St. Michael's church, Mitcham

It was not really a lot of fun shooting this outdoors blip today in 43C. Why you might ask did I do it. I had made up my mind several days ago to do this famous old Anglican church at Mitcham, one a mile away from our favourite bug hunting grounds at the Brownhill Creek.

It is a beautiful building and by South Australian standards quite an old church. Seen clearer in LARGE. You may recall I blipped another old Anglican Church in this same general area, being St. Johns back on 6th November.

The foundation stone of Saint Michael's Church was laid on the 30th of September 1848, when the colony of South Australia was a mere 12 years old, with the first service being held on the 17th of October 1852. Consecration of the church was deferred, as it was still unfinished - "neither ceiled nor plastered, with temporary doors and calico windows" stated a report of the time. The architect who designed the church was a Mr. Weir.

During 1859, two acres of land and a house on the eastern side of Fullarton Road nearby were purchased as a Parsonage. It was to remain in use for 99 years until the present rectory was built in 1958.

In 1863 the southern nave was built to accommodate the increased congregation, the architect being Edmund Wright, whose name is commemorated in Edmund Wright House in the city centre of Adelaide. He also had links with the Tower of London.

The priest's vestry was added in 1871, and the choir vestry in 1899. The original St. Michael's Hall on Princes Road was built in 1890 as a parish hall and, until 1953, used as a day school.

The Parish of Mitcham has had fourteen incumbents. Since 1893 with the appointment of The Rev'd A W Clampett the incumbent has been styled Rector of the Parish.
The light was very harsh and I am pleased this turned out as it did, SOOC.