Pittwater Online News

 February 5 - 11, 2012: Issue 44

 Methodist Church at Church Point

Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set.
Proverbs 22:28

Landmarks are defined as prominent or conspicuous objects on land that serve as guides to ships at sea, planes in the air, or travellers on a road. They may be buildings or distinguishing features of landscapes. Landmarks are also defined as significant or historical events and achievements. During February we will feature some Pittwater landmarks, commencing with a building that was once defined as a ‘landmark’.

Placed where Pittwater road merges with Mc Carr’s Creek road on the high side, and overlooking Pittwater, one of our earliest landmarks was a wooden chapel constructed to serve the people of Bayview and Church Point. Measuring 25 feet by 18 feet and built in 1872 a congregation moved from services under loquat trees to hymns within this structure. By 1881 the building was utilised as a school for 22 children and was called the Provisional School, changing in name to the Pittwater Public School in 1884.

The structure is reported to have given its name to the land as ‘Chapel Point’. The Aboriginal name is recorded as ‘Whurra Whurra’ although this is listed elsewhere as meaning ‘go away’ and ‘go home’ and may have been misinterpreted. In 1888 a school opened a short way along the road at Bay View Road and the church ceased to be used as a schoolroom.

AN HISTORIC CHURCH. Church Point Memories.
(BY P.W.G)
With reference to "J E C's" very interesting letter in a recent issue of the "Herald," I would like to add a little further information, and, at the same time, to correct a small error that has been made to the effect that, "so far as appears, the church was then (1882) the only church building of any denomination on the seafront between Manly and Gosford. " St John's Church of England, Pittwater, on the headland near the 11-mile peg, was the first house of prayer in that district, having been opened on September 21, 1871, and was referred to as follows:
"This small church was situated quite in the wilderness, being the first erected in that part of the colony "  
The erection of the little Methodist Church was through the efforts of Mr. George McIntosh and Mr William Henry McKeown, who conducted services at Bayview, under a tree. This prompted Mr. William Oliver, an early settler of this district, to give one acre of land for 10/ to the following gentlemen, as joint tenants, as per the Certificate of Title, dated November 8, 1871: - George McIntosh, William Oliver, James Jones, Thomas Oliver, John Alderton, William Baker, all following the occupation of farmers, and residing at Pittwater, and William Henry McKeown, of Lane Cove, also a farmer.

The statement of "J EC" that the minister could only visit this church about once a quarter accounts for the burials in this God's Acre being taken by the Rev R S Willis, M.A. Incumbent of St Matthew's Church of England, Manly, up to 1890, and therefore the records of these burials are contained in the Church of England burial register at Manly. This church was used in the week days from May, 1884, until 1888 as a Public school, and known as the Pittwater Public School under the charge of Mr S Morrison, who now resides at Manly. It was on July 19, 1887, that the late Sir Henry Parkes paid a visit to the school in this church building and signed the school's visitors' book. It is to be trusted that the demolition of this   church will not be proceeded with, but that it will be restored, and again used for public worship, as the population is growing, and the nearest church is three miles away. This will save this historic place from going into oblivion. I have approached the church authorities with the hope that something may be done at the eleventh hour; even five members of my society (the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society) having approached me to the effect that they are willing to spend a few Saturdays, if a conveyance can be provided to help to restore this building. I close with the following appropriate words of Scripture -"Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set." AN HISTORIC CHURCH. (1930, April 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16639396

Church Point. The same year, a probationer in his third year, the Rev. Edward J. Rodd was beginning his two years' term at St. Leonard. His circuit extended to Pittwater, and that year the Church Point Church was erected at a cost of £60. The erection of the church was accomplished through the efforts of Messrs. Geo. McIntosh and Wm. Henry McKeown, who conducted services at Bayview under a tree. Mr. William Oliver gave the site. In many early records it is spoken of as Chapel Point Church. For several years it was used as a public school, and Sir Henry Parkes' signature appears in the old visitor's book. Where is that book now? Diamond Jubilee. (1932, December 17). The Methodist(Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155292368 

AT CHURCH POINT

On the precipitous slopes of the hillside overlooking the quiet backwater of Pittwater, and shaded by the silver coated gums, stands the little wooden church that gave Church Point its name. It is a quaint little structure in which a service is held occasionally, and I should think that ten people would crowd It. It has a tower bell. It looked up at the church from the road that winds round the waterside, and 'Johnnie' Roche, the man they call the 'Prince of Pittwater’— -who was my companion, asked me If I had seen the church yard. We scrambled up past the church, and then, among the rank grass and ever-spreading scrub, found the stones that mark the dust of the 'Rude forefathers of the hamlet.' Beside one weatherworn stones 'Johnnie' paused, and spoke to himself rather than to me. 'He was a relative of the teacher at the little school we got a holiday, I remember, to attend this funeral.' In this quiet spot rest many that were friends of my companion in his boyhood. The muter gardeners Time and Mature are gradually repairing this small 'God's Acre,' and the few graves are being gradually lost to human ken. Meanwhile the waters of the Bay lap the sand-fringed road, and motor parties Indicate that to-day is the day of the quick. The dead are of the past. Church Point. AT CHURCH POINT. (1922, November 23). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118825051

