Penong, SA - St Alphege Anglican (Former)

History and Architecture:

An Heritage board at the front of the church reads in part," In 1909 a timber-framed, matchboard lined, corrugated iron clad, precut church was sent from England. This was erected in Penong and on September 20, 1909, dedicated by Bishop Thomas of4delaide. There were 94 people present. The first wedding in the original Saint Alphege's church was held on October 20, 1909. Henry Shipard married Emma Leopold.

In 1911, the vestry was added to the church by Carl Williams, a local carpenter. The vestry record books are still available for public perusal. In 1921, the Bush Church Aid Society came to Saint Alphege's aid and Mr S.J. Kirby was the organising secretary, he later became the Bishop ci Sydney. The first confirmation service was held in Penong on October 15, 1922. The candidates were Joy Miller, Edith Miller, Regin Shipard and Leslie Meyers. Sunday school was first con acted in the Anglican church around 1910. In 1935, the Sunday school was flourishing and Mrs Wilson, Mrs Joy Shipard and Mrs Violet Sleep were the teachers".  

The foundation stone for the new church was laid on September 20, 1961 by Ettie Harris. The church was then dedicated on February 11, 1962. Ten years later, the church was consecrated on April 1973, by Bishop Bruce Rosier. A wall plaque reads, " To the Greater Glory of God 100 years of Anglican Ministry and mission at St Alphege Penong 2009".