Maitland would not be the same without the clock and chiming bells of St Mary’s Anglican Church.

It was the people of Maitland who insisted that the church tower have a clock, so changes were made to the structural design of the steeple.

When everything was completed in 1887, the clock and chiming bells were started on Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Day on June 21.

It was recorded that St Mary’s Church was the only church in Australia with a clock and chiming bells.

St Mary’s rector from 1880 until 1897, the Reverend WHH Yarrington, was a keen poet and he wrote Ode To St Mary’s Church 1887.

Chime, chime in the happy time

Of good Victoria’s golden prime,

And tell to the children as yet unborn

How ye sounded first on her Jubilee morn.

Historian Marilyn Foster wrote in her book St Mary’s Living Stones: “This sentiment has been with Maitland people since the day the clock and bells were started.” 

In 1933, the Mercury reported that the clock “keeps accurate time and is regarded as the standard time keeper of the town, while the chiming quarter bells afford much pleasure.”

The clock was lit each night by gas until 1922 when council agreed to supply free electric ­illumination.

“The clock had come to be regarded by the people of Maitland as a landmark and an excellent time keeper,” Ms Foster wrote.

“In 1949 an appeal was launched for funds needed to repair, restore and update the clock. 

“In early 1960 the clock was out of action and so many people were upset the mayor called a public meeting.

“In 1962 an appeal raised £400 and work began immediately.”

The clock tower will be open to the public during the Maitland Toyota Steamfest this weekend.

John Hamilton will conduct tours with groups of 10 escorting visitors up a narrow staircase into the tower to explain the mechanics of the clock and to point out the view of the city.

Tours cost $2 per person.