Historic St James Anglican Church, Morpeth to undergo repair and conservation works

Maitland City Council has before it an application for the State Heritage Listed building to receive major maintenance and conservation works including improvements to the church’s tower facade, the installation of new lighting and a lick of paint.

The works will concentrate on the church’s facade and internal porch of the Tank Street property located within the Morpeth Heritage Conservation Area.

The proposal is for modifications to the colour palette of the front tower facade. Alterations will also occur on the interior area of the porch, as wall and floor surfaces are repainted and new timber joinery is installed.

An existing dado rail will be removed and the wall in which it was fixed will be repaired. Damaged floor tiles on the porch will also be removed and replaced.

“St James Anglican Church and its associated buildings are considered to be of high historical significance on a State level. The place is considered to be of high aesthetic, technical and social significance on a local level,” a statement of heritage impact said.

St James Church represents the fulfillment of a vow made by Edward Close at the Battle of Albuera in 1811 during the Peninsular War, that he would build a house of worship if his life was spared. The foundation stone was laid in 1837 and the initial design was presumable Close’s. It was consecrated in 1840. Only the tower remains of the original building.

The church is part of the St James’ Anglican Church Group listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.