St John’s Stroud -190 Years Young
Come back in time with us and discover the secrets of the oldest church in the Newcastle Diocese. Built in 1833 as chapel for the Australian Agricultural Company, it is the focal point of the St John’s group which formed the religious, social and educational hub of the settlement.
Come inside! St John’s was built of locally-sourced convict-made bricks and its internal furnishings are local cedar. Unique features include twin pulpits, the semi-circular sanctuary and the beautiful Good Shepherd window.
St John’s is linked to many historical figures, from polar explorer Sir Edward Parry and noted hydrographer Rear Admiral P. P. King, to artist Conrad Martens, surveyor Robert Hoddle and writer Rachel Henning.
Come and see inside the church described by heritage architect Clive Lucas as ‘comparable to anything of this scale surviving in England’.
Take advantage of short history talks occurring on the hour (1pm, 2pm 3pm and 4pm). Learn about the memorial tablets affixed to the walls and the stained-glass windows. Wander through the historic graveyard.
There is also much else to see in this delightful and historic town, from Silo Hill to Stroud House. Collect a Stroud Heritage walking map from Crafty Friends and explore! Then seek refreshments at the local café.