Anglican Rectory (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its associations with John A Wroth, Mrs G Whitfield, A lee Steere and the Anglican Church.
The place has social value for its association with the development of education in Toodyay. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the townscape of Toodyay.

Physical Description

A single storey extended dwelling of brick and iron construction with rendered arches to door and window openings, brick chimneys and casement windows. The front verandah has timber posts and colonial style criss-cross balustrading. Door and window openings create a regular rhythm across the front elevation.

History

The original owner of the place was John Acton Wroth who purchased the lot in 1861. Wroth was Secretary to the York Resident Magistrate in 1851 and then postmaster at the Toodyay Post Office in 1854. He was also the Clerk of Courts and Clerk to the Resident Magistrate as well as Secretary of the Agricultural Society.
When Toodyay Post Office closed c.1864, Wroth was postmaster for a brief period in Newcastle. In 1865 J. Drummond engaged Wroth to teach his and his workmen's children in the empty steam mill until a government school master could be found.
From 1871 the place was used by Mrs G. Whitfield as a private school. In 1873 the Toodyay Board of Education was formed and Augustus Frederick Lee Steere (1835-1903) was a member.
In 1887 after retiring from farming, A Lee Steere purchased the house and added two rooms on the east end. He bequeathed the place to the Anglican Church on his death in 1903. the first clergyman to occupy the rectory was Rev John Ellis. It later became a private residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium
Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.