches of Australasia on 1 January 1902. In 1977, the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches joined together to become the Uniting Church. And so the little church formally became the Williamtown Uniting Church.

Jubilee celebrations took part on the occasions of the sixtieth and seventieth anniversaries of the Church in 1938 and 1948. Newspaper reports of these joyous events give us a thorough history of this place of worship.

This paper tells the story of a little church which was once the centre of a strong community devotion and is now lying abandoned.

Building of the First Church at Parading Ground

On 2 July 1863, two acres of land which were dedicated to the Wesleyan Church at Parading Grounding (part of early Williamtown) for church purposes.

A church was erected on the site on a sand hill to the rear of the present church. It was constructed of split slabs and shingles.

The plight of this first church is not known but the hill on which it was situated no longer exists having been quarried away in more recent times.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 5 January 1932, page 4, reported on a diamond wedding celebration of a couple who had been married in the original church in December 1871.  

“The 60th anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. James Chesworth was celebrated on Boxing Day. The aged couple were married at the Wesleyan Church, Williamtown, on December 27, 1871. The Rev. George Lane officiated. Mr. Chesworth was born in Devonshire, England, in 1846, and came to Australia at the age of 19. Mrs. Chesworth is a native of Seaham, near Raymond Terrace, where she was born 82 years ago. After working as a miner in the old Borehole Colliery, for a number of years, Mr. Chesworth settled down to farming in Williamtown. He and his wife were among the pioneers of dairying in the district, and during the 50 years of life on their farm, they witnessed the steady progress of the industry. They recall many difficulties which confronted farmers in the early days. Large tracts of land had to be cleared, and an effective drainage system inaugurated.”

Building of the Present Church at Parading Ground

The present church was built on the site at Parading Ground in 1878 by Messrs W. H. Moxey and Robert Mortimer.

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 29 December 1938, page 2, published an article setting out some recollections of the building of this second church:

“In connection with the recent church jubilee at Williamtown it is interesting to recall some of the early associations. Those who assisted in its construction (and later some of the same families in the present church) were the Logans, Brimblecombs, Moxeys, Lavis, Mortimers, Slades, Russells and Mahers. At the meeting called to build the church a collection was taken up, and a topbilly hat which belonged to the late Mr. Joseph Russell was requisitioned to take the collection. Into this were tossed the half-crowns, crowns and heavy coins used in those pioneer days, till, the top was knocked out of the hat, and a new one had to be obtained. The amount required to build the church was obtained. A few days later an organ list was opened and this too was rapidly filled…… The builders of the church were Mr. W. H. Moxey 85, (now still living in Sydney), and the late Mr. Robert Mortimer….”

Wesleyan Church at Parading Ground, January 1886. The Old Nelson Bay Road (now Steel Street) is seen in the upper left-hand corner of the photo.

Wesleyan Church at Parading Ground, 6 February 1896

Centre of Religious and Community Life

In the early years of the Church, the population of the surrounding districts was small, and most residents were farmers. Everyone knew each other, and there were many marriages among the families of the congregation. Apart from farming activities, devotional and associated church activities formed an important part of the lives of the local families.

The Church was used for religious services, weddings, funerals, harvest festivals, parishioner farewell functions, concerts in aid of church funds, Sunday School, Methodist Circuit meetings, and meetings of the Ladies Church Aid. On many occasions the church would be adorned with bush flowers and other decorations for weddings and other social events.

In April 1926, the fifty-ninth quarterly meeting of the Raymond Terrace circuit of the Methodist Church was held in the Methodist Church at Williamtown. At the meeting it was reported that the Sunday School at Williamtown served as a training ground for church membership, and all pupils were initiated into the church when they come of age.

The church community also participated in numerous fairs, concerts and other fund-raising activities held in the nearby Williamtown Union Hall.

