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A LOCAL artist who is documenting the history of Bathurst’s heritage buildings wishes he had spent more time in St Barnabas’ Anglican Church when he had the chance.
With the support of Bathurst Regional Council, keen historian Graham Lupp is compiling a book, Building Bathurst, for the region’s bicentenary celebrations next year.
“I was there in January checking out the brick work, then cleaners came and I got to go in and take some photos,” Mr Lupp said.
“I also photographed the outside.”
Mr Lupp said he had planned to go back with his tripod and take more photographs, but is ruing the missed opportunity after the church was destroyed by a fire early on Sunday.
“I’m really sorry I didn’t photograph all the windows. I should have come back with the tripod, but it is too late now,” he said.
“The leadlight windows have been completely destroyed and they can never be replaced.”
Mr Lupp, who used to be an architect, said that while much of the church had been destroyed in the blaze, it was important to document what remained.
“I am a great one for documenting and I plan to get permission to measure all the brick work,’ he said.
He added that he was thankful the elegant bell tower had been spared in the blaze.
Mr Lupp was baptised and married at St Barnabas’.
“It was my favourite church in town,” he said. “It was certainly a well-loved building for everyone in town.”
He hopes the church will be able to be restored one day.
Mr Lupp said that while the book would not include every historic building in Bathurst, it would cover the history of around 800 buildings.
Bathurst and District Branch of the National Trust chairman Iain McPherson said it was a tragedy to have lost another one of Bathurst’s heritage buildings.
“St Barnabas’ had many fine architectural features and was seen and appreciated by many people as they passed over the railway bridge,” he said.
“The church, which was built in 1881, was listed on the register of the National Trust and the building served the congregation and broader community for some 133 years.”
Mr McPherson said the church was registered on the National Trust because of its heritage value.
“It was one of those precious buildings within our heritage conservation area,” he said. “It is a tragedy when we lose any of those buildings.”
Mr McPherson said there were many people in the Bathurst community who had strong memories and associations with the church.
“I think it would be wonderful if it could be restored one day.”
