“Pro Deo Et Patria” These words etched into a foundation stone whisper tales of St George’s Hurstville Anglican Church. They speak of devotion and patriotism. They are a legacy. A legacy built on faith and sacrifice.
Standing before St George’s Hurstville Anglican Church you see more than just bricks and mortar. You see a testament to a community’s enduring spirit. The church’s story begins long ago. In 1856 the parish was part of St Peter’s Cooks River. The original wooden structure was a humble beginning. A “church in the bush” as someone once wrote. Imagine the settlers traveling through thick forests to worship.
In 1888 that first church was demolished. A larger grander church replaced it. The cornerstone of this new St George’s Hurstville Anglican Church was laid in 1889. The Most Reverend Dr Barry himself performed the ceremony. A grand event it must have been. The Sydney Morning Herald even reported on it.
The new church was a marvel. Its walls were 18 inches thick. Made of dark red bricks from Hurstville itself. Inside the walls were lined with Cook’s white bricks. The roof was slate. A beautiful building fit for a growing community. A community that faced the horrors of war.
A later foundation stone commemorates this sacrifice. It mentions those who went forth to the Great War 1914-1918. A testament to the faith that sustained them and those they left behind. The stone was set by Sir Phillip Game Governor of NSW in July 1932.
The church’s story continues to evolve. In 1995 a Chinese ministry began. Responding to the growing Chinese community in Hurstville. Rev Irene Mok led this ministry with support from the English congregation. The church became a melting pot of cultures. A place where different languages and traditions united in worship. St George’s Hurstville Anglican Church now boasts services in English Cantonese and Mandarin. A vibrant community of faith.
Today St George’s Hurstville Anglican Church stands tall. A symbol of faith resilience and community. Its history is rich and complex. It is a story etched in stone. A story whispered by the wind. A story you can feel as you stand in its shadow.