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St Andrew’s, Roman Catholic Church, Nimmitabel

History of St Andrew’s Church, Nimmitabel
by Ursula Smith rsj

This is a brief history of St Andrew’s Catholic Church, Nimmitabel and a testimony to the faith and endurance of the pioneers who built the church which is such a beautiful edifice, built at a time when modern conveniences and equipment with which we are familiar today, were non existent. It must be remembered that the history of St Andrew’s cannot be separated from the history of the Catholic Church on Monaro, formerly known as "Maneroo". At the conclusion of this article, I shall list the dates and particulars of historical interest regarding the church. All of the information herein is authentic, based on records from St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney, Archives, and from newspaper reports published at the time of the events in the "Freeman’s Journal", "Maneroo Mercury", Cooma Express"

The beginnings of our history go back to 1839 when Archbishop Bede Polding, known as "The Bishop in the Saddle" (because of the long distances he travelled on horseback visiting isolated communities of Catholic settlers), established the Queanbeyan Mission. This mission included Maneroo, Twofold Bay, Bega, Moruya and all of the country in between.

The number of Catholic settlers on Monaro had increased greatly, due to the number of Highland Scots, all Gaelic speaking Catholics, who were taking up pasturing and shepherding stock in the area. Robert Campbell had immigrated from Argyllshire in the Scottish Highlands in 1828, and had prospered so much on his Pialligo Holdings,, "Duntroon" Estate,, and Delegate Station, that he was able to sponsor and employ other Highlanders whom he knew were skilled in pasturing sheep,.and cattle because of their experience in the rugged, isolated, icy glens of the Scottish Highlands,.

The Diocese of Goulburn did not come into existence until 1864 when Rev. Bonaventure Geoghegan OFM was appointed first Bishop, but, sadly died before taking up office, so the first Bishop was William Lanigan (1867-1900). The first resident Priest in charge of the Queanbeyan Mission was Father Martin Heston (sometimes written as "Hastings") Other Priests who ministered on this mission in the early days were, Father Michael Kavanagh, his brother, Father John Kavanagh, who returned to Ireland in 1856, Father Richard Walsh and Father Kenny, later known as Dean Kenny.

Fathers Richard Walsh and Michael Kavanagh travelled consistently over the Queanbeyan Mission’s vast areas. Both were active during their careers of building and setting up churches. Father Walsh completed the old St Peter and Paul’s Goulburn, which was blessed and opened by Archbishop Polding in 1849. In 1851 he built the church at Major’s Creek, which was burnt down and rebuilt in 1868 by Dean O’Brien who had taken charge of Araluen and Braidwood in 1852. He also built a church at Collector and the Presbytery at Goulburn, and it is still incorporated into the present building. Father Michael Kavanagh also did his share of building. He erected wooden structures at Araluen and Braidwood when gold was discovered in the area, and about that time too, he built a church at Cooma. However, the very first church completed on the Monaro, under Father Michael Kavanagh’s guidance was St Andrew’s, Nimmitabel. At the time of the blessing of the church, Archbishop Polding remarked that it was situated on the highest ground of any church in Australia! It seems that this early church was "of rough stone with a shingle roof" When Archbishop Polding arrived for the laying of the Foundation Stone at Nimmitybelle, Father Kavanagh, by some mistake in dates set down, was away across the Snowy River visiting outposts. When he received word about the arrival of the Archbishop, he had to be ferried across the swollen river, by a character called "Tom, the Devil" to the obvious wit and amusement of the locals!

By riding night and day over the mountains, he managed to reach Nimmitybelle in time to assist his Archbishop.. The visit of Archbishop Polding for the actual opening of St Andrew’s was probably in November,, as Polding’s custom was to name the church after the Saint whose Feast day occurred near to that time. The feast of St Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland, was 30 November, and this information would be sustained because of the large number of Highland Scots , namely McDonalds, Rankins, McPhersons, Campbells in the area, who were instrumental in urging the building of the church, which is situated in "Kirke" Street, "Kirk" being the Scottish word for "Church".

