Built on land granted to William Wentworth stands Toongabbie Anglican Church. This evangelical Anglican church in Sydney’s west holds a rich history. It’s the sole church in its parish.
The original church St Mary’s Toongabbie opened in 1889. Bishop Barry laid its foundation stone. A large crowd celebrated with a luncheon. The event was significant for the then remote area. The small brick building was 30 feet by 25 feet. It served a community eager for a place of worship. Securing clergy proved challenging. The Dean of Sydney provided lay readers to help. Boundary disputes between parishes worsened the shortage. In July 1889 the parish bell was unveiled.
Paul B Elwell a landowner and congregation member was licensed as a lay reader in 1892. His daughter was a long-time organist. The early congregation thrived in a mostly forested area. This area slowly transformed into farmland. In 1891 surplus land from church establishment was sold.
World War I greatly impacted the parish. Newspaper lists recorded the names of parishioners lost in the war. The church building deteriorated. Renovations were planned despite the war. A new Bonds garment factory nearby sparked residential growth. By 1930 the area was predominantly residential. Electricity arrived in 1920 along Binalong Road.
Toongabbie Anglican Church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1939. An old lamp from the first services was reused. A lantern lecture was given. A birthday cake was shared. Jubilee gifts included a chancel carpet brass vases and tablecloths. A provisional parish was created in 1950. Out centers in Toongabbie and Girraween merged with Seven Hills. The parish urbanized leading to a larger congregation.
Toongabbie became a full parish in the 1970s. The parish included several churches. St John’s and St Mark’s were later sold. Holy Trinity a wooden structure was also part of the parish. A new church building began in 1989. The foundation stone was laid in 1990. The original St Mary’s church was demolished in 1994. This decision faced some local opposition. Today Toongabbie Anglican Church continues to serve its community. It offers various services and activities for all ages. The church stands as a testament to enduring faith. It reflects the growth and evolution of Sydney’s western suburbs.