Above right: DEMOLISHED METHODIST CHURCH. Erected in 1872 on Church Point, Pittwater, this old building was recently demolished. DEMOLISHED METHODIST CHURCH. (1932, April 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16853823

On July 20th 1887 Sir Henry Parkes, while having an ‘alfresco luncheon in the bush’ at Pittwater visited this lovely old building, signing the visitors book. 

Sir Henry Parkes Lunches in the Bush at Pittwater

NEWS OF THE DAY. Sir HENRY PARKES visited North Shore yesterday for the purpose of inspecting the crossing at Middle Harbour; known as the Spit, where it is proposed to erect a bridge, giving access to Manly by the North Shore-road. The Premier went over to Milson's Point at 8 o’clock in the morning, where Mr. Ives, M.L.A., the Mayor of Manly (Mr. Austin), and Mr. Charles Hayes were waiting in a carriage with four-in-hand. A start was at once made for the Spit, and the party were joined on the way by several other carriages, including another four-in-hand. The Spit was crossed by the punt, and after a drive round Manly, tho party, to the number of about 20, including the Mayors of St. Leonards and Victoria, breakfasted at the Grand Pier Hotel. A start was next made for Pittwater, some 15 or 16 miles distant, and after an alfresco luncheon in the bush, at which the toasts of the health of the Premier and of Mr. Ives were heartily drunk, the return journey was commenced. Sir Henry arrived in town about 6 o’clock in the evening. No decision has yet been arrived at regarding the construction of the bridge.
NEWS OF THE DAY. (1887, July 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28350268

Leftt: Sir Henry Parkes, who was Premier of NSW when he visited Church Point. Image Courtesy of State Library of NSW,  No. a1304033

The church held services every week until around 1908 when a new Methodist church opened at Mona Vale and people no longer travelled to the spot. Services continued although members of the MWPHS visiting in 1926 record that the building and cemetery were in disrepair and letters to SMH Editor suggested this be rectified if services were to recommence soon.

Plans to demolish the building ensued and the structure was torn down in April 1932 despite efforts to save it for its heritage value. The cemetery, fortunately, remains in place and protected by our own Pittwater Council and residents. (See Church Point Reserve Association Website Below).

Right: HISTORIC METHODIST CHURCH. (1930, March 19). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16634674 

EARLY PITTWATER. (1926, November 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16333867

EARLY PITTWATER. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir,-With reference to the account in the "Herald" of last Saturday of the pilgrimage of the Manly, Warringah, and Pittwater Historical Society to historic spots in the Pittwater district, I may state I was a member of the party, and noticed the dilapidated condition of the old church at Church Point The cemetery is badly neglected, and requires fencing and other repairs, while the building itself needs painting. As I understand services are to be resumed shortly, it would appear advisable that the Methodist Church authorities should mike an effort to restore the building and land to Its one time orderly condition so that the old church may again become an attractive place of worship for residents and visitors In the Pittwater district. I am etc.,
Stanmore, Nov. 25. J. S. N. WHEELER
EARLY PITTWATER. (1926, November 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16321192

OLD CHURCH DEMOLISHED.

The demolition of the old Methodist Church at Church Point, Pittwater, which was criticised on the score that the building should be preserved on account of its historical associations has been completed during the last few days The residents of the district were far from being unanimous concerning the wisdom of the decision especially in view of the fact that the nearest church is three miles away and those who opposed it were supported by the Manly Warirngah and Pittwater Historical Society. For several years the building was used on week days as a public school and In 1887 was visited by Sir Henry Parkes whose signature appears in the old visitors' book.
OLD CHURCH DEMOLISHED. (1932, April 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1685364

Extras:

AN ACCOMMODATION ROAD

In conformity with the provisions of the Act of Council, William V , No 11, section 21, George Brown being the owner of portion No 6, parish of Narrabeen, applied to the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions for an accommodation road from his land to run through land supposed to be the property of trustees of the Wesleyan Church Dr Tibbetts and Alfred McIntosh being part of  Olivers grant, portion 7, until it should meet the road from Manly, at the public wharf Church Point, Pittwater, such being the nearest highway Evidence was given by the applicant that he had no thoroughfare nor right of away to get to a highway from his land as described consisting of 11 acres, and the accommodation road he now applied for was the best available, considering all the interests No objection was raised to the road being made and the application was granted by His Honor. QUARTER SESSIONS. (1897, November 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14100043

THE BEAUTIES OF PITTWATER.

