St. Paul's Anglican Church and Pipe Organ

Item details


Name of item:	St. Paul's Anglican Church and Pipe Organ
Other name/s:	St Paul's Anglican Church, Davidson Pipe Organ
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Religion
Category:	Church
Location:	Lat: -33.8817169700 Long: 151.1024468510
Primary address:	205 Burwood Road, Burwood, NSW 2134
Parish:	Concord
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Burwood
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	344		DP	581746

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
205 Burwood Road	Burwood	Burwood	Concord	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Description


Designer/Maker:	Church: Edmund Blacket; Organ: W. Davidson, with some consultation from Montague Younger
Builder/Maker:	Organ: W. Davidson
Construction years:	1889-1891
Physical description:	St. Paul's Church is of State significance as a fine example of Edmund Blacket's ecclesiastical work and as a focal point of the Municipality. This Gothic Church (1871, completed 1924) situated high on Burwood Road and constructed of sandstone. Its features are include a slate roof, a tower, stone tracery and stained glass arched windows (LEP). A pipe organ of three manual, and one pedal, divisions; Mechanical action to the manuals, tubular pneumatic to the pedals. The great organ's chorus is of 16' to the III-rank mixture; also two large flutes of 8' and 4' pitch; a trumpet reed, 8'. The swell organ's chorus is of 8' to a II-rank mixture; also a 16' bourdon, an 8' gedackt, viola and voix celeste; an horn reed, 8', an oboe reed, 8' and a clarion reed 4'. The church organ has an 8' gedackt, two 8' strings; an 8' flauto traverso, a 4' lieblich flute; and an 8' clarionet reed. The pedal organ has: open bass, bourdon (both 16') and 8' flute and violonce. Standard manual and pedal couplers (no octave or sub-bases); the swell and choir are under expression. (See G. Rushworth "Historic Organs of NSW" Hale & Ironmonger P/L, 1988. Pp 104-106)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Presently poor but usable.
	Date condition updated:11 Apr 00
Modifications and dates:	1905 - The moving of the organ's console and great organ windchest 305mm out into the chancel (little or no intrusion on the instrument's integrity). Some additions to the stop list, 1905, 1915, 1930, before 1930 (little intrusion). Badly fitted balance pedals for swell and choir expression (some intrusion especially poorly designed tremulant on swell's old trigger pedal)


Current use:	church
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm

History

Historical notes:

Burwood:
Parramatta Road was first created in 1791, a vital land (cf water) artery between Sydney Cove and Rose Hill's settlement and crops. Liverpool Road opened in 1814 as Governor Macquarie's Great South Road. Its winding route reflects pre-existing land grant boundaries. To Burwood's north over Parramatta Rd. was Longbottom Government Farm, staffed by convicts. This grew to over 700 acres on heavily timbered flat, sloping to swamps on Hen & Chicken Bay. Commissioner Bigge recorded how valuable timber (ironbark) was cut and sawn on the spot, conveyed to Sydney in boats by the river. 'Charcoal for the forges and foundries is likewise prepared here' he noted.

2 grants were critical on Burwood's clay: Captain Thomas Rowley's Burwood Farm estate and William Faithful's 1000 acre grant to its south in Enfield covered most of modern Burwood. Rowley, adjutant of the NSW Corps, named it after the farm he'd lived on in Cornwall. 1799 and subsequent grants brought it to 750 acres but he continued to live at Kingston Farm in Newtown until his death in 1806. He'd bought some of the first Spanish merinos brought from the Cape Colony in 1797, others being sold to Macarthur, Marsden & Cox. The southern boundary of his farm was approximately Woodside Avenue & Fitzroy Street.

Under Rowley's will the estate passed to his 3 underage children- executors Dr Harris & Major Johnstone were both involved in the 1808 Bligh rebellion and returned to England for the court martial. Governor Macquarie appointed Thomas Moore as guardian and executor. In 1812 he wrongfully auctioned the estate. It was bought by Sydney businessman Alexander Riley. He's believed to have built Burwood Villa in 1814 (perhaps on older (1797) foundations of Rowley's shepherd's cottage) and lived here until departing for England in 1817. In 1824 Joseph Lycett described the estate. 500 acres had been cleared for pasture. Lycett in Views of Australia described 'a garden of 4 acres in full cultivation, containing upwards of three hundred Trees, bearing the following choice fruits, viz. The Orange, Citron, Lemon, Pomegranate, Loquat, Guava, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Apples, Pears, the Cherry, Plums, Figs, Chestnuts, Almonds, Medlars, Quinces; with abundance of Raspberries, Strawberries, and the finest Melons. &c'.

