TAKE a step back in time and into Holy Trinity Anglican Church’s rectory tomorrow.
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The rectory will be open to the public for a rare, one-off event for people to take a look through one of Orange’s heritage buildings and its surrounds in a fundraiser for the Anglican diocese of Bathurst.
The rectory, which has housed 19 priests since 1865 with the most recent being Frank Hetherington, is one of the oldest continually inhabited residences in Orange and Holy Trinity publicity officer Lynne Middleton said it has a long history.
“After a series of ad hoc services in various locations prior to 1855, it was decided to build a house for a resident clergyman. A building committee was appointed and in 1856 the first rectory, a timber residence, was built next to the Bluestone Hall. The present rectory dates from about 1865 and cost 900 pounds,” Mrs Middleton said.
“One of the many stories circulating about life in the rectory relates to a child actually having his tonsils removed while under ether on the kitchen table.”
The public will be allowed to view the inside of the building from 2 until 5pm, and will also be served high tea at the cost of $20.
Mrs Middleton said the rectory featured an interesting collection of additions and renovations throughout the years, which include the original shingled roof protected by a corrugated iron roof, old kerosene lamps in the hallway and staircase from the now-closed Caves Creek Church, restored fireplaces, and the kitchen which features the first fireplace and pantry.
“All our previous rectors have put something of themselves into this beautiful building. All are welcome to come and view.”