While he was in the area, Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone for St Patrick’s, Cooma. Father Michael Kavanagh had bought a two acre block, having a frontage on Sharp, Bombala and Commissioner Streets. The church was then built in stone and was opened towards the end of 1860. In 1869 Dean Edward O’Brien arrived in Cooma, as Priest in Charge of the Cooma Mission, and he considered the old church was not a fitting place for the worship of God. In 1873, records show, Dean O’Brien called a meeting in Cooma to discuss plans for the erection of a new church. Dean O’Brien said, "About twenty years ago you built a church which has become ‘unchurchly’!" At the same meeting, Archibald Montague, telling of his trips around the country, gathering funds with Father Kavanagh, said, "It is twenty one years since Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone of the old building which we are now going to replace." In September of that year, Dean O’Brien bought twelve allotments of land for church purposes on a block with surveyed frontages on Vale, Egan, Murray and Soho Streets. The site of the present St Patrick’s Parish Church, School, Presbytery and Brigidine Convent- this was the beginnings of the St Patrick’s Parish Centre we know today. At the time the Cooma Mission was a vast scattered area, including, Cooma, Eucumbene, Middlingbank, Adaminaby, Bolero, Kiandra, Cottage Creek, Rose Valley, Rose Brook, Billylingra, Nimmitybelle. Mass was celebrated at each of these stations every two months. This area was served by Father Michael Kavanagh, and then Father Charles Bernard Quinn who was transferred from Raymond Terrace to take up duties on the Cooma Mission.

St Andrew’s was definitely the first Catholic Church on Monaro, but the original building was of rough stone, and soon needed to be rebuilt to accommodate growing numbers of parishioners. In 1863 records show that tenders were called for the rebuilding of St Andrew’s , and the foundation stone was blessed and laid by Father Patrick Newman, the then Priest in Charge of the Cooma Mission. To quote from the "Freeman’s Journal", 5 May, 1863. "New Roman Catholic Church, Nimmitybelle" "The numerous readers of the "Mercury" are aware that the tenders have been called for the erection of a church in this town, and we are glad to be able to state that, on 18^th of last month, the Rev. P. Newman accepted the tender of our worthy and energetic townsman, John Geldmacher. The present contract which includes the whole of the mason’s and carpenter’s work, is to be completed in nine months, for the sum of five hundred and twenty five pounds.

The style of the edifice will be Gothic, the nave will be about 60 feet long, and 25 feet wide, provision being made thereby, for the prolongation of the church at a future period. As the people of Nimitybelle are liberally subscribed to the Cooma church, and other local purposes, we are sure that the residents of Monaro will kindly help them in their good work. It is indeed, a matter of great surprise to everyone acquainted with the circumstances of the people of Nimitybelle and Monaro, generally, that a commodious church was not erected in this town as far back as ten or twelve years ago. Already three hundred pounds have been collected for this building by our energetic Pastor." Maneroo "Mercury"

In 1865, the Cooma correspondent for the Goulburn "Argus", under date of September 25^th, thus notices the opening of St Andrew’s Church. "The newly built church at Nimitybelle, was opened for the first time, yesterday, Sunday. The Rev. P. Newman having kindly consented to come from Bombala to assist at the ceremony. The site seems to have been well chosen, commanding a complete view of the surrounding country. The building itself is a very chaste and durable one, and reflects much credit on the architect, Rev. P. Newman. His hopes for the future of Nimitybelle must be highly flattering to the residents of that locality, for not only is the sacred edifice capable of containing any reasonable increase in population, but it may, at any time, without injuring its symmetrical proportion, be largely extended.

Long before the hour for divine service arrived, an unusually large number of persons from outlying districts, as well as from the town, had gathered to the church. Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Michael Kavanagh, at the conclusion of which, the Rev. P. Newman ascended the steps of the altar and delivered a sermon as eloquent and impressive as any to which many of us have ever had the pleasure to listen. I believe, the Rev. Michael Kavanagh, intends next week, to send to St Mary’s Cathedral Building Fund the sum of 420 pounds, as a first instalment. This speaks well for the generosity of this district at a time when everyone is suffering severely from want of rain and other causes."

In 1861 Father Patrick Newman had handed the Cooma Mission to Archdeacon McEnroe and transferred to Bombala to begin negotiations for the building of a stone church there. This old stone church was superseded by the present St Mary’s Church, Bombala opened in 1941.

