A little over 150 years ago, on a day chosen to coincide with the founding of the colony of New South Wales, the Church of the Good Shepherd was officially opened. The origins of the church occur in the late 1860s. Prior to the founding of the church, occasional services were held in the home of Mr Alick Osborne. Kangaroo Valley was part of the parish of Broughton Creek and clergy would travel from Berry and beyond to take these services. One of the clergy who officiated at these occasional services, Rev. J. T. O’Connor, was once heard to remark that “he used to climb the mountains holding on to the horse’s tail.”
Around 1867, Alick Osborne gave land to the Church to establish a centre of worship for Kangaroo Valley. Land was also given to the Roman Catholic Church and for the establishment of a school. Funds were raised for the building of the church from this time forward. The church, as a distinct organisation, came into being with the first meeting of the church committee on Wednesday, 2 November 1870.
By the end of 1870 designs had been approved and tenders accepted for the construction of the church building. Designed by Horbury Hunt, the church was his first independent design after he ceased working with Edmund Blackett. Today, the building is largely as it was when first constructed, remarkably unchanged except for the upgrading of lighting and the installation of a sound system and tiled flooring.
The land for the building of the church was graciously donated, but the funds to build the church had to be found. A history of the church prepared for the Church of England Historical Society notes that a donation of £50 was given by the Governor, Lord Belmore, towards the cost of building the church. Apart from this gift, it appears that almost all the funds needed for the building of the church were raised locally. Money was generously donated by members of the local community and other funds were raised by the unfailing efforts of many within the church. Such was the commitment of the local community that the cost of constructing the church was fully paid off three years after its opening.
Throughout its 150 year history, the church building has undergone numerous renovations and refurbishments. Each of these was undertaken to ensure that the building maintained its functionality as a place of worship, but also to ensure that it was preserved for future generations. The Church of the Good Shepherd has been the site of many important events in the lives of the residents of Kangaroo valley. The weddings, baptisms and funerals of many residents have been conducted in the church, as well as services of thanksgiving for the end of war and times of prayer in moments of crisis.
Over the years the style of services has changed. The hymns of previous generations are now sung alongside more modern compositions, the organ is exchanged for pianos, guitars, saxophones, trumpets and even drums at some services. The use of the Book of Common Prayer at every service is no longer. The style of services may change, but the centrality of the reading of the Bible and its exposition, the importance of prayer and singing God’s praises, remain the same. The fellowship of people and the importance of serving the community continue to be fundamental to the church and its mission.
To commemorate the opening of the building, a special service will be held on Sunday 4 September at 4pm. This celebratory service of Choral Evensong will be as close in format to the services that were first used in the church 150 years ago. The choir from St Jude’s Anglican Church Bowral under the direction of Dr Allan Beavis will be taking part at this service. Anyone who wishes to attend this service is most welcome. Afternoon Tea will be served in the hall from 3pm.
Andrew Heron