Installation of Electricity for the Church – 1934

The Methodist of 7 April 1934, page 11, reported:

‘Situated at Williamtown, in the Raymond Terrace Circuit, is a church built 55 years ago, and. known in Methodism as the Parading Ground Church. The late Mr. George Moxey, who passed away during October, 1929, was for many years most actively associated with the life of this church, and of the Raymond Terrace Circuit. His widow, Mrs. Louisa Moxey, though unable, because of advancing years and a frail body, to attend the church services, maintains a keen and loving interest in the work of the church. 

Being anxious to commemorate her late husband in some abiding and serviceable manner in the church, Mrs. Moxey conceived the idea of installing the electric light in the church. The trustees gladly accepted her generous offer and the work was carried out. At a recent Sunday evening service on the occasion of the harvest festival, the superintendent minister, the Rev. A. T. Newton, after a few introductory remarks, called upon Miss Vera Moxey (daughter) to switch on the light. Mr. Newton then offered a prayer of dedication. Mrs. Moxey is renowned for her kindness, generosity, and hospitality. By this latest gift she has added one more to a long list of services, rendered in a quiet, unassuming manner, to the Church she loves very dearly.’

Thieves Break into Church

The Newcastle Sun of 28 September 1934, page 2, reported that thieves who broke into the Methodist Church at Williamtown, and stole 30ft of carpet-runner.

Diamond Jubilee Celebration – November 1938

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 24 November 1938, page 3, reported on the forthcoming diamond jubilee celebrations of the Church over two days:

“The Parading Ground Methodist Church is to celebrate its diamond jubilee next Saturday and Sunday, November 26 and 27th. Many former worshippers have signified their intention to return to the church of their youth for the celebrations. A social tea and concert will be held in the Williamtown hall, next Saturday commencing at 5.45 p.m. It is anticipated that a large company of friends will gather. The Ladies Church Aid is making provisions for 200 and more guests and it is expected that at least two sittings for tea will be necessary. The programme has been arranged by Mr Jonah Bevan, Stockton, and the Rev. W. E. Butler, of Adamstown will be the speaker.

The church itself has been completely renovated and many handsome pieces of furniture are to be added to the church. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Moxey are giving a handsome pulpit and communion rail in oak. Mrs. William Moxey, Senr., (now of Adamstown) is giving a communion table to the memory of her late husband. Mr. and Mrs. A Moxey are placing a lead-light stained glass window in the porch. These gifts, with others, will considerably enhance the appearance of the sanctuary The Trustees have expended a considerable amount of money in renovations and we are sure that their many friends old worshippers and new, will generously support the church on this 60th birthday occasion. All the Methodist homes in Williamtown are receiving guests this weekend. The reunion on Saturday and Sunday is expected to be a very happy occasion. The services on Sunday will be at 11 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. The morning service will be conducted by the Rev. Frank Paton who will speak on the subject — “The One Message of the Christian Church”. The evening service will be conducted by Mr. John Dalton of Millers Forest.”

Other gifts to the church included hymn books, a book case, and a palm stand, which were also installed in the renovated church. The total cost of repairs and furniture exceeded £120, and there was no debt.

Interior of the Church with altar rail, altar table, pulpit, organ, honour board, picture, and sign ‘My peace I give you’ remain in the church. The remains of the later memorial windows are visible. [Author photo January 2022, taken through a broken window]

A report on the diamond jubilee celebrations that took place at the Williamtown Union Hall, was published in the Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 1 December 1938, page 4, shows that a great day of celebrations occurred:

“The diamond jubilee anniversary of the Parading Ground Methodist Church was celebrated by a monster tea and public meeting on Saturday in the hall, which was taxed to its capacity. Pioneers and others came from the Richmond River and many, other places. Rev. F. Paton stated that they were delighted to welcome some of the old members of the church and others who took an interest in the anniversary. It was delightful to see present aged persons who returned to the church of their early youth. The Trustees as well as the ladies, were responsible for the excellent tea and beautiful decorations. The children would not forget such an anniversary which clearly indicated that the enthusiasm of their parents had not waned.

