The Church on The Hill

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The Church on The Hill

The Church on the Hill is a historic landmark nestled in Old Noarlunga. We look forward to welcoming you back to a beautifully restored sanctuary.
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We are currently under restoration to preserve our heritage and enhance our sacred spaces.

02/10/2024

Ever wondered why Adelaide is known as the "City of Churches"? It’s more than just a catchy nickname!

Find out how this historical reputation took shape and why the churches are such an integral part of Adelaide's cultural identity.

29/09/2024

Ever wondered why churches were often built on hills? Apparently, there’s more to it than just the view. Check out the reasons behind this fascinating tradition below:

25/09/2024

When Reverend Miller and the committee set out to improve The Church on The Hill, they encountered an unexpected challenge—local goats devoured the newly planted trees! Despite this, their efforts laid the foundation for the church we know today.

Learn more stories about The Church on The Hill by following our socials!

24/09/2024

Did you celebrate your wedding at The Church on The Hill? We want to hear your story! Share your cherished photos and memories with us, and let’s celebrate the many moments of love that have filled this historic church over the years.

Your stories are part of what makes this place so special, and we’d be delighted to hear them.

16/09/2024

This only highlighted the dedication and commitment of those who made the effort to attend services at The Church on The Hill, despite the physical challenges. Their perseverance reflects a deep sense of faith and community, qualities that have kept the church alive through the years.

The Church's challenging location on top of the hill also served as a reminder of the resilience required to maintain a strong and vibrant community in Old Noarlunga.

13/09/2024

The first recorded divine service at the Horseshoe Inn took place on a Sunday, with Mr. Bock, the inn's landlord, preparing the space and Miss Plaisted leading hymns on her organ. This setup was considered a significant improvement over previous temporary worship places, marking an important step in the community's spiritual life.
Eventually, The Church on The Hill stood as a permanent place of worship, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the community.

Source: Adelaide Times 3 Aug 1850
Image: Horseshoe Hotel, Noarlunga [B 7848], (State Library South, Australia)

09/09/2024

With The Church on The Hill’s castellated tower and strategic position on the old coach road, it has stood as a visible symbol of community for many generations.
We are doing our best in our restoration efforts so the church continues to inspire and remain a beacon for years to come.

06/09/2024

The Onkaparinga River, winding through Old Noarlunga, has been a vital part of the community’s history and development, much like The Church on The Hill that overlooks its banks. In the early days, the river was a hub of activity, supporting trade and life in the region. Our historic Church on the other hand has stood as a spiritual beacon, watching over the river and its people for generations.

Image: Onkaparinga River [B 3318] (State Library South, Australia)

02/09/2024

Check out this incredible timelapse of our Vestry Window restoration process. This video captures the meticulous work that goes into preserving the beauty and integrity of our historic Church on The Hill.

Follow our socials to stay updated on our restoration progress.

30/08/2024

Les and Ethel Penley were married 100 years ago at the Church on The Hill on the 12th of April 1924.

They've built a beautiful family with four children, 14 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. Their love story is a testament to enduring love and the strong foundation of their union, which started right here at The Church on The Hill.
If you want to share your personal stories about The Church on The Hill, just send us a message.

26/08/2024

This quote perfectly captures the essence of our ongoing efforts to restore The Church on The Hill. Restoring a historic landmark is not just about repairing what is broken; it’s about honouring the original craftsmanship while gently breathing new life into the structure. Each step of the restoration process requires meticulous care, an understanding of the church's historical significance, and a deep respect for the legacy it represents. Through patience and skill, we aim to preserve the church's beauty and ensure it continues to inspire future generations.

23/08/2024

Did you know that Australia is home to over 60 churches dedicated to St. James or with St. James on the name? One of them is right here in Old Noarlunga—St. Philip and St. James, now known as The Church on The Hill. This fact connects our historic church to a rich tradition that spans across the country, highlighting its significance in both local and national heritage.

Follow our socials for more in-depth information on all things The Church on The Hill.

Source: Australian Friends of the Camino Newsletter No. 22

19/08/2024

Here’s a sneak peek of what our restoration team is currently working on. Stay tuned to see the restored Vestry once it’s completed.

16/08/2024

The Bethlehem-Stained Glass window at The Church on The Hill honours the life and service of Eleanor Maynard. Unveiled in 1934, this stunning artwork symbolises the light she brought to the community. Funded by friends from across the state, the window is a beautiful reminder of Eleanor's enduring legacy and her unwavering commitment to her church and community. A cherished piece of history, it continues to inspire and commemorate her contributions.

Follow our socials for more in-depth information on all things The Church on The Hill.

12/08/2024

Let us show support to our local artist Fiona Taylor, who has crafted this beautiful terracotta planter that pays tribute to the enduring beauty and significance of our beloved church.

