St. Davids Presbyterian Church, Charlestown, NSW

[iwccc]

Any suggestions or help on researching St/ David's Presbyterian Church, Charlestown, NSW which turns 100 years old in November, 2023.  Need information on the ministers who served there and about the building - when it moved , when the new one was built etc. Would love photos of the ministers and the buildings.  thank you.

[maddys52]

trove is an exellent source:
https://trove.nla.gov.au

A quick search using "presbyterian church charlestown" brings up quite a few hits, including mentions of fundraising for the building (1907)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/134698222

 and the site donated by Mr GARRETT in 1920.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/162635820

opening in 1923
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163176361

Various names of ministers over the years can be found, eg
Mr T CANNING in 1923
Mr HAMILTON
Mr RUSSELL in 1928
Mr HODGSON in 1933

[maddys52]

I like this comment from the opening ceremony:

"Mr A W Garratt stated that 40 years ago there were at Charlestown three hotels and no church. At present, he added, there were five churches and only one hotel."

I wonder what the numbers are now?

[maddys52]

Another item about the land and proposal to build from 1921:
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/162579410

Pretty sure Mr A W GARRATT is Arthur William GARRATT (1857-1929). A nice obituary for him here:
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164282210
and https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/137797855 (with family details)

[iwccc]

Hello maddys52,  A very big thank you for your answers. They are very helpful and I appreciate the effort you made to research.  Now I am trying to find a photo of the original church which I think was on the PacificHighway or just around the corner.  Thanks again

[maddys52]

You're welcome!

I had a quick look - sometimes wedding photographs in the papers showed at least part of the church, unfortunately there didn't appear to be anything like that. From memory there was one photo of a beautiful bride who married at St David's, but just her.

Hoping you find something - local libraries and history groups might have something?

[maddys52]

I did see this photograph - 1980, not really any different to contemporary photos though.
https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030830120354/http://www.lakemac.infohunt.nsw.gov.au/lmphotos/lak043/lak04392.htm

[iwccc]

Maddys52, thank you again for the extra information. It is proving quite difficult to find photos and names of ministers. At present I am trying the  local history group of the library but to date have not received a reply.   Thanks for your help

[McGroger]

Have you approached the current minister/secretary? Perhaps the church itself would have much of what you are seeking.
Peter