State Government heritage lists Gwalla Church and Cemetery

13/9/02
A significant reminder of the former Gwalla Mining District and the development of Northampton has been interim listed by the State Government in Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the Gwalla Church and Cemetery had been recognised through the Heritage Council of WA's assessment program.
"The Gwalla Church and Cemetery comprises the church ruins in a stone walled yard, and the random rubble stone walled cemetery with its associated graves," Dr Edwards said.
"Constructed in 1861 and partly demolished in 1929, Gwalla Church was the first church to be constructed in Northampton, and the cemetery was the first to be established in the district.
"In addition, the church is significant for its non-denomination, which was unusual in Western Australia's nineteenth century settlements."
The Minister said the church and cemetery were the only remaining buildings associated with the Gwalla Mining District, which had played an important role in both the development of Northampton and Western Australia's early mining industry.
"Located high above the town of Northampton, the church and cemetery are conspicuous reminders of the once busy mining settlement of Gwalla," she said.
"The church and cemetery are also closely associated with Joseph Horrocks, an ex-convict, convict ship's surgeon and important figure in the development of Gwalla."
Dr Edwards said Horrocks had attempted to establish his own village at Gwalla, and had donated the Gwalla Church and the land in an effort to provide for the spiritual needs of the town's community.
Today the site is an enduring reminder of his philanthropy.
"Many of Northampton's early pioneers, including Horrocks, are buried at the cemetery," the Minister said.
"The church served the community for many years before being replaced by sectarian churches. Its last regular service was held in 1913."
Dr Edwards said the ruins of the church structure had been stabilised, and a church service continued to be held at the site once a year.
Minister's office: 9220 5050