Open Day at 'Parkwood' Chapel
3 November 2010
Community members are urged to take a rare opportunity to visit Parkwood Chapel when it will be open to the public on Saturday 6th.
Thomas Southwell arrived in Australia in 1838 and came to the Ginninderra Creek area in 1840. He was a staunch Wesleyan and began holding prayer meetings and church services in his home. When his home became too small he built a slab church which he replaced in 1880 with a granite building.
The granite chapel was built without foundations as was done in those days. The recent drought dried the clay sub-soil and caused the walls to move and crack. Earlier this year the Southwell Family Society repaired and underpinned the walls and painted the chapel, both inside and out. This was done after advice from the heritage adviser from the Yass Valley Council.
The open day is organized to give an opportunity for family members and the general public to view the restored building. It will also allow family members time to spend together.
[with thanks to Jim and Pam Grace]