Until the 1830s Burwood consisted of a few inns along the highways and 2 or 3 huge, undeveloped estates within the next 20 years these began to break up, attracting settlers and encouraging the growth of embryo villages at Burwood & Enfield. Riley died in 1833 and Rowley's children, now of age, started legal proceedings and regained possession of the 750 acre estate. It was divided between Thomas jnr., John, John Lucas* and Henry Biggs. Almost at once they subdivided into lots of 4-20 acres for country homes and small farms. In 1834 Burwood estate was held by John Lucas, husband of Thomas's daughter Mary Rowley), who divided 113 of his 213 acres into small allotments for sale. Streets such as Webb, Lucas Rd., Wentworth Rd. & Strathfield's The Boulevarde reflect the boundaries of these subdivisions/estates.

To the south (including the land later the Appian Way) was William Faithful's grant of 1000 acres (1808) at 'Liberty Plains'. Faithful was a private in the NSW Corps: discharged in 1799 he became Captain Foveaux's farm manager, and this connection got him the grant. Apart from 15 acres of Sarah Nelson's on Malvern Hill (Croydon), Faithful's Farm extended from Rowley's farm to Cooks River and west to Punchbowl Rd. The government retained a right to build a road through it (doing so in 1815: Liverpool or the Great South Road), and to cut 'such timber as may be deemed fit for naval purposes' - the area was thick with tall ironbark. Faithful exchanged it in 1815. Alexander Riley bought his 200 acres north of the new road incorporating it into his Burwood estate. This was jointly owned by the Rowley family after 1833 and had no streets across it, only a few tracks.

Despite opening up of the Rowley estate there was little settlement in Burwood between the 2 highways before 1860. Sydney Railway Company opened the first rail to Parramatta in 1855. Burwood 'station' (just west of Ashfield station, one of the first stations) was a wooden platform near a level crossing over the grassy track that was Neich's Lane* (later Burwood Rd). This was beside 'the newly laid out township of Cheltenham'. Speedy transport meant subdivision and consolidation followed, filling out the area. Burwood's biggest growth spurt was between 1874 & 1900 (Burwood's population was, respectively: 1200-7400, an increase not matched since. *1835 maps show this as the only track between Parramatta / Liverpool Roads in Burwood.

Burwood's first public school was c.1838. In 1843 land on Burwood Rd. was granted to the Anglican Church for a school. St. Mary's Catholic Church opened in 1846, a Presbyterian Church in 1857 and St. Paul's Anglican in 1871. Mansions of the 1870s+ such as The Priory were due to a firm belief in its health-giving climate, compared to the smog and crowding of the city suburbs. They were built as quasi-ancestral estates, perhaps in blissful ignorance of how quickly suburbs can evolve. Living was primitive: no street lighting (1883+), home lighting by candle or lamp (oil, kerosene after 1860), no gas (1882+), no piped water (1886+), home wells/tanks, few bathrooms, no indoor toilets, with pans (1880+) replacing outdoor cess pits.

The 1880s+ was the era of the debates that led to Australia's fractious states combining into a single Federation, declared at Sydney's Centennial Park, in 1901. Skilled tradesmen and materials were plentiful and comparatively cheap, and combined with the improvement in building techniques associated with cavity walls, damp-courses and terracotta tiled rooves, provided the means for an era of intense building activity. Unlike the Victorian era's large commercial and Government building, the main thrust of the Federation era was constructing new suburbs around Sydney harbour with shops for the middle classes.

Between 1889 and 1918 Australia's population swelled from 3 to 5 million triggering an urgent need for housing. Suburban spread was greatly assisted by expansion of the public transport system of trams, ferries and trams, which formed a well-integrated pre-car transport system. Rapid suburban growth brought increased interest in town planning...Tree-lined streets such as Burwood Rd., The Appian Way or The Boulevard in Strathfield were in marked contrast to most development in Australian cities of the late 19th century. (Fraser, Hugh, in Heritage Council of NSW, 1981-4, amended and added to by Stuart Read, 17/5/2008 with excerpts from Eric Dunlop (1975)).

Church history:
Of the 20 or more churches whose parishes or spheres of influence include parts of Burwood six are situated outside its boundaries, and even this does not include St. John's Ashfield, whose parish once included all of Burwood and Croydon.

