This collection of caches has nothing to do with the Church Micro series in the UK. Given that the Australian 2021 census indicates that No Religion and Jedi Knight are still the fastest increasing classifications of the optional religion question "What is the person's religion?" it is not surprising that there is surfeit of empty churches that have been repurposed.
The former St John the Evangelist Anglican Church, is located on the corner of North Terrace and East Terrace, Laura. It is now closed, and the property was sold in June 2021.
The first recorded Anglican service in Laura was held in August 1873, in the Laura Hotel, conducted by the Rev Hartley Williams. The church building was erected/opened a few years later.
The original foundation stone was laid by Mrs. Sabine, wife of Thomas Frederick Sabine, a lay-reader and prominent businessman in the district.
Specifications of the building were apparently drawn up by the contractors Messrs Hew and Shephard, contract price was £375 but possibly reached £500..
Mr Melville Burgess of Laura, records that the stone for the church was quarried, carted and given by his grandfather, Levi Burgess, and his 6 sons. The pews were the gift of Mrs. Levi Burgess.
There are two dated foundation stones visible from North Terrace. The years marked on the foundation stones (oldest first) are ABCD and EFGH. Use these numbers to calculate the final coordinates as follows:
S33 (C+H).G(A+F)(A+E) E138 EB.(C-D)(G-D)(D+E)
Checksums: 26 and 32
The church is now privately owned and there is no need to enter the property. Please respect their privacy.
Have fun!