THIS sad little tale should have had a happy ending – but it was not to be. It began when the Church of England inhabitants of the village of Brewongle decided to construct a church for their parishioners.
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The building was of brick with an iron roof and Norman arched windows. It was to be called St George’s Church.
Mrs Emily Lee had been asked to perform the laying of the stone, but this had to be postponed until April 27, 1880 due to inclement weather.
The Presentation Trowel had already been purchased and inscribed, hence the difference in the actual date the event took place. This was the beginning of a number of unforeseen circumstances that led to the trowel’s demise.
The inscription on the trowel reads “Presented to Mrs George Lee on the occasion of her laying the foundation stone of St George’s Church, Brewongle, Macquarie Plains, October 17th 1879” and the event attracted many visitors from near and far.
In 1886, only seven years after it was built, the church was closed for restoration.
Abutments were added and two iron rods ran the whole length of the building.
It remained opposite the railway station for another four decades before being hit by a cyclone in 1926.
The church was unroofed by the high winds and the remains were subsequently demolished.
The lovely Presentation Trowel made from Sheffield silver with an ivory handle is the only remaining evidence that this little church, which has been forgotten over time, ever existed.
It is displayed in the Drawing Room on the marquetry-topped card table, so do take time to admire it for its beauty and history.
n Miss Traill’s House is just bursting with stories and history such as this. Drop in for a visit and learn more (admission prices apply). Open Saturday and Sunday noon-3.30pm. Call 6332 4232.