In 1859 the Rev. William Lanigan arrived from Ireland to minister on the Queanbeyan Mission, and the Diocese of Goulburn was established in 1864. Following the sudden death of Bonaventure Geoghegan OFM who had been appointed Bishop but never took up office, the Rev. William Lanigan was appointed first Bishop from 1867-1900. Fathers Michael Kavanagh and Richard Walsh had been very active in collecting funds throughout the whole vast mission area, to help finance the education of Priests in Irish Colleges. These Priests, once ordained, would come to Australia and minister in the Goulburn Diocese and the scattered Cooma Mission area.

Since Father Patrick Newman had transferred to Bombala in 1861 as Priest in Charge, he apparently continued to minister to the Nimitybelle section of the Mission, for we note that it was he, who called for tenders for the rebuilding of St Andrew’s Church in 1863 and he preached at the ceremony of the blessing and opening of the Church on 25 September, 1865.. Bombala was declared a Parish in 1864 and Nimitybelle remained an outstation of Bombala Parish until 1977, when Nimmitabel was transferred into the pastoral care of the Parish Priest of Cooma, Dean P. Coffey.

To quote from a report published in "The Men of the ‘38 and Other Pioneer Priests" by John O’Brien. And some extracts from "The Bishop in the Saddle" by the same author, we hear about Polding’s visit to Bombala in 1868.

"On Sunday March 8, His Grace Archbishop Polding consecrated the new Chapel in the presence of a large congregation, we believe one of the largest ever assembled in Bombala. There could not have been less than one hundred and fifty present to witness the ceremony. It was one that will remain long in the minds of this portion of the Monaro."

It was reported that March 9 was spent by the Archbishop preparing candidates for Confirmation, examining them and hearing Confessions. So Confirmation was celebrated during this visit.

On the return journey from Bombala to Cooma, where a big meeting regarding the question of Catholic Education was to take place, Polding travelled again via Nimmitybelle. The following is a report from the "Freeman’s Journal" indicating the reverence and affection the people had for the Archbishop himself and for his office. The Archbishop’s escort on the long journey had a unique flavour typical of Nimmitybelle, and the predominantly Scottish culture there at the time. Loyalty to the Prelate and to the Church was expressed in traditional Highland Scottish cultural style, by which an honoured guest is feted.

"From Bombala to Nimmitybelle, somewhere between fifty and sixty miles, over beautiful rolling, undulating country, we came in grand procession. The McDonald Clan led by Chieftain and Pipers dressed in their traditional kilts, had the post of honour, and so seated in carts the pipers played their pipes. The Archbishop followed accompanied by Priests. Then came the Clan in colourful kilts and Highland dress, and they were followed by about eighty horsemen. Near Rocky Flat the cavalcade was met by the Cooma people into whose charge His Ghrace and Party were duly delivered. It was a beautiful sight. The Cooma horsemen above two hundred in number divided, each man standing by his horse bareheaded, and then reverently knelt for His Grace’s Blessing. The Nimmitybelle Clan followed , and then, wheeling around, fell to the rear, and so we came on to Rock Flat where refreshments were prepared. We then proceeded towards Cooma, upwards of three hundred horsemen and some in carriages. His Grace was received here amidst the greatest manifestation of enthusiasm."

This was the Maneroo that Polding looked on with delight...."a fine open country with people altogether fitted to it. The climate is delightful, hot in the middle of the day, but freezing conditions at other times...."

The people of Nimmitybelle constantly urged the Archbishop to make Nimmitybelle the centre Parish and in a letter of 18 July, 1907, from St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney, came, as a mixed surprise to the Pastor of Bombala, Father Moore. Quote: "...I have forwarded the names to the Under Secretary of Lands for the Catholic portion of the cemetery. I hope, after some weeks to erect the new Parish of Nimmitybelle. I suppose the present Convent would have to be used as a Presbytery. Could a convenient site be got for the Convent and school? Yours faithfully, Patrick Cardinal Moran, Archbishop of Sydney."

After some correspondence the Cardinal settled the matter as follows: A new school was to be built so that the Church where the school had been conducted could be repaired after the wear and tear of children, at the time 120 in number. By October 1907 things were ready for the laying of the Memorial Stone, and as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev. Michael Kelly DD was passing through to Bega to conduct a similar ceremony at Bemboka, he was asked, and consented to ,perform the ceremony at Nimmitabel.