The beauties of Pittwater and the facilities offered tourists has led to a number of residents forming the Bayview Church Point Progress Association, and one of its primary objects will be to place before the public the fact that Sydney possesses at its very doors one of the most picturesque resorts in the world, which is comparatively speaking unknown.
THE BEAUTIES OF PITTWATER. (1907, November 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14885699

Church Point Reserve Association History (most Extensive and Fully Researched) pages: churchpoint.org.au/library/history/

Church Point. The same year, a probationer in his third year, the Rev. Edward J. Rodd was beginning his two years' term at St. Leonard. His circuit extended to Pittwater, and that year the Church Point Church was erected at a cost of £60. The erection of the church was accomplished through the efforts of Messrs. Geo. McIntosh and. Wm, Henry McKeown, who conducted services at Bayview under a tree. Mr. William Oliver gave the site. In many early records it is spoken of as Chapel Point Church. For several years it was used as a public school, and Sir Henry Parkes' signature appears in the old visitor's book. Where is that book now? Diamond Jubilee. (1932, December 17). The Methodist(Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155292368 

It was not a matter of surprise when it was    announced that Mr. W.H. McKeown had passed away on Sunday morning last. He had attained the goodly age of 91 years, and was gathered at last as a shock of corn fully ripe. He was a real father in our Methodist Israel, and his story deserves to be more fully told. He was buried on Tuesday last in the Waverley Cemetery. For the present we content ourselves with a journalist's tribute as it appeared in the 'Daily Telegraph' of Tuesday, June 11th.

THE PASSING OF A PIONEER. In the death of Mr. William Henry McKeown, sen., there has passed away one of the oldest colonists of  the State, and one of the pioneers of the North Sydney district. His reminiscences of the early days in

THE LATE MR. W. H. McKEOWN. [photo]

what was then called the Lane Cove district were always interesting, and the contribution he made to the material and moral welfare of the neighbourhood such as to deserve honourable mention. Mr. McKeown arrived in Sydney early in the year 1840, being then a lad of 19 years of age. He came from Ireland, and brought with him the sturdy qualities of the typical North of Ireland stock. His early attempts at finding a footing in Australia were  associated with the care of 'Government men,' an employment from which he shrank, and which he speedily gave up. One temporary job succeeded another, in which his self-reliance and power of adaptation were tested and developed. About the year 1845 he accepted an engagement in connection with a newly-planted orangery in what is now called Pymble, and thither, with his young wife, he removed. Crossing from Sydney to the northside of the harbour, he found there was no made road to what was then the distant bush. He had to find his way through a dense forest, simply following dray tracks through the bush. A few bark huts at intervals  along the way, the abodes of sawyers and wood getters,  were the only signs of occupation of the territory where now stand the thriving suburbs of North Sydney, Chatswood, Roseville, Lindfield, and Gordon. Arrived at Pymble, there was a house licensed to sell beer only, an old wooden church, which served also as a school, and a public-house, where all sorts of drink, were sold. A gang or two of 'Government men' were employed hereabout, and timber-getting as the principal occupation. Orcharding on a small scale was also being attempted. For over half a century Mr. McKeown lived in the district, and witnessed its emergence from the primitive conditions in which he found it to one of the most popular and thriving of all the environs of the  city of Sydney. The record of his personal struggles interesting enough to form the subject of a popular autobiography. The path of the early settler was beset with many difficulties. Droughts were interspersed with terrific hailstorms, the latter of which occasionally stripped the orchards and rendered them comparatively unproductive for years. Labour troubles even then in evidence although unions and strikes had not been invented. The discovery of goldcaused a stampede to the west of the Blue Mountains, labourers, clerks, shop-keepers, and even lawyers  forsook their wonted employ to find their El Dorado at the Turon and Tambaroora. 

Mr. McKeown sufficiently caught the fever to take two trips across the  mountains, but it was rather as a chartered driver in charge of organised parties, under contract for a consideration, than as a gold-seeker on his own account. He never believed in sudden roads to wealth, and never found one for himself. From the first Mr. McKeown was interested in the religious welfare of the district, and laboured personally earnestly to promote it. An old stone building    stands on the Gordon-road, in Gordon, now as a store, which was the first substantial edifice for public worship erected north of North Sydney. It was built in the early fifties, at a cost of £850, and  served also as a schoolroom, with master's quarters attached. For many years this was known as "Lane Cove" Chapel, and was served by ministers from the York-street Methodist Church, and by local preachers, of whom Mr. McKeown soon became one. The  debt on it fell principally on its promoter's shoulders, and quaint are the tales he used to tell of the devices resorted to to meet the interest and reduce the debt. Zeal and self-denial eventually overcame all difficulties. 'Revivals' were frequent, and delighted the heart of the earnest man who was set upon the spiritual welfare of his neighbours. As population in-creased and spread, other 'chapels' were built at Willoughby, Hornsby, Pittwater, and other places, these being the pioneer places of worship in their respective neighbourhoods. As long as strength lasted Mr. McKeown continued his voluntary labours as a lay preacher, and at the time of his death he was probably the oldest local preacher in Methodism in Australia. 

