1922
28 September 1922
A Bit of Ancient History
The Cullenbone Church.
(By G.S.)
After a good deal of persuasion, for I am not keen on the job, I have been induced to write some ancient history. I am afraid that my yarn will be somewhat disconnected, but the facts in the main are correct, and I will endeavor to make them interesting.
There are still a few old hands, such as Mr. Daly, "Trefoil" Wilson, the old McCallum brothers, and a score or more (who, like myself, are still walking about to save funeral expenses) who will remember that I have been a resident of the Mudgee district for more than half a century - that during that period I have held many public positions of more or less importance, and also many positions which are included under the heading "Private and Confidential." I know much of the histories of all the old families, and also of practically every acre of land within an area covering in some directions hundreds of miles. I mention this for the reason that when I talk of the Cullenbone Church I know what I am talking about.
The two acres of land upon which the church was erected is part of measured portion No. 14 of 1080 acres originally a "grant by purchase" to Henry Cox, one of the first three who practically dis covered Mudgee something over a hundred years ago, and who thought it worth the risk of investing their time, their labour, even their lives for the blacks were troublesome) and their somewhat limited capital in securing properties. This particular block of land was afterwards used as a sheep run and known as "The Paling Yards." Later on gold was discovered in the immediate vicinity, and hundreds of men, some with wives and families, flocked to Cox's paddock, Slasher's Flat, Green Swamp, and other places still remembered.
Then arose the question of having a school for the children. and Henry Cox in the year 1862 gave (at the applicants' request) to St. John the Baptist's Church, Mudgee, a ninety-nine years' lease of two acres for that purpose, the legal deed of which is still in evidence and now in charge of the bishop of the diocese. The first school was merely a slab hut and, as years went on, fell into decay, and the present substantial one was built, close to the eight-mile peg on the main road to Gulgong, being a portion of a goldfield reserve, and the two-acre block was deserted.
About the year 1891 Mrs. Thompson, the then proprietress of the Cullenbone Hotel, interested herself in collecting sufficient money to erect a church, and the late Hon. G. H. Cox, who, in the meantime, had purchased the land, gave his consent, the site chosen being the old two acres. Mr. Cox (who with his brother and Mrs. Thompson were the largest subscribers) arranged that Mr. J. D. Cox, who lived close at hand, should supervise the work - not that there was much need for supervision, for the contractor. Mr. Stoddart was then, as now, a reliable man. There are still a few neighbors who can remember giving as much as they could afford - the old McCallum brothers, James Riley (who also did some work on the job). G. H. Cohen then a pressman and still a pressman, and others whom I cannot remember just now.
The church was built and furnished and the Ven. Archdeacon Gunther, (Church of England) permitted his friend, Rev Alexander McBryan (Presbyterian), to hold services there also, thus being called a Union Church - and no more Christ-like man ever breathed than these two.
Time passed on, and the mining population having departed, the congregations became smaller and smaller until eventually the building was given up to sparrows, starlings, rabbits, and white ants. The last effort was made by the late Canon Dunstan many months (or is it years?) ago when the disgraceful racecourse episode occurred - not quite like the "Old Hand" in the "Guardian" told it, but near enough. The last Presbyterian minister to hold a service was the Rev. Mr. Faulkiner.
Some years ago Mr. Croan, who was then teacher of the public school at Frome's Creek, introduced a few neighbors with the request that as the church was of no use where it was would I permit them to have it removed nearer Frome's Creek and give a bit of land. I told that I would willingly do all that they asked, but would have to look into the matter. I consulted Mr. Meares (solicitor), and together we examined the original deed, which was then in his office, and the verdict was that I could do what I pleased. However, Mr. Croan died, and nothing more was done.
And now comes the present position. The land upon which the building stands is included in my purchase (possibly an error). It is in the middle of my paddock, and there is no road to it. It was felt that the furniture should be saved from destruction, and at Miss Lucy Cox's request the Rev. Mr. Parr sought the advice of the corporate trustees and diocesan solicitors at Bathurst as to removing it to a place of safety and shelter. Acting on their advice (not that of the Rev. Mr. Parr), I allowed the church fittings to be removed to Wilbetree to the custody of Mr. A. H. Lowe1
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