Port Lincoln, SA - St Thomas' Anglican

History and Architecture:

This was the first church to be erected in Port Lincoln. The nave section was erected 1850 on land granted by the Government. Foundation stone laid by Gov. Sir H E Foxyoung. Builder was a Mr Lee. Chancel, transepts and vestry were built 24 February 1876. Cruciform church, built of local limestone with a slate roof now galvanised corrugated iron.

A Foundation stone reads, " This stone was laid by the Revd O. Hammond 24th February 1876 G.T. Light Architect J. Garrett & Sons builders". A wall plaque on the inside of the porch reads, " Thes gates were dedicated on the feast of St Thomas in loving memory of Ada Rose Proude AMDG". A further wall plaque reads, " The Church of St Thomas Port Lincoln To the Glory of God Renovations to this porch were completed in October 1970 in memory of Norman Murray Died 1st November 1964 A Most Faithful member of the Church".

The church has 5 stained glass windows in the form of memorials to Samuel f. Sison, John S. Brown and John Anderson.

A Heritage board at the front of the church reads in part, Well known architect Henry Stuckey drew up the plans at a cost of 8 pounds. The builder was J. Gitrrett. There was a delay in the completion of building due to the loss of the trading schooner 'Jane Flaxman' in May 1850. All hands were lost, including the cargo of timber destined for the church's completion. The original roof was clad with Tasmanian wooden shingles.
 
The first service was held on 21' January 1852. An Evensong service, it was conducted by Archdeacon Hale from the Poonindie Mission Station. From then onwards he supplied a weekly Sunday service in. St.-Thomas' until Octavius Hammond, the Mission's Medical Supervisor, took Holy Orders to become it's first incumbent. He was rector for 22 years.