Baptism Register 1871-1924
Burial Register 1871-1919
Marriage Register 1871-1922

ST. THOMAS CHURCH OF ENGLAND, SACKVILLE REACH 

Background:

Although Church services were probably held in the Sackville area during the first half of the 19th century, possibly in the schoolhouse, a purpose built church was not established until the 1860s. The site was marked in 1839 by Bishop Broughton and a start was made however the finances dried up. In 1861 it was reported that there were funds available and the building was constructed some time after. This church was located near the Cemetery on Tizzana Road at Sackville Reach. A sandstone marker indicates the original location. In June 1867 the Hawkesbury district experienced the worst flood on record. The Hawkesbury River rose 19.25m (63' 2") and instigated much destruction to buildings, livestock and property in the area, and a number of people lost their lives, drowning in the swirling floodwaters.

The inundation also destroyed the Church of England at Sackville Reach. The site of the church was moved to higher grounds and a foundation stone was laid in 1870 and the church was consecrated in 1874. The church was burnt during a fire in 1959 and only the sandstone shell remained, the church pews & organ were also saved. The church was restored in 1960 and the 3 stained glass windows were in memory of Sarah Tuckerman; Mr & Mrs Stubbs and Mary & Stephen Tuckerman.

Congregation numbers dwindled in the 1980s and the church eventually closed. The Anglican Church put the property on the market in 2001 and it was sold into private ownership and is now used by the Korean Presbyterian Church for services.

Source(s):

• Bowd, D. G. (1969). Macquarie Country - A History of the Hawkesbury. F. W. Cheshire Publishing Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia.
• Nichols, Michelle (2001). Disastrous Decade - Flood and Fire in Windsor 1864-1874. Deerubbin Press, Berowra Heights, Australia.
• "Hawkesbury Gazette" 25.7.2001 & 15.1.2003.