Holy Trinity Family Church - Huskisson, NSW

 

The building was at the time regarded as a distinct ornament to the architecture of Huskisson.

A weatherboard church which was opened in April 1931 during the Great Depression.

Long Description: The church was built during the Great Depression, an achievement not lost on the Rural Dean of Wollongong who commented "on their enterprise and devotion in erecting so fine a building in a time of depression". The church was designed by Cyril Blackett, a son of Edmund Blackett one of Australia's most important colonial architects. Cyril also designed the Nowra School of Arts & the War Memorial Gates at Nowra Showground. Local boat builder Alfred Settree donated the only stained glass window in the church as a memorial to his late wife. Originally it had a stringy bark shingle roof which was replaced by iron in 1956. The building is of wood, with brick foundation, inside measurements being 42ft by 20ft. The contract price for its erection, without windows, lining, etc., was £372, and the necessary, work to complete the building will probably cost another £100.

Although the church furnishings weren’t yet completed, the church was opened on April 4th at 3p.m, by the Rural Dean of Wollongong, Rev E, Walker. Community spirit. Local donations helped with the furnishings. Miss Grace Dent donated a complete 4-light “Victor” lighting system. Mr. Harold Raunch presented a Leetern in memory of his brother Bert. An Alter cloth is the gift of friends at Sans Souci,  per Mr’ Shambler. The Nowra Church gave the hymn-board and matting runners. The pews were donated singly. One was from Mrs. Pitinay. After the opening the Church ladies dispensed afternoon tea at a small charge. Money to build the church was raised by holding local dances,  decorated with palm-flags, balloons and streamers. Some of the evenings music was supplied by the Naval College jazz band, who generously donated their services. Other fund raising events were sports and picnic days held on the Huskisson recreation ground, attracting people from other parts of the district. A big programme of sports was carried out, children being especially catered for with races for varying ages, both boys and girls, sack races, egg and spoon races, and several events for adults.  The prizes for which were trophies.  Tea and refreshments were dispensed by local ladies, stalls did fair business, while young ladies disposed of sweets.