Extensions to St Andrew’s Church, foretold by Father Patrick Newman in 1865, came into reality on 6 October, 1917 when the Foundation Stone for the addition of a new Sacristy and Sanctuary was blessed and laid by the Rev. J. Norris, Parish Priest of Cooma. Father J. A. Roche Parish Priest of Bombala was the Priest in Charge at the time.

April 7, 1918 saw a large gathering at St Andrew’s Church, as the following extract from the "Cooma Express" states: Yesterday, may be justly termed "A Red Letter Day" for the Catholics of Nimmitabel. The old historic church of St Andrew’s was built over sixty years ago, and was a structure of rough stone with a shingle roof. For want of repair in past years, the old church fell into a dilapidated condition. Soon after the Rev. John A Roche assumed charge of Bombala Parish twelve months ago, he started a movement for the completion of the Church. A contract for 850 Pounds was let and successfully carried out by Mr. Mawson of Cooma. For this sum a new Sanctuary and Sacristy have been added to the Church, the shingle roof supplemented by iron, and the whole exterior and interior of the building renovated. Not content with this, the Rev. J.A. Roche, whose genial disposition and pleasing manner have won for him the esteem and admiration, not only of the Catholics, but also non Catholics in his parish, made an appeal two months ago to have the interior of the Church newly furnished in memory of the dead. The appeal met with generous response, for articles to the value of two hundred Pounds have been handed in."

Earlier in the history of St Andrew’s , a small stone building had been erected on the block near the Church. It was for the accommodation of the Priest when he came to celebrate Mass and the Sacraments and travelled up from Bombala . The railway had been built by 1913 and the line terminated at Bombala. The stone building was a cold bleak one, and the locals jokingly referred to it as "The Morgue"!. The Nimmitabel community decided to build a new Presbytery, and Terry Buckley, Athol Blyton and Noel Anderson were the builders. This building was blessed and opened in 1955 and served well until 1977 when Nimmitabel was transferred into the pastoral care of the Cooma Parish Priest. With good motor transport available, and an excellent sealed road to Cooma, the Presbytery was no longer needed as the Priest’s residence, and subsequently the community decided to rent out the cottage.

Education-School- Convent- Josephite Sisters.

To begin a study of this part of St Andrew’s history, we have to go back to the early days when Nimmitabel was part of the Queanbeyan Mission in the district of Maneroo. Fathers Michael Kavanagh and Richard Walsh besides building churches, mostly primitive timber structures, had great concern for the Catholic education of the children of this vast ly scattered area. They built school buildings called Denominational schools. Due to there being no means of education in the town of Nimmitybelle, in 1867 an application was made to the Council for Education which administered education between 1867-1880, for a Public School to be established in the town. However, some of those who had put their names to the application had second thoughts. These people were Catholics, and the larger number in the population were of the Catholic Faith, so they withdrew their support and had father Michael Kavanagh apply for a Denominational school. This application was rejected, as the Public School Education Act at the time stated, "...a Denominational School may only be established in a locality where a Public School is already in existence, and not within two miles of such a school unless attendance of pupils of both schools is in excess of 120." By 1869, however, a Provisional school had been established by Dean White, and was in the hands of Mr. J. Whyte. There were 29 children enrolled and the Council for Education paid him a sum of 48 Pounds per annum. This Provisional School continued for some years and was conducted in the Church. To quote from Nimmitabel Public School’s records: (A report from Inspector McIntyre 1871) "This school is conducted in the Roman Catholic Chapel, which is a substantial stone building. There are no closets nor fencing, but the supply of furniture, apparatus and books is nearly sufficient. The cleanliness, order and attention require much improvement, and attainment of pupils is small." A report in 1875 from Inspector Maynard stated that there had been a great improvement. "...For the first time for many years, the school has been admirably governed. The discipline is good, but those of the pupils who had been hitherto spoiled by indulgence, do not take kindly to obedient and industrious habits," In 1880 the report states that the building was rented from Rev. T. Keating, the then Parish Priest of Bombala. The Denominational school closed some time after this because, legally, the number of children attending was too great for such a Provisional School.