Apart from his special interest in Church matters, Mr. McKeown was a good citizen in respect of the interest lie took in the social and material welfare of the district. He introduced new and improved methods of fruit culture. As a poultry-raiser he showed what could be done by special strains adapted for egg-production or for table use. He set a high standard of commercial morality, and when on one occasion he assigned his estate — mainly through the failure of others to meet their engagements to him — he subsequently paid most of his creditors in full, although under no legal obligation to do so. He was an ardent politician, and took a keen interest in public affairs right up to the last. In the, days when candidates were openly nominated on nomination day, he was frequently chosen to 'propose' a candidate from the hustings, and. his local influence was such that his candidate usually topped the poll. For a period he served as an alderman in the City Council, when he was carrying on business as a wood and coal and fruit merchant in Sydney. More than once he was asked to stand for' Parliament, but he could never be persuaded to become a candidate. His house was ever a 'centre' of kindly hospitality, and the record of those who have sat at his table or slept under his roof at Roseville, Pymble, where he resided for over half a  century, would be interesting as including ecclesiastics of all Churches, politicians of all hues, and commercial men from all the States and from over the seas. Since 1880 the North Sydney district has witnessed a wonderful development, and has become one of the most popular of all the residential areas of the metropolis. The Milson's Point-Hornsby railway line, has been the principal factor in bringing this about, and in securing the construction of the line Mr. McKeown took a leading part. Public meetings and deputations were organised by him, in conjunction with a few others, and successive Ministries were importuned until the work was put in hand, and at length carried to completion by the extension right to Milson's Point. With this the veteran's public work seemed to come to an end, and shortly after attaining his80th year he removed from the scene of his half century's labour to reside in quietude at Summer-hill. On leaving, he was made the recipient of several demonstrations evincing the esteem and appreciation entertained for him and his wife (who survives him)by the residents among whom they had lived so long and usefully. A family of 10 children and between 50 and 60 grandchildren, with several great-grandchildren, is the best legacy the venerable pioneer has left to the State. His sons are Rev. R. McKeown, of Waverley; Mr. G. M. McKeown, of Wagga Wagga Experiment Farm; Mr. J. McKeown, of the Civil Ambulance  Corps; Mr. W. H. McKeown, of Ashfield; and Mr. E. McKeown, of Belford. His sons-in-law are Rev. G.M'Intosh, of Chatswood; Mr. J. G. Edwards, of Kilara; Mr. W. Benson, of Waverley; Rev. J. E. Carruthers of Lindfield; and Mr. H. Hazlett, of Summer-hill. THE LATE W.H. McKEOWN. (1912, June 15). The Methodist(Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155458683

BEAUTIFUL PITTWATER. CHURCH POINT ESTATE. THE WEEK-ENDER'S PARADISE.
ENTRANCING VIEW'S, with a scope of 100 miles of Smooth-water Navigation, suitable for MOTOR LAUNCHES and AQUATIC PLEASURE-SEEKERS. Highly Recommended by the Medical Profession for a Week-end Rest.
AT THE CHURCH POINT WHARF, AND THE TERMINUS OF THE COACHES FROM MANLY. IN LARGE AREAS OP ABOUT THREE ACRES EACH.
Well known as the Property of the late Dr. Tibbitts. General Store and Post-office adjoining the Estate. N.B.-This is the only Land available on the mainland, and will be Sold at Bargain Prices, so the Liberal Terms of 10 per cent, cash, Balance by 12 Quarterly Payments, interest at 4 per cent, per annum-, 5 per cent. Discount for Cash. Mr. A. M. SIMPSON, Storekeeper at Church Point, will point out the Land for Sale.
SALE ON THE GROUND SATURDAY, 20th NOVEMBER, AT 2 P.M. Advertising. (1909, November 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15084034

Church Point, Pitt Water, 20 mins n. from Syd. [picture]. Photo by A. J. Vogan (Arthur James), 1859-1948, [ca. 1910 - ca. 1915]. Courtesy State Library of Victoria. Image H82.254/8/29

  Church at Church Point threads Collected and Collated by A J Guesdon. Copyright Pittwater Online News, 2012. All Rights Reserved.