Anglican ministry has taken place in the Tumut district since around 1840. The Reverend Samuel Fox was the first Rector of the Parish. In 1857, services commenced in a temporary wooden building at the present riverside location. Then, in 1861, work commenced on the Rectory, which still stands today.
The foundation stone of All Saints’, the present church building, was laid in December 1875.
This is a magnificent brick building in the Norman style, designed by the well-known English-born architect Edmund Blacket. After a number of additions and changes in those early years, the building was completed in 1886. A major restoration project took place in 1985-86.
Other church buildings in the Parish included St Simon’s, Blowering (the site of which is now beneath the waters of the Blowering Dam), St Andrew’s, Tumut Plains (which was moved into Tumut and used for Presbyterian services), St Jude’s, Gilmore (now a private residence). Only Holy Advent, Tumorroma, continues to be used occasionally for Anglican services.
The Parish Hall was built in 1958, and a curate’s cottage in 1975.
The other meeting place within the Parish is the Church of St Paul, Talbingo, an ecumenical church building opened in 1967 and gifted to the Christian community by the Snowy Hydro Scheme.
The Parish of Tumut has a rich history of ministry in the community. It has played host to significant events in the lives of many locals: baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals. Music has been a significant part of our worship, with choirs in earlier days, our historic pipe organ and other instruments still being used. Many look back fondly on the days of Sunday School and Young Anglican programs, which played an important role in shaping the spiritual and social lives of young people. As is the case in many parishes, the Anglican Women’s group has been pivotal in fundraising and catering efforts. The pastoral care program and ministry to the aged continue to be valued by many, as is the work of the Op Shop, NEW2U. Members of the Parish are also involved in ecumenical activities, such as the Tumut Community Pantry and Scripture teaching in local schools.
We are grateful to God for the many blessings He has bestowed on us throughout the life of our Parish, and the strength He has given each generation to persevere in faith and service.
Yet our story is not just about the past; it is about the present and future. The apostle Peter said, “…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) At the end of the day, the church does not consist of physical structures, magnificent though they may be. It is made up of all those who trust in the Lord Jesus, who are called to live lives that honour Him and bear witness to God’s goodness. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue working in and through us, that we may shine the light of Christ in a dark world until He returns.