Shire could be Churches saving grace

The Shire of Murray want to take over the site of a historical Church.

Pinjarra's St John's Church could soon be saved following a proposal to transfer ownership of the site to the Shire of Murray.

During a Council meeting last month, Councillors voted in favour the transfer offer from current owners, the Anglican Diocese of Bunbury for nil consideration, subject to comprehensive building inspections including design and restoration costs being formally presented back to Council.

This means the structural integrity and historical charm of the landmark would be saved following comments from the Anglican Church it no longer is fit for purpose.

The Anglican Diocese of Bunbury have indicated that St John’s Church and Churchyard, which forms part of the Murray River foreshore, are no longer fit for purpose, recognising the nature of the site and costs associated with restoration requirements.

Shire President Cr. David Bolt said the Church site is an important part of Pinjarra's Heritage Precinct and contributes to the town's social fabric and sense of place.

“St John’s Church is one of the oldest extant church buildings in Western Australia still used for religious purposes and is an early example of a small rural church designed in the Victorian Gothic style of architecture.

“The site has been listed within the Shire’s Local Government Heritage Inventory as holding exceptional historical value, while associated conservation efforts align closely with the Shire’s Murray 2025 Strategic Community Plan." he said.

Termite damage was found on the timber wall plate as well as other structural issues with the roof when the building was inspected by a structural engineer in 2015.

The building was inspected again last year by the Shire's Heritage Architect who identified damage to external brickwork and the need for damaged timber on doors and windows to be repaired or replaced.

Councillor Bolt said the council has held discussions with the National Trust of Western Australia about their Heritage Appeal Program, and confirmed an appeal for the St John's Church site will be launched shortly.

This means community members will be able to contribute tax deductible funds to assist with restoration works. 

The site has been classified by The National Trust of Western Australia and entered in the Australian Heritage Commission’s Register of the National Estate.

“It is known that the Murray community value the historical worth of the site, located adjacent to Edenvale Homestead and Glebe Land,

“The possibility of linking these areas would enable the Shire to further explore opportunities to open the site for community enjoyment, tourism and commercial prospects, providing supplementary income to assist with ongoing maintenance costs,” he said.

The Church and Churchyard are reserved for the purpose of Regional Open Space under the Peel Region Scheme.

The Anglican Diocese of Bunbury plan to construct a new church on their nearby site, located on the corner of Murray and Henry Streets in Pinjarra.