Mr. Samuel White, in extending a welcome to the pioneers from the Richmond River said that when he was a boy he thought that the sermons were long, but for all that the local preachers were sincere and enthusiastic. Mr. J. Fredericksen, in responding said that returning to the district reminded him of many pleasant associations. Rev. A. Robens said that more neighbourliness was necessary in the world to-day. It was delightful to meet the pioneers who were still true.

Rev. W. H. Butler conveyed greetings from the Adamstown Church. Many apologies for absence were received including Revs. S. Wright, Rooke and Dr. Meredith. Councillor Russell said that the trustees and the ladies welcomed the pioneers and others who had helped to make the anniversary a huge success. The sixty candles on the birthday cake were lit and blown out by Mr. A. Mortimer, and the cake was cut by Mrs. Fredericksen.

Mr. Alfred Mortimer in relating reminiscences stated that he left Williamtown 55 years ago. His sister, Mrs. Robinson was the first organist. The first chapel was built of split slabs and shingles. The singing in those days was intensely hearty, even if it had not been very musical. The local preachers who had to travel miles over sandy tracks in all weathers in sulkies, were often of different temperaments, but they were stalwart, enthusiastic and sure of their messages. Ministers were also men who did not spare themselves for the welfare of the church.

Mr. D. James, who said that he came to Williamtown 50 years ago, expressed pleasure at the visit of the pioneers from the Richmond River. Councillor W. Reed, who had been a local preacher for 55 years, stated that he had been a Sunday School superintendent for 34 years. He had found that a Sunday School education was a great help in the years to come. He was opposed to Sunday sport but in dealing with sporting fans, he used tact and not bullying methods, especially as most of those men were amenable to reason. Mr. M. Maher, who is in his 95th year, expressed pleasure at being present at the sixtieth anniversary of the church of his youth.

Rev. W. H. Butler stated that he preached in the Williamtown Church 35 years ago. In those days there were 2 ministers, many exhorters, 17 local preachers, making 51 on the plan. The preachers of those days had the note of assurance, and the Methodists of today were proud of such men. The hospitality extended to the Ministers, and local preachers was really wonderful. In those days the family altar was set up everywhere and it would create a revival of true religion if that old Methodist custom was revived. Had the church slipped ? The church should be a long way better than it was. Christians did not seem to have the old note of assurance. There was an apparent lack of certainty especially as many Christians did not know where they stood. To-day there was a great deal of atheism of the tongue. What about the future of the church The church was going to be what members determined it to be. The men of the past had to leave their work unfinished but it was the duty of present day Methodists to carry on the work of preaching the gospel of Christ. If Christians co-operated with the Holy Spirit there would soon be a revival of true religion, of which, the world stood sadly in need.

Messrs. A. and E. Bevan, T. Bevan West, Dr. Cramp, and Misses A. Bevan Daphne White, and A. Woods contributed interesting items On the platform were the following persons over the age of 70 years : — Mesdames E. Russell, S. Moxey, M. Dawson, H. Moxey, J. Fredericksen, Messrs. R. Moxey, E . Russell, D. James, P. Peachey. W. Reid, S. White, H. Moxey, G. Mortimer, A Mortimer and M. Maher, (94 years). The ages totalling 1190 years.”

Seventieth Anniversary – November 1948: Dedication of Memorial windows and Doors

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 18 November 1948, page 5, reported on the seventieth anniversary of the Williamtown Methodist Church:

“The Seventieth anniversary of the Williamtown Methodist Church was celebrated on November 6th and 7th. Special services were held on the Sunday at which eight beautiful memorial windows and a set of memorial doors were dedicated to the Glory of God.

The celebrations commenced on Saturday evening with a Reunion Tea when over 200 past and present members and friends sat down to a poultry and ham tea, beautifully served by the Williamtown Ladles Church Aid and helpers. …. A feature of the guest table was a very beautiful and lovely two-decker cake which was decorated by Mrs. James and Mrs. S. Sutton and made by Mrs Oswald Moxey and Mrs. Keith Moxey. Several apologies were received and greetings sent by past ministers. Rev. A. Brooks was chairman and expressed his pleasure at the success of the function and gave everyone a welcome on behalf of the Trustees of the Church.

