A Journey Through Time: The Story of St. George’s Anglican Church, Gawler
"In the early days of South Australia, St. George’s Anglican Church in Gawler began its journey with humble, heartfelt gatherings. The first Church of England services were conducted in 1839, within the small sitting room of Mr. John Reid’s home at Clonlea. At the time, Gawler was little more than a stretch of open land, with no formal structures in sight, and the community relied on the dedication of the first Colonial Chaplain, Rev. C.B. Howard. This steadfast minister would ride 25 miles on horseback from Adelaide’s Holy Trinity Church to reach the settlers and conduct services when needed.
As Gawler’s community grew, so did its vision for a place of worship. In 1845, the local Friends of the Church of England, with the leadership of Rev. James Farrell, raised £100 toward building a church. A year later, Rev. William Henry Coombs arrived from England, sent by the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel, and began conducting services in the basement of Victoria Mill, then under construction. Rev. Coombs would go on to serve the Anglican Church in Gawler for 50 years, a testament to his commitment and devotion.
In 1847, under Governor Robe’s guidance, the foundation stone for St. George’s was laid at Orleana Square (now known as Church Hill), a spot selected by Colonel Light. Named in honor of England’s patron saint and Colonel George Gawler, this first church, costing £800, quickly became a focal point for the town. Yet, just five years after its completion, a severe storm left the church badly damaged, but the community’s resolve did not waver.
By 1858, the foundation stone was re-laid, and a new Gothic-inspired structure began to take shape under the design of architect Edward Angus Hamilton. Built in stages over the following decades, St. George’s Church was constructed with local blue stone and sandstone, and roofed in Welsh slate. The nave was completed in 1864, followed by the transept in 1884 and the chancel in 1887. Finally, in 1909, the addition of the church tower brought a striking final touch, with a dedication by Archdeacon Young.
One of the church’s most poignant features is its octave of eight hemispherical bells, added in 1921 to honor those who lost their lives in World War I. Commissioned by Sir Edward Lucas, these bells were produced by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London and have rung through the decades, echoing a piece of history that remains vibrant today. St. George’s Anglican Church is now a National Trust-listed building, symbolizing both architectural beauty and a deep-rooted heritage. " (some of this info from Gawler History Trust - thanks for all you do)
Experience Gawler’s Rich History and Beautiful Architecture
Today, St. George’s Anglican Church stands not only as a historical landmark but as a vibrant reminder of Gawler’s rich past. It’s especially breathtaking during spring, with beautiful roses blooming around the church, adding a touch of color and life to the grounds.
When you visit, immerse yourself in Gawler’s heritage by staying at our new 4.5 star listing, "Country Style Louisa." Located right in Gawler, this cozy, fully self-contained home is just 15 minutes from the Barossa Valley, 30 minutes to Kapunda, just over an hour to Clare, and less than an hour from Adelaide. With all the comforts of home, you can live like a local, enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in a safe and welcoming space. Perfect for exploring nearby historic sites, scenic wine regions, and the charming streets of Gawler itself, “Country Style Louisa” offers the ideal base for a journey through South Australia’s history and beauty.
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