Long ago on the site of Epping Uniting Church stood a convict settlement. This was Barren Ridges a place where convicts toiled. They felled timber for Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Remains of their lives still exist.
Epping Uniting Church’s story begins much later. A Methodist Church was built in 1905 at 40 Oxford Street. This was not far from the train station a sign of Epping’s growth. The building expanded in 1915 and saw further renovations in 1952. A significant event was the installation of a pipe organ in 1953. This was the first pipe organ built by J P Eagles.
The organ was a source of pride for the congregation. It was financed by their generous donations and a loan. The Revd Henry T Wells gave the inaugural recital. The instrument underwent expansion in 1962. This was thanks to Mr P Goodman’s generous donation. The additions included new ranks of pipes.
Later changes to the organ proved more challenging. In 1977 Geoffrey D Kendall undertook a rebuild. This was not entirely successful. A report detailed concerns about the work. It noted issues with carpentry plumbing and electrical work. The organ saw further work from Brown & Arkley and David Morrison and Peter Jewkes. Church members also contributed to repairs over the years.
The organ’s journey ended sadly. By 1996 it needed substantial repairs or replacement. The church acquired an electronic instrument. The much-loved pipe organ was dismantled its parts distributed. The Epping Methodist Church eventually merged with Chester Street Uniting Church in 2010. The Oxford Street building met demolition. Its site is now home to the Oxford Central Epping Apartments. However the legacy of the church and its beloved organ lives on. Parts of the church are in Tonga and aged care facilities. The story of Epping Uniting Church is one of change resilience and community spirit.