The toast of “The King” was then honoured and drank with musical honours. …”The Church’s One Foundation”. The oldest foundation member of the Ladies Church Aid, Mrs. Rosie Moxey, cut the birthday cake and everyone joined in singing, “For She’s A Very Fine Lady”…..

Mr. Wilfred Russell, Secretary of the Trust presented his report and told how when the present church was opened the “old hands” were very anxious to open it free of debt and how the steward went round for the collection with his good silk top hat, which was only kept for special occasions. The weight of the half crowns he collected broke the top out of his hat and the church was opened free of debt. The present building still stands. A toast to the makers and decorators of the cake then followed, and from their workmanship displayed on the table, they deserved all the nice things that were said about them. This was also drank with musical honours. A toast to the workers was also drank with musical honours and brought a successful tea to a close…..

The anniversary services were continued on the Sunday morning when the Rev. Cross was the preacher assisted by Rev. Brooks. Two beautiful memorial windows were unveiled by Mrs. G. Chesworth. Mrs. Chesworth unveiled one to the memory of her son Trooper G. Chesworth and donated and erected by his many friends. Mr. G. Chesworth unveiled one in memory of the Methodist boys who served in the last great war and erected by the Williamtown congregation. After Mr. Cross had dedicated the windows the congregations were asked to resume their seats and Miss Shirley Moxey sang “Beyond the Sunset”. Then followed the dedication of the other six windows and doors. Mr. Cross explaining to whom they were in memory and the donors’ names. Doors were given in memory of Ellen and James Chesworth from the family. Sarah and William Moxey, by their family. Martha and Richard Moxey, donated by the family. Ida Day, from her husband and son Edgar. Joseph Cox, from his wife and family. Emma and George Russell from the family. Trooper George Chesworth, from his brothers, sister and families. Opportunity was also taken to remember Flying Officer Neill Tucker, who was killed in an air crash at Williamtown in 1945. His mother, Mrs. C. Tucker and Mrs. Thompson, (Aunt), being present when a Christening Font, which Mr. and Mrs. Tucker presented to the church in memory of their son, was used. A service at night was held and conducted by the Rev. A. Brooks …”

Remains of one of the memorial windows installed in 1948 at the side of the Church. Every window has now been vandalised. [Author photo January 2022]

2008 Car Crash

In May 2008, a car crashed into the front of the church and demolished the front porch. The damage was not repaired and marked the start of the current abandonment of the building. As the years go on the level of vandalism to the building is increasing.

The Newcastle Herald of 16 May 2008 reported:

“A man was in a critical condition in hospital last night after a car he was driving ran off Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown and crashed into a church. …. Police said the car was heading toward Newcastle when it ran off the road about 3pm. It narrowly missed a pole and a large tree before colliding with the Uniting Church building. The front and driver side of the car hit the weatherboard building, snapping off its entrance area and gouging a large hole in its facade. Police said no one was in the church at the time.”

Williamtown Uniting Church, [Port Stephens Examiner, 16 May 2008]

Williamtown Uniting Church, 2008 [Port Stephens Examiner, 16 May 2008]

The Current Situation

Side View of Church with the small tree of the earlier photos having almost enveloped the building. [Author photo January 2022]

The Church currently lies in a precarious state, after one hundred and forty-four years of existence.

The majority of the building is in reasonable condition, apart from the wrecked porch and the damaged windows, which allow water to enter certain areas. Wooden wall panels have been replaced by modern cladding.

The interior of the Church is a veritable time capsule with various significant religious items and an organ still extant.

The church could be easily fixed and used for another purpose.

There is a columbarium at the rear which is in good condition. Some remains were removed when the church was sold by the Uniting Church but it is still used of late.

Unless action is taken to re-purpose the building, it will continue to deteriorate, hastened by the action of rain seepage and vandals. Rubbish will continue to be dumped in its grounds.

Researched and complied by Kevin McGuinness

January 2022