“A very fine bell has been presented to the little Kirk by T K Scott Esq. of “Gingie Station”.

Then on 5 February 1914, a disastrous fire destroyed the Church and Manse.

DISASTROUS FIRE

Presbyterian Church and Manse Destroyed.  Two Other Buildings Gutted.

At about 7.30 yesterday (Wednesday) morning the local fire bell clanged that awe inspiring alarm which is always heard with feelings of utmost dread.  A casual glance round revealed the fact the Presbyterian Manse was on fire and judging by the great volume of smoke issuing from the burning building, it was plainly seen that the fire had got a very firm hold.  People rushed from all directions to the scene of the conflagration and the fire hose and reel recently the property of the Fire Brigade soon appeared upon the scene.  The flames quickly consumed the Manse and from the first alarm there was no possible chance of saving it.  As the flames leapt into the air however and the heat and smoke became stifling, a large body of willing workers turned their attention to the saving of the Scott Memorial Church, which it will be remembered, was erected but a few years at a considerable cost and was one of the best Church building up country.  The flames from the manse licked the eaves of the find Church building, the wall smoked, but still gallant fighters kept it in check and would have undoubtedly saved the building but for the fact that the water supply was weak.  The full force had not been turned on and in the absence of a properly controlled Fire Brigade, prompt measures were not taken to turn the full force of the bore into the main.  The flames were not to be rebuffed.  Time after time their onslaughts were reputed, but eventually the Church caught light and in less than no time it was nothing but a mass of seething flames.  Attention was turned to the contents of the building.  The organ was saved a a number of the seats.  A breeze sprang up and fanned the flames.  The residence of Donald Murray was the next building in the wake of the fire fiend and being an old one, it fell an exceptionally easy victim.  In the meantime the water force had improved and the fire fighters fought with renewed energy.  The house adjoining McDonald’s residence was consumed, but at that the battlers against the flames proclaimed a victory.  The next building, which all but adjoined the one just consumed was left standing, though seriously damaged.  The Church and contents and the Manse were insured, but not for anything like the amount of the loss.  The Church was one of the finest structures in the town and one of the windows (Scott Memorial ) cost upwards of ₤200.

23 May 1885

A new organ has arrived for the Church.  A beautiful instrument much admired. 
Mr Higgens of Carinda chose it while in Sydney.  It cost about ₤40.

 
NEW  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

Following donations promised at a recent Church Meeting, the Committee decided to advertise tenders for construction of a new building, hoping that local talent would compete and contribute to the call.

FOUNDATION  STONE  LAID

(No date provided)  On Tuesday afternoon last Mr A E Scott of “Gingie” Station laid he foundation stone of the new Presbyterian Church, which is in course of construction to replace the fine building which was destroyed by fire about eighteen months ago.  There was a large number of people in attendance. The Rev J Hansen presided and was pleased to say that the new Church would occupy the space formerly used by the previous church.

Silver trowels were presented to Mr A Scott and Mr C N Vaughan who were honoured to lay the foundation stone of the Church.

Some of the furniture from the Church was donated to the Walgett District Historical Society.