Her art will also be featured in the Royal Adelaide Show this year. Join us in celebrating Fiona's work and let’s follow her on Instagram at .fat.bird to see more of her incredible creations.

Got your own Church on The Hill artwork? Send us a message so we can feature your work and celebrate your craft.

12/08/2024

At The Church on the Hill, this sentiment guides our restoration efforts. As we work to preserve and restore this historic landmark, we honour its rich history and cultural significance. Each step in our journey not only revives the beauty of the past but also ensures that the church will continue to be a beacon for the community and generations to come.

09/08/2024

The Church on The Hill, with its deep roots in the early development of South Australia, is more than just a building; it's a living testament to our community and the pioneers who built it. It stands as a cherished landmark, preserving memories and inspiring future generations with its architectural and historical significance.

The Church has been State Heritage listed since 1985 and while this has contributed to a lengthier restoration than we were planning, we are happy to bring the building into modern times while retaining the integrity of the past.

05/08/2024

This historic photograph from 1865-67 captures The Church on The Hill above Horse Shoe Bend on Onkaparinga Creek. The image shows a serene yet bustling Onkaparinga, a key inland loading-point 35 kilometers south of Adelaide. In the era of glass negatives and long exposures, such photographs were prized for documenting the progress of the colonies and now offer a rich aesthetic and historical insight.

Follow our socials for more interesting facts about The Church on The Hill.

Image: Anne Gray (ed), Australian art in the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, 2002

02/08/2024

We’re pleased to share images of the restoration work on the wall and brick arch doorway from the vestry to the sanctuary. The process mirrored the Chancel window restoration, involving plaster removal, rebuilding, and securing structures. This wall, primarily limestone, contrasts with the window’s mix of bluestone, limestone, slate, and some red brick remnants. Our ongoing efforts ensure the enduring strength and beauty of our beloved church.

Follow our socials to stay updated on our restoration progress.

29/07/2024

The Church on the Hill stands as a testament to community and craftsmanship. The stone for the building was sourced from the riverbanks. Crafted by local stonemasons William Davey and Mr. Shepard, the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Augustus Short, the first Church of England Bishop of South Australia, in 1850. This historical landmark continues to inspire with its rich legacy.

Follow our socials for more historical facts about The Church on The Hill.

26/07/2024

The foundation stone of The Church on the Hill, was laid by Bishop Short in March 1850, just 14 years after the proclamation of the State of South Australia. At that time, the bustling township featured a regular cattle market in Market Square, a flour mill by the river, and active river trade to Port Noarlunga.

For more Old Noarlunga and The Church on The Hill history, please follow our socials.

Image: Steam Flour Mill on the Onkaparinga River, South Australia (State Library South, Australia)
Source: Western Fleurieu Anglicans

22/07/2024

The fog rolls in, wrapping The Church on the Hill in a serene, mystical embrace. A moment of quiet beauty in our ongoing restoration journey.

19/07/2024

Originally built with calico windows, The Church on the Hill underwent significant transformations as glass replaced the fabric. Between the 1890s and 1930s, five exquisite leadlight windows were added, showcasing the church's evolving craftsmanship and commitment to historic preservation. These windows not only beautified the church but also stand as a testament to the dedication of those who have cared for this historic landmark over the years.

The Church window featured in the image is currently undergoing restoration so make sure to follow us to see the final work once it’s completed!

Source: Australian Christian Church Histories

15/07/2024

We're excited to share photos of the recent restoration work on our Chancel window. The project included removing plaster, rebuilding the brick archway, and installing a sandstone drip stone above the window. Repairs also involved securing the window frame, assessing and removing damaged wall sections, and rebuilding with lime mortar. This meticulous work ensures the structural integrity and beauty of our historic church is preserved for future generations.

Stay tuned for more updates on our restoration journey.

22/05/2024

We're delighted to share this stunning textile art piece by Denise Gaskell, capturing the essence of The Church on The Hill! Her use of textiles brings us a unique depth and texture to the artwork, adding to its allure and charm.

We're always amazed by the creativity of our community! Have your own artwork, photos, or stories to share? We'd love to hear from you too!

Share your creations and stories with us and be part of our growing community!

Special thanks to Denise Gaskell and Jason Bentley for sharing this masterpiece with us!

Check out Denise's website for more of her amazing artworks!
https://dgaskell3.wixsite.com/textileart

Address

30 Church Hill Road
Adelaide, SA
5158

Website

http://www.thechurchonthehill.com.au/

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Videos

Check out this incredible timelapse of our Vestry Window restoration process. This video captures the meticulous work that goes into preserving the beauty and integrity of our historic Church on The Hill. Follow our socials to stay updated on our restoration progress.