Today the municipality is served by six other Anglican churches. The oldest, St. Thomas' (Enfield) was founded in 1848 and became a parish in its own right from 1868. The move to establish a parish church in central Burwood was sponsored by a group of gentlemen including the Rev. R.W.Young, incumbent of St. Thomas' Anglican church (Enfield).

St. Paul's Anglican Church, Burwood:
St. Paul's Anglican Church was designed in Decorated Gothic (Revival style) by ecclesiastical architect Edmund Blacket and built in stages, in 1871 (BDHS, 2005, 8). July 1871-April 1872 (Kemp, 2019). When it was opened in 1872, Rev. R.W. Young left St. Thomas' church in Enfield to become its first rector. At the time of its opening the church consisted solely of the nave with a temporary wooden wall where the transepts were later built (ibid, 2005, 8). The transepts now cross it, but subsequent extensions - including the tower - have closely followed the design of Blacket.

Several parishioners liberally supported the church in its early years, either by direct contributions or by advancing funds, Mr H.E.Krater of Enfield making an initial loan of 1000 pounds.

In 1882, the church was extended to designs by Edmund Blacket. The organ was built by W. Davidsion and installed in the church in April 1891 (Kemp, 2019). The Pipe Organ was commissioned during the incumbency of Canon Bartlett, a period of growth and establishment of pattern of liturgy at St Paul's. It was at first intended as a rebuild of an earlier organ; builder decided to build a new, larger instrument. Completed, with suggestions from St Andrew's Cathedral organist Montague Younger, and opened with a recital on Thurs 30 April 1891 by the aforementioned organist. Some teething problems by early 20th century, seen to by Richardson. It had long term use in the church's choral services, and frequent oratorio performances. The longest serving organist was Mr Tom Leah (+1970); another well known organist was Colin Sapsford, who became organist at Christchurch St Lawrence during the incumbency of Rev John Hope.

New Zealand stained glass windows were added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (Kemp, 2019).

The present vicarage (or rectory) was added in 1897, and with the addition of the choir in 1905 and the church tower in 1924 (ibid, 2005, 8) under the supervision of architect Ernest Lindsay Thompson, the church was virtually completed as Blacket conceived it (Wentworth Press). This was its last major addition (Kemp, 2019).

The church was first wired for electric lighting in 1914 (Kemp, 2019).

The exception to Blacket's design is the tower, which was modelled on Merton College, Oxford (UK). Immediately to the north of the church are two Victorian villas, both designed by Edmund Blacket and built for C.H. Humphrey, a patron of the church, one as a wedding present for his daughter, who married Canon Bartlett, the second incumbent (ibid, 2005, 9).

The church history is asociated with its rectors, later architects and prominent parishioners, including the rectors Rev. Richard William Young; Rev. Arthur Robert Bartlett; Rev. Harry Bryant; Rev. Gilbert Montagu Searcy; Rev. George Augustus Sanders; Rev. Ronald Arthur O'Brien; Rev. John Holle; and the Rev. John Maxwell Kohler. Architects are Cyril Blacket and Ernest Lindsay Thompson (also a prominent parishioner, designer of the 1924 tower) and prominent parishioners C.H. Humphrey (d. 1898) and his family (who funded construction of the tower and are commemorated within the church) and the Lindsay Thompson family (Kemp, 2019).

Many of the memorial windows and plaques in the church commemorate a relatively small number of local families: the Humphreys were related to the Rev. Bartlett and the Deanes, the Roxburghs were related to the Spains, and the Lindsay Thompsons were related to the Storeys (Kemp, 2019).

Other memorials such as to the Fussells tell part of a story, for their unwed daughter Emily (d. 1939) was the long-standing verger of St. Paul's, taking on the position of her father, William, after he had held this for 29 years (Kemp, 2019).

During the period of rector Rev. Ronald O'Brien (1957-1970s) a peel of bells was installed in the tower in 1960 and stone fencing completed along the Burwood Road frontage (Dunlop, 1974).

During the incumbency of Rev John Holle (organist Peter McMillan) an attempt was made to substantially rebuild the instrument, which was halted by a Government Heritage Conservation Order. The Rector, in frustration locked and barred the instrument from use, buying an electronic Rodgers Organ. This precipitated the resignation of the organist and the defection of the choir to St Anne's Strathfield (late 1980s).

Under the current Rector, Rev John Kohler and organist Luke Green, the organ has been returned to complete use in the church services and recital/concert-giving. Some minor preventative measures (tying up trumpet resonators, tuning) was carried out in early 1997.

