NSWFarming
Ebenezer
Free settlers built a church and school above the Hawkesbury.
1803Free settlers take up grants
WHAT STARTED IT
Free settlers who reached Sydney in the Coromandel in June 1802 were granted 100-acre farms on both banks of the Hawkesbury at Portland Head in 1803. The river flats were fertile enough to feed the colony, though floods often ruined the farmers.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The settlers first worshipped outdoors and in their homes, then raised money by subscription for a stone building on the ridge that served as church and school from 1809. A schoolmaster’s residence followed about 1817, and in 1824 the congregation was formally established as a Presbyterian church.
TURNING POINTS
1803Coromandel settlers take up their grants at Portland Head and begin meeting for worship.
1808Rowland Hassall reports that the settlers have subscribed nearly £200 for a house of worship and a schoolroom.
1809The stone church and schoolhouse is built.
1812The first burial is made in the churchyard.
1826Dr John McGarvie arrives as the first ordained minister.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A scattered rural locality on the Hawkesbury near Wilberforce. Ebenezer Church, still used for services, is listed as the oldest church building in Australia.