Mary MacKillop’s relatives, the McDonalds , were pioneers of Nimmitybelle area, and she visited them and stayed with them whenever passing through on her way to other established Convents and schools where the Josephite Sisters already worked. She was very aware of the great number of Catholic children in the area, as she had numerous cousins here. When she was requested to send Sisters here, she responded to the need and to the request.. In 1901 tenders were called for the erection of a Convent. The lowest tender came from I. McArthur of Cooma for 450 Pounds. He got the contract and work commenced at once. The Foundation Stone was laid on Sunday, 26 January, 1902. The "Freeman’s Journal" 1 February, 1902 reported the following:

",..The . township of Nimitybelle was crowded last Sunday on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone of the new Convent. Visitors were present from Cooma, Bombala, Delegate and surrounding centres. Rev. Father Gunning of Cooma was deputed by His Eminence Cardinal Moran, to officiate. He laid and blessed the Foundation Stone, and in a subsequent address spoke of the necessity of religious training in schools. He said Catholics were unfairly treated in the matter of education, as they carried on the schools at their own expense, without any assistance from the Government. Catholics took a burden off the shoulders of the Government in educating 23,800 children without a penny of expense to the Government. The Public School Inspectors could visit the Catholic schools and see for themselves if the education was up to the required standard. The State should not pay for the Religious, but for the secular education imparted. Some people said the priests should have an opportunity of visiting the State schools once a week to give religious instruction, and if other denominations considered a half hour a week sufficient for religious instruction, Roman Catholics were not of the same opinion.. In urging Catholics to send their children to the Convent school, he added that the religious convictions of Protestant children who attended would not be interfered with. He asked for liberal contributions, and 51 Pounds were placed on the Foundation Stone.. Mr. O. Silk acted as Hon. Secretary, and Father Norris, Parish Priest of Bombala, as Treasurer."

A further interesting report from the "Freeman’s Journal" dated 10 May, 1902 states the following:

"The Convent at Nimitybelle has just been completed, and will be officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Kelly. A Ball to celebrate the opening was held in the School of Arts on Friday. The proceeds are expected to reach 45 Pounds. The Convent is situated on a prominent hill just outside the township. From it a splendid view of Mt. Kosciusko can be obtained. The architect is Mr. G. Cochran of Cooma and the contractor is Mr. Mellor of Sydney.. Three Sisters of St Joseph have arrived and have taken up their duties. The building cost about 700 Pounds of which about 250 Pounds needs to be liquidated. A Juvenile Dance last Saturday evening in aid of the same object was very successful."

The first community of Sisters moved into the Convent on 8 May, 1902, and on the opening day of the school 90 children were enrolled. The Sisters conducted the school in the Church. The St Joseph’s School building was completed and put into use immediately in 1907

Because so many children lived on isolated properties far from the little township , the Sisters took in boarders from the surrounding area. By 1922 room for the increasing number of boarders became quite cramped due to heavy demand, so it was decided to extend the Convent by adding a large dormitory. Extract from the "Freeman’s Journal" July 6, 1922.

St Joseph’s Convent- Dean Norris blesses and opens the additions. "On Sunday afternoon last, a very large gathering of all denominations asse mbled in the grounds of St Joseph’s Convent, Nimmitabel, to witness the solemn blessing and opening of the new additions by the Rev. Dean Norris, Parish Priest of Cooma. The Rev. John Roche who is the first Australian native born Priest to be in charge of the Bombala Parish assisted Dean Norris. During Fr. Roche’s past term of six years in charge of the parish of Bombala, he has spent over 7000Pounds in the erection and improvement of church buildings in the parish. The Convent at Nimmitybelle needed more accommodation for boarders, and, Father Roche during the past two months, has had an extra large dormitory with two additional rooms added to the Convent, and Sunday last saw the blessing and opening of these additions."

After the ceremony of blessing, Father Roche in welcoming the Dean, said that he felt proud of the good work of the Nuns in the school at Nimmitabel, for last year, in annual examinations of Catholic Schools in both Dioceses of Goulb urn and Wagga Wagga, the inspector had given the honour of first excellent school in the two Dioceses, to the Sisters of St Joseph, Nimmitabel. The school had won the great honour and he hoped was going to retain it for years to come. Father Roche then congratulated the residents of Nimmitabel for their grand spirit of unity, and the Protestants as well as the Catholics for their loyalty to the Convent."

Father John Roche while administering in this part of the Parish became very well known. Quite often his sermons were Headlines in the "Nimmitabel News", "Freeman’s Journal". "Sydney Sun", "Fair Play", "Bombala Times", "Delegate Argus", "Queanbeyan Age", and "Cooma Express". Also letters in the "Melbourne Age". Some of the topics he drew attention to, were The Orange Lodge, The Divorce Bill, Why Catholics attend Mass in such great numbers, and his disagreement with the Anglican Bishop Radford over raffles.

