The War Memorial Church
of St Andrew at Tuross Head
Consecrated 11th February 1973
Anglican services in Tuross Head were held in the Progress Hall for many years, then transferred to St David's Presbyterian Church where they were held until St Andrew's was built in 1972 - 3. Mr Eric Ryall, of Tuross Head, had given a block of land in Craddock Road and in his will he bequeathed $2000 and a pedal organ for the church.
A Ladies Guild was formed and fund-raising functions were organised, and donations were given by the members of the congregation and visiting friends. The church building was begun in 1972 and completed in January 1973 at a cost of $7,089. The first service was held in the church on 26th January. As the building was free of debt, the Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, the Rt Revd C A Warren, consecrated the church on Sunday 11th February 1973.
Pews came from the old Nerigundah church and were restored by Canon C Luders assisted by the wardens, A. Aycliffe, J McCoy and E. Horne and the Rev Charles Weeler
Altar rails also came from Nerigundah. The pulpit, made by the husband of Mrs Jessie Miller, was given by her in memory of her husband. Altar, lectern and prayer desk were from St Matthew’s, Milperra, via Mrs Noel Phillips. They had been stored at the home of Mrs Betty Turner and she had begun renovation. The organ was also stored there.
Mr and Mrs Noel Phillips gave two sets of burse and veil. Ladies’ Guild gave another set and book marks for all seasons of the church. The altar cloth and the credence table cloth were made and given by Mrs Muriel Luders. The brass cross was given by Mr and Mrs Noel Phillips to St Luke’s, East Hills, then presented to St Andrew’s. Mr Arthur Marshall made the hymn board from a leaf of his dining-room table. Mr McDonald of Sydney, gave the font pedestal via Mr and Mrs E Horne. The bowl on top was made from the blade of a propeller and donated by Mrs M Cox who also gave the lectern bible. The candlesticks were made by Canon Luders from camphor laurel timber from Bodalla. Ladies’ Guild provided hymn and prayer books.
In 1978 an electronic organ replaced the reed organ which would have been too costly to repair. Mrs M McCoy gave new altar rails in memory of her husband, John, a foundation warden. Mr and Mrs Bob Audler donated the timber and the rails were made and installed by Mr Charlie Facer at no cost. In 1982 kneelers were donated by Mr and Mrs Bob Holden in memory of Mr Holden’s mother of Parramatta, a frequent worshipper at St Andrew’s. The kneelers were made and installed by Mr Lance Bingham.
By 1986 the church was found to be too small for the number of worshippers and was extended in the following year. A vestry was included. The money was raised by functions and donations. The original chalice and patten were given by Mr and Mrs Arthur Ayliffe in memory of Mr Ayliffe’s parents. A second set was given by Sir James and Lady Willis in memory of Mrs Mary Cox, organist for many years. Mrs Hilda Horne donated the brass candlesticks in memory of her husband, Ted, a foundation warden of St Andrew’s.
More pews were installed in the church extension. They came from Nelligen and were renovated by Sir James Willis. Extra hymn and prayer books were given by the Ladies’ Guild and members of the congregation as memorials.
For a number of years, including during the building of the church, Tuross Head was ‘temporarily transferred to the parish of Bodalla for working purposes’. With the creation of the new parish of Batemans Bay, Tuross Head was returned to the parish of Moruya in January 1982.
In 1988 it was again necessary to enlarge the church. This was done in early 1988 by extending the sanctuary end and doubling the size of the church. Again this was done completely free of debt, thanks to donations from members of St Andrew’s congregation, St Andrew’s Ladies’ Guild and visiting friends.
The next project was the provision of a much-needed sink and plumbing in the vestry. Then some time later cupboards and a wardrobe were installed.
The vision and dedicated giving, both money and labour, of so many church members and friends over the years is represented in the building and fittings we have today. It is a continuing process. There is still much to be done and, as always, with God’s help it will be done. We have been extremely blessed in all our efforts and are very proud of our dear church. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and generosity.
In recent years the Ayliffe family donated a prayer book for the altar in memory of their mother, Evelyn and a sanctuary lamp in memory of Arthur Joseph Aycliffe. Hilda Horne’s grand-daughter, Amanda, had one of the altar candlesticks engraved in memory of her grandmother and also donated a new pew.. A ramp was built at the entrance to the church for easier access. Another new pew was purchased from donations by members of the congregation in memory of loved ones. Skylights were provided by the Ladies’ Guild and also new blinds for the windows behind the altar. Graham Jackson made a second prayer desk to match the original, dedicated in 1996.
Recently a retractable screen has been installed to allow the use of a digital projector during services. Also a piano has been donated by Sheila and Beattie Monahan.
Much of this history was compiled by Mrs Hilda Horne, a foundation member of St Andrew’s and an untiring worker for the church over several decades.
For further information on the history of the parish, contact Mr Denis Woodhams at:
For current programs and activities, always check the stop press
Back to Index and Contact details
