Heritage Snapshots series by Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre

The town of Ebenezer, originally known as Portland Head, was first settled in 1802 by eight families of free settlers – this population has now reached over 1000 people according to a 2021 census. These families each followed different Christian denominations, however, came together for worship underneath a nearby tree – this tree still stands today nearby the church. As the community grew, the need for a specific place of worship did too. In 1808 a community meeting was held, and funds were raised for the purchase of land and the erection of a purpose-built church.

The word Ebenezer means ‘The Lord has helped us all the way’ or ‘Stone of Help’ in Christian faiths (1 Samuel: Chapter 7 Verse 12).

In 1809, construction was complete on the first non-conformist (later presbyterian and now uniting) church in Australia – made entirely of locally sources materials and funded exclusively by local fundraising. The Ebenezer Church was one of the first churches built in Australia, and the oldest still-standing churches today.

In addition to the church itself, the building was also used as a schoolhouse, marking the locals as pioneers in youth education of early colonial Australia in addition to their contributions to the agricultural industry. During school sessions, the church was divided into two rooms using a wooden partition. This use of the Church continued until 1887, when a public school opened. The Schoolmaster’s House is also still standing, a large, two-storey sandstone building which was erected in 1817.

Surrounding the Church courtyard is the Ebenezer Cemetery. The cemetery is believed to have started in 1812; however, the oldest records were unfortunately lost to the significant 1967 flood. The oldest existing headstone in the cemetery was placed in 1813. The headstone inscription reads: “In Memory of SARAH GILKERSON who departed this life May 14 1813 Aged 3 weeks.”

While burials no longer occur in this space, the cemetery is still used for the internment of ashes.

Ebenezer Church is still open from 10am – 3pm with a scrumptious Devonshire tea also available (closed Mondays & Tuesdays). Regular Sunday Mass starts from 8:30am.

Interested in learning more about the Historic Hawkesbury? Check out our Heritage Highlights! Self-guided tours including maps and information about significant historical sites.

Image 2 - Ebenezer Church, c.1860, (Hawkesbury Library Service).