Local Government
Northampton
Region
Midwest
Gwalla St Northampton
to be added to precinct assessment P4226
Northampton
Midwest
Constructed from 1863
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 15 May 2020 | |
| State Register | Registered | 27 Dec 2002 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 19 Apr 1996 | Category 1A | |
The ruins of the Gwalla Church are very significant socially as the first interdenominational church in Northampton. It has aesthetic significance for its prominent location overlooking the townsite and the surrounding district. Historically it is significant for its association with Joseph Horrocks and early pioneers. The Gwalla Church is an integral part of the Gwalla Precinct, which includes the adjacent cemetery, the mine site, ruins of Horrocks' walls, the site of the first railway station cottage stone ruins, as well as stone and CGI miners' cottages.
The site contains the stone walled yard and ruins of the Gwalla Interdenominational Church. Although in Horrocks' style, the churchyard walls have a smooth capping and are badly deteriorated. The stone church walls are in ruins, generally only 1.2m high, with one section rising to just over 2m at the stair to the original choir loft and bell tower. The base of the walls has been rendered, however it has not been possible to ascertain if this was original render or a later addition possibly to control moisture. Indications remain of a rendered horizontal band running around the walls in places. In 1993 a community effort attempted to stabilise what remains of the walls by applying a mortar capping. Stone rubble was cleared back to better identify the walls and original fabric which has helped considerably with the interpretation of the place. This work has undoubtedly arrested the rapidly deteriorating site while there was still something to protect however, some detailed archaeological work at that time may have been beneficial. Investigation of the site, together with the adjoining cemetery site would still be advantageous and should be carried out.
The Gwalla Church, the first in the district, was erected by 'Dr' J.L. Horrocks [See Thematic Framework Section - Storylines for further information on Horrocks] on his Gwalla mining property. Prominently situated on a hill now overlooking the town of Northampton, the church was for the use of all denominations. Built on the lines of an English Parish Church, it had a choir loft and was fully furnished. The first service at the Gwalla Church was held on 4 October 1864. To emphasise that no denomination had prior right to the use of the church Horrocks had the following words from Isaiah inscribed on the wall: "Thy house shall be called a house of prayer for all people". However, with the establishment and development of the township each denomination built its own church. After fifty years continuous service the Gwalla Church was no longer in use and the last regular service was held in 1913. It was then decided to divide the church furnishings among the different religions. The bell was eventually moved to Perth's Wesley Church and the church fell into disrepair. Although leading Northampton residents were strongly urged to raise money to repair the building, the war years intervened and in a struggling community money was needed for other causes. Storms caused considerable damage to the church; the roof was removed during a severe cyclone in 1921. The timber and iron was removed in 1926 and the walls were lowered to ensure safety. , On the closure of the nearby mine the Gwalla property then became a farm, passing through several hands until it came into the possession of Mrs. Hilda Williams. Mrs. Williams gratuitously gave the land on which the remains of the church and the adjacent cemetery [Site 132] are situated, with access road, to the Shire of Northampton. The original stone with text from Isaiah, was found amongst the rubble during stabilisation work, and is now in the care of the Anglican Rector Mr Peter Harris. The original stone inscribed with the date 1863, was anonymously returned to the site around the time stabilisation work was being carried out. Both stones are temporarily in the care of Rev Peter Harris (non-stipendiary Anglican Rector), until they can be secured on the site. Chronology Entries 04/10/1864 The first service was held in the Gwalla Church. 1913 The last service was held in the Gwalla Church.
Integrity: Not Applicable
Site
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL Acc 29612 P | Photograph; " Interior of Gwalla Church, looking towards altar," | Battye Library | 1900 |
| BL Acc 933 B/2 | Photograph; "Wedding of Addie Hosken & S. H. Mitchell at Gwalla Church,". | Battye Library | 1893 |
| BL Acc 1890 B/1-2 | Photograph: "Ruins of Gwalla Church,". | Battye Library | Undated |
| BL Acc 994.12 | Bain, M.A; "Ancient Landmarks: A Social and Economic History of the Victoria District of Western Australia, 1839-1894". | UWA Press | 1975 |
| Drew, J.M., "Early Northampton: An Undenominational Church", Early Days, Vol. 2, | 1932 | ||
| Drew, J.M; "Early Northampton: An Undenominational Church", | Geraldton Guardian | 2/06/1932 | |
| Feilman & Associates; "A Survey of Places of Historic and Landscape Significance in Northampton, Dongara, Geraldton, WA", | 1977 | ||
| BL Acc 901 B | Photograph; "Wedding group in front of church, Mr & Mrs Syd Hosken.". | Battye Library | 1892 |
| GHS0994 | Photograph; "Gwalla church". | Northampton Historical Society; | 1880's |
| BL Acc 226B, c.r.21220 P | Photograph; "Gwalla church". | Battye Library | Undated |
| BL Acc 2787 B | Photograph; "Gwalla church". | Battye Library | Undated |
| BL Acc 24657P | Photograph; "Gwalla church". | Battye Library | Undated |
| BL Acc 816 BIB 509- 510 | Photograph: "Ruins of Gwalla Church,". | Battye Library | 1929 |
| Considine and Griffiths Architects Pty Ltd; "Gwalla Precinct, Northampton Conservation Plan". | Shire of Northampton | 2000 | |
| BL Acc 4396 B/19 | Photograph; "Sign on the site of Gwalla Church,". | Battye Library | 1969 |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11583 | An Archaeological Survey and assessment of the Gwalla and Wanerenooka Mine Precincts, Northampton, Western Australia: A Report to the Shire of Northampton. | Electronic | 1994 |
| 4485 | Gwalla precinct Northampton : conservation plan. | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 2000 |
| 3896 | Gwalla Cemetery Northampton Conservation Works | Heritage Study {Other} | 1999 |
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | RELIGIOUS | Church, Cathedral or Chapel |
| Original Use | MONUMENT\CEMETERY | Cemetery |
| Present Use | MONUMENT\CEMETERY | Cemetery |
| Style |
|---|
| Other Style |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | STONE | Local Stone |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
| PEOPLE | Early settlers |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Religion |
| OCCUPATIONS | Mining {incl. mineral processing} |
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.