Our History

The story of Ebenezer Church begins in June 1802, when eight families arrived in New South Wales aboard the Coromandel. The families—Davison, Hall, Howe, Johnston, Johnstone, Mein, Stubbs, and Turnbull—had requested to be settled together in the new colony.

Governor Philip Gidley King granted their request, and in early 1803 they took up land grants at Portland Head, on the Hawkesbury River.

Seven other families subsequently joined them: Arndell, Bushell, Grono, Cavanough, Jacklin, Suddis and Jones. Although they came from different Christian traditions, these families gathered regularly for worship, initially outdoors on Ebenezer Mount and in settlers' homes.

James Mein, one of the original settlers, provided spiritual leadership, guiding the congregation in prayers and hymns.

In 1808, the families gathered at the home of Dr Thomas Arndell, a surgeon who had arrived with the First Fleet. Together they committed themselves to building a church and school, funded entirely through voluntary contributions rather than government assistance.

Owen Cavanough donated four acres of land for the project, while Andrew Johnston designed and supervised construction. They used local sandstone, cedar, and hardwood, and completed the building in 1809.

The church they built remains a place of worship today, more than two centuries later.

From its earliest days, Ebenezer Church served not only as a place of worship but also as a centre of education for the surrounding community.

The original sandstone building was divided by a cedar partition into two rooms: one for worship and the other for school. Formal education commenced in 1810 under schoolmaster John Youl, making Ebenezer an important part of the development of education in colonial New South Wales.

The nearby Schoolmaster's House, believed to have been constructed in 1817, provided accommodation for the teacher. Today, this historic sandstone building houses the church shop, where visitors can enjoy refreshments and learn more about Ebenezer's story.

The school continued operating until 1887, when a new public school opened.

Throughout this period, the congregation continued to develop its identity. Initially guided by lay leaders and visiting preachers, Ebenezer became closely associated with Presbyterianism.

James Mein played an important role in the congregation's early spiritual life. The Reverend John Dunmore Lang subsequently contributed to its Presbyterian development, and the Reverend John McGarvie became Ebenezer's first ordained minister in 1825.

The story of Ebenezer reminds us that its founders cared not only for their own worship but also for the education and wellbeing of the wider community.

More than two centuries after its founding, Ebenezer Church remains a place of worship, community, and welcome.

The vision of its pioneering families went beyond building a church. They built a community where faith, education, and mutual support were closely connected. That spirit continues to shape Ebenezer's life today.

Now part of the Uniting Church in Australia, Ebenezer remains an active worshipping community while also welcoming visitors who come to explore its remarkable history.

The historic church, cemetery and Schoolmaster's House provide a tangible connection with the generations who have gathered here. The church also maintains valued relationships with descendants of its founding families, many of whom continue to take an interest in preserving and sharing its heritage.

For some, Ebenezer is a place of family history. For others, it is a place of worship, celebration, remembrance or quiet reflection.

Whatever brings you to Ebenezer, you are welcome to become part of its continuing story.