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Archiver > AUS-PT-JACKSON-CONVICTS > 2005-04 > 1112440309


From: "Lois Wilson" <>
Subject: orphans & churches
Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2005 21:12:44 +1000


Hi Listers, Recently on visiting Fairfield I was told that St James Anglican Church was to be demolished as they didnt have a minister or many congregation. WRONG. The church has been heritage listed as it was built in 1857 and it looks as if it was built from convict made bricks. My parents were married there and my grandparents were buried there so it is sentimental and heritage for me. Not sure what is going to happen to the graves but they could be moved elsewhere. Maybe some listers have rels buried there.

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Another piece of info was the unearthing of the Male Orphan School at Bonnyrigg. Quote from the local Fairfield newspaper. "Descendents of the former Male Orphan School at Bonnyrigg will be attending the Fairfield Museum and Gallery's exhibition launch on the site new week. The former Orphan School is one of the most significant heritage sites in Fairfield. The exhibition is being developed as the result of a recent archeological excavation on the site and visitors can find out what life was like for the boys at the school between 1824 &1850. Along with the adjoinig Masters resident (also known as Bonntrigg House) it is listed on the national heritage list. The curator, Fiona Starr , said the boys who attended were not all orphans-some were the children of convicts and
parents who were unable to look after them. The boys were taught trades such as animal farming, shoemaking, and winemaking at the school. Ms Starr said descendents of the orphans and staff are keen to share stories of their ancestors for the exhibition. Kathy Currans GGG/father John Curran was placed in the orphanage at youg age in 1821 by his povery stricken stepmother. He later ran away to Sydney and became an apprentice tailor.
The launch is Wed Mar 30th and the exhibition runs to April 21. Children may also dig about with a free school holiday activity, Hands on Heritge Archeology for kids, with archaeologist Peter Douglas on Wed April 13 from 10am to 11.30am. Details on ph 9609 3993." End of quote. Thought this may interest some listers.
Lois Far North Coast.

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