Sadly, by the 1970's the population of Nimmitabel was declining, and the numbers in the school became less and less each year. In 1982, the Catholic Education Office decided the school was no longer viable and St Joseph’s School closed at the end of that year, with some students travelling to St Patrick’s School Cooma, while others transferred to Nimmitabel Public School. The Sisters of St Joseph remained in the Convent continuing the Catechetical work of teaching children in the State schools. This was termed the "Motor Mission". During the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the Sisters of St Joseph lived and taught in various Snowy Mountains camp villages and settlements, such as Eaglehawk, Kiandra, Cabramurra, Jindabyne, then they continued to reside in Nimmitabel and travelled to teach the children and prepare for the Sacraments wherever the Snowy settlements were situated. When the building of the Snowy Scheme came to an end, and small settlements were stabilised ,the Sisters continued to travel to schools, in Cooma, Numeralla, Adaminaby, Cabramurra, Berridale, Jindabyne, Nimmitabel, Bombala, Delegate, Bungarby and other smaller schools in between. The "Motor Mission" was the beginning of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine ( CCD Office) now at Manuka, in Canberra. Catechists are trained and assisted to continue the work of the Sisters throughout the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn.

The population of the township of Nimmitabel is small in numbers the Public School has decreased in enrolment to 23 students, with, approximately 14 Catholics attending. Thus, the community of St Andrew’s is also small in numbers, but very faithful, and that same community is still challenged to keep the maintenance of St Andrew’s Church and the Church buildings in first class condition. Members of the closely knit community who have been forced to move elsewhere for employment and to establish homes, are always welcome "home" when they visit. Since Nimmitabel is on the main road, to Canberra, to Cooma, the Snow Resorts, the Coast, and to Sydney, there is a great possibility that Nimmitabel will have a resurgence of growth in population as tourism will surely thrive in the future.

St Andrew’s Church, high on the hill at Nimmitabel is more than an historic landmark, May it remain a beacon of Hope and Faith, and may it always be a reminder of the Faith of our Forebears, and inspire all who pass by to give thanks and praise to our Creator God from whom all blessings flow.

Sister Ursula Smith, Nimmitabel February 2002

WITNESSES IN STONE

St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, Nimmitabel

The first stone church in Nimmitabel was St Andrew’s, built in 1863. There is a belief that Nimmitabel was the site of the first Catholic Church on the Monaro, it having been built in 1856.  The Sydney Morning Herald of 27 July 1863 states “The foundation stone of the new RC Church at Nimitybelle was laid by Reverend P Newman, Pastor of Cooma on the 14 inst. There was a large attendance at the ceremony. The style of architecture is Gothic, and the edifice is considered a pleasing addition to this rising township”

The advent of a rough stone church with a shingle roof in the Nimmitabel of 1863 would indeed have been a “pleasing addition” to the town. Speaking in 1912 of St Andrew’s, the late Mr William Hayes recalled that “Archbishop Polding visited the district in 1866. The Church was then competed, and the Archbishop dedicated it. He was accompanied by Fr Coletti, an Italian, and the late Dean Slattery. The foundation stone of the church at Nimitybelle was laid by the Rev Fr Newman, assisted by Dr Kavanagh, on or about 14 April 1863, the late John Geldmacher being the contractor. The masons who built it were Beileiter, father and son from Bombala.

By 1917 St Andrew’s was too small for its congregations and in need of renovation. On October 6 of that year the foundation stone of additions was set by the Very Reverend Fr JJ Norris PP, VF, of Cooma, The local parish priest Fr JA Roche of Bombala was absent on sick leave at the time. The work took six months and was completed in April 1918, In the process of extending St Andrew’s, the stone walls were plastered over with cement, a new sanctuary and sacristy were added and the roof covered in iron. The cost of this work was 850 pounds. The contractor was the ubiquitous Mawson of Cooma.

If the St Andrew’s of 1863 could be described as a “pleasing addition” to Nimmitabel, how much more does this church enhance the town today?

- This excerpt is taken from WITNESSES IN STONE  with the permission of the author William Stegemann, Rathdowney  QLD