Unfortunate rebuilds of Davidson's larger St Thomas' North Sydney and St James' King Street Sydney, make the Burwood organ the largest largely intact instrument of this builder and the largest of colonial NSW manufacture last century.

The church was restored in 2015 and won a National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Award in 2016 for the parish and heritage architects, Paul Davies P/L (Kemp, 2019).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of contemplation and devotion-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of institutions - productive and ornamental-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Providing a venue for significant events-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Suburban Centres-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Alienating Crown Lands for religious purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Impact of railways on suburban development-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	A Picturesque Residential District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Suburban Consolidation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Cultural Social and religious life-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in urban settings-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Local government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian Gothic Revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Patronising artistic endeavours-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing making and showing stained and coloured glass-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing structures to emphasise their important roles-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing making and using ecclesiastical furniture-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Federation Gothic Revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Gothic Revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Gothic Revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a concert-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to church or temple or mosque-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Religious worship-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Adaptive new use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Church-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Practising Anglicanism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an institution for self improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of formal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Participating in women's organisations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community organisations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Fund-raising activities for community charities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Providing charity-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Erecting and visiting monuments and memorials-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Burying and remembering notable persons-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Operating and maintaining cemeteries and burial grounds-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edmund Blacket, Government Architect-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Cultural artifact of the late 19th century colonial NSW; growing economic stability, and affluence in the garden suburb of Burwood, resulted in a public musical instrument of considerable size and power, yet taste and restraint as most fitting of the strongly conservative political alignment of the area; speaking of confidence and cultural attention.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	A very virile, powerful, yet always tastefully restrained tone emanates from this instrument, capable of some subtlety and sweetness in tone for accompaniment etc. Strikingly fluid, curved display fronts into the chancel; handsome blue-green, dark red and gold stenciling on the pipes in an excellent state of preservation.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The organ is used up to three times (2 Holy Communions, Evensong) every Sunday; up to three times a week in weddings, funerals, additional services and concerts. Provides congregational singing accompaniment in chamber and small orchestral settings, Civic services and dedicatory services also. When in better condition, the organ could serve as an excellent teaching instrument (especially with many schools in the area).
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Beside G Rushworth's outstanding research, the construction techniques an material sources etc of colonial organ builders has not been so thoroughly documented, especially their resourcefulness in periods of economic Depression, lack of code of fair practice in working relations and contractual agreements etc. The Burwood organ could easily be an opportunity to carefully document this, especially given its excellent condition or could be lost in yet another restoration of a more invasive character.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Largest organ in (near) intact state surviving by a NSW colonial builder.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	A fine representative of local building (as opposed to imported instruments from Britain) of the late 19th century.
Integrity/Intactness:	The pipework and action, layout and decorative features are substantially the same (including the position) as when first installed.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00436	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00436	28 Aug 87	136	4968
Local Environmental Plan	Within a Conservation Area on LEP	00019	21 Jul 89
Register of the National Estate	St.Paul's Church & Church Group	3359, 3360	21 Oct 80

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Burwood & District Historical Society	2005	4. St. Paul's Church, Burwood Road'
Written	Eric Dunlop	1974	Harvest of the Years - the story of Burwood 1794-1974
Written	Graeme Rushworth	1988	Historic Organs of NSW: The Instruments, Their Makers and Players 1791-1940
Written	Hugh Fraser, Phillip Clements & Helen Powell, modified by Stuart Read	1984	Conservation of the Federation House, a series of one-day seminars, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
Written	Kemp, Chery	2019	The Inside Story on St. Paul's
Oral History	Mr David Kinsela	1998	Concerning the essential integrity of the instrument despite attempts to prove otherwise
Written	Mr John Hargreaves of the South Island Organ Company (NZ)	1998	Quote for restoration work, thorough examination of company pedal action etc
Written	Mr Luke Peter Green (present organist)	1999	NSW State Heritage Inventory Form
Oral History	Mr Peter McMillan	1998	Concerning events leading tot he organ's closure and subsequent events
Oral History	Mrs Lorna Trevella AM	1997	Concerning the use and reliability of the organ during her tenure as organist
Written	Rev & Mrs O'Brien (deceased)	1971	The Centenary History of St Paul's Parish Church, Burwood, 1871 - 1971

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5001059
File number:	S90/4046; S96/661; EF10/19856

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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