St Peter's Anglican Church, Nimmitabel

History of the Church
Written at the time of the Centenary Celebrations in 1978, submitted by Margaret Weston

In this article Mr. Jack Woodhouse recalls the building of this church in the southern corner of the parish.

The Church of England folk of Nimmitabel and its surrounding district owe a debt of gratitude to a small committee of men who met in the year 1877. On December of that year Alfred Tivey, Harry Bryan, Robert Holmes, Joseph McKee, John Britten, Peter Milson and Henry Harper met in the Nimmitabel Court House to arrange and finance the building of St. Peter's, Nimmitabel. On inspecting the land and marking the four corners, of the building with mounds of stones, they returned to the Court House and decided to call tenders for the foundations of the building. Tenders appeared in the "Monaro Mercury" on 22nd December, 1877 and closed on 5th January 1879.

Three tenders were received 130, 126 and 79/16/0 pounds. The lowest tender submitted by R. Laws was accepted. The architect for the building was Rev. Richard Leigh who lived at The Parsonage, Gegedzerick near Berridale. The foundation stone was laid in October 1878. At this ceremony several addresses were given under the chairmanship of Canon Druitt. The speakers in order were Hon. Archdeacon Puddicombe, Rev. J. M. Wars, Rev. R. Leigh, Rev. J. C. Betts, and finally Canon Druitt himself.

With the foundations completed the committee met again, this time Canon Druitt and Rev. Leigh also attending. As a result of this meeting separate tenders for the walls, roof and other carpentry work were called on 15th August 1878, and closing on 18th September 1878. Rev. Leigh had estimated the cost of the walls at about 230 pounds Two tenders were received for the completion of the whole work 850/15/0 and 9837/10/0 pounds. These were considered to be too high and fresh tenders wore called in the Bombala Times." Again only two tenders were received--one for 360 pounds for the stonework and the other for 325 pounds for the woodwork. These were also rejected, as they were far above the estimates.

It would appear that Canon Druitt took over from Rev. Leigh at this stage as a letter was received from him advising the Building Committee that Mr. John Campbell of Sydney had given 60 pounds to St. Peter's. This gift was thankfully received as the bank balance was 13/4/3.

After calling further fresh fenders the Committee accepted a tender from Mr. Joseph McKee for 685 pounds less a 50 pounds gift and on condition that he give credit for any money the Committee did not have in hand when St. Peter's was completed. Agreement was reached and a very lengthy document was drawn up by Dawson and Crang of Cooma on 31st December 1878.

By September 1882, the building was completed but the contractor would not hand the key to the Committee until a satisfactory settlement of the outstanding balance was arranged. The Committee by this numbered only three-Alfred Tivey, John Britten and Robert Holmes. Money was raised by donation from the district residents-the largest being IO pounds given by Alfred Tivey

No record seems to be available giving the date of the first service although it is understood that the dedication and consecration was not hold at that time as a debt remained on the building.

A last remaining link with the original committee is Miss Agnes Holmes of Clark Street, Nimmitabel, and a regular worshipper at St. Peter's in spite of advancing age. She is the daughter of Robert Holmes.

The building is stone and stands on high ground where the Snowcapped Mountains are clearly visible and where chilly winds ore ever present. Apart from a little maintenance the building has served the Anglican community of the Nimmitabel district for over 80 years. This speaks volumes for the outstanding workmanship and material used by our pioneer builders. It should continue to stand as a memorial to those people for generations to come.

The above is a reprint of an article written by the late Jack Woodhouse from "The Gateway," February 1961, a monthly Cooma Parish periodical.

FOOTNOTE:

Improvements to the Church and grounds have been made since those early days. One such period of activity was in the 1960's whom various parishioners banded into "working bees" and carried through a program, one of refencing the Church grounds, repairing the church and erecting the Sunday School Hall. A dedicated group of women parishioners formed the Church Women's Union; they have worked tirelessly over the years, organising the yearly balls raising funds to finance church repairs. In 1978, St. Peter's, Nimmitabel, is to have a new ceiling after 78 years.

This is an example of how the wardens and laypeople of St. Peter's Anglican Church have, over the generations faced up to responsibility for their heritage of such a fine Church and this gives renewed hope for the future.

PAST AND PRESENT CLERGY
St. Peter's Church of England, Nimmitabel

Archdeacon Druitt 1878-1190
Rev. J. H. Zillman 1885-1886
Rev. J. L Taylor 1889
Cannon Bevan 1890-1894
Cannon Ross Edwards 1894-1899
Rev. H. E. Thompson 1900 1902
Rev. W. F. Wentworth Shields 1902-1904
Rev. R. M. Turnbull 1904-1906
Rey. C. E. Burgess 1906-1913
Archdeacon Ward 1913-1931
Cannon Hirst 1921-1930
Rev. E. Ward Thomas 1929
Rev. H. C. Russell 1930-1947
Rev. K. L McKeown 1947-1948
Rev. D, Blanche 1948-1952
Rev. G. Julian 1952-1959
Rev. F. Woodwell 1959-1963
Rev. F. A. Hart 1963-1973
Rev. L A. Turley 1973-1977
Rev. D. E. Francis 1977

Very little is written in 'The History of the Diocese of Goulburn'
A stone Church with a shingle roof, was completed in 1880
There is no record in the registry of it's licensing, dedication or consecretion.
- Pattrick Mould