That was when it was granted to Captain Robert Lethbridge.
The first Christ Church in Flushcombe Road was built in 1876 in Flushcombe Road. In 1911 the Anglican Church decided to purchase four blocks of land on the opposite side of Flushcombe Road, through to Campbell Street, at a cost of £80, as it was considered more economical to obtain a new church site, rather than repair the old building.
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In 1912 the specifications for the new church were substantial, showing dimensions of 50 ft x 25 ft, with an 18 ft chancel. The Committee felt that would satisfy future needs and allow expansion.
From that time on until the outbreak of World War II money was raised through concerts, bazaars, flower shows etc. After the war, efforts were renewed in fund raising.
The foundation stone for the new church at 78 Flushcombe Road was laid October 21, 1956 and the dedication service held on April 14, 1957 in a ceremony attended by Archbishop Mowll.
The second Church would, in the late 1950s, have a direct historical association with Flushcombe Turrets. All four turrets can clearly be seen in a photograph by Alan Filmer, circa 1958.
However, they were again moved several years later and two of the turrets were lost. The remaining two and the gate were taken to Lancelot Street and placed in a reserve, where they remain today, by Gordon Simpson, who was a very civic minded resident and had access to heavy equipment.
He and some volunteers moved the remaining two turrets when it was discovered that a new minister had ordered their removal from the church grounds and two had already been dumped.
A unique occasion for the parish took place on June 6, 1954, when a Drive-in Service of Family Worship was held on the site of the proposed second church, as non use of the land was liable to incur rates and taxes.
It is believed to have been the first service of that type to be held in Australia.
While drive-in movie theatres were well known, such services for a church involving motor cars was unique at that time.
The Church was later sold to Blacktown City Council for use as an Arts Centre. It is a good example of adaptive re-use of a heritage building, although the extent of the internal alterations is not clear.
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It was officially opened on October 3, 2002 as Blacktown Arts Centre and later renamed Leo Kelly Arts Centre.
From 1957 to 1998 it was of important social significance to people of the Anglican religion [Church of England] as a place of worship, baptism, marriage, funerals and other religious services.
This social association with the building continues to this day, particularly to those who may have been baptised or married there.
The building also has modern relevance, in that it demonstrates cultural interchange, and provides ethnic communities with a base in which to display traditional and cultural works, and also performance.
In both these roles, past and present, the building has been outstanding. It has a strong association with ethnic cultural groups and also its previous role as a place of worship and spirituality.
The recent sale by Blacktown City Council to the Walker Corporation has put the future of the church at risk. It is not protected by the Local Environment Plan, although an application has been submitted. It is the oldest place of worship in the CBD and environs.
It has historical association with Flushcombe Turrets. It has a strong association with the life of a group of persons [ie, those of the Anglican faith] and was an important part of their social, cultural and religious and spiritual history.
Hopefully it will be retained and not join the list of Blacktown heritage buildings that have been lost.
