The Croaker Memorial Church

Frederick James Croaker was general manager of the North and North-West properties of The New Zealand and Australian Land Company. One of the properties Mr Croaker managed was Walhallow at Caroona NSW, where he lived.

Before the deaths of Frederick and his wife Amelia in 1920, church services were held in the woolshed at Walhallow. After their deaths a local committee was formed to raise money to build a church, and more than one thousand pounds was raised. The New Zealand and Australian Land Company donated the land, the sandstone, and the timber. Church furnishings were donated by Frederick and Amelia's children and local families. The architect of the church was Philip Ernest Ranclaud of Tamworth, and the contractor was Richard Worrall of Sydney.

By general consent, the church was dedicated to Frederick James Croaker. The foundation stone was laid on 24 November 1923 by Mr C.P. Thomas of Quirindi, and the church opened for worship on Saturday 14 June 1924. Church of England, Presbyterian, and Methodist services were held in the church.

Due to a diminishing congregation, the church is now only used for weddings, christenings, funerals, and Christmas services.

In 2011 the church was placed on the Liverpool Plains Shire Council heritage register, and received a $3 500 grant, which church donors matched dollar-for-dollar. This allowed some much needed repair and maintenance work to be done. However there is still over $45 000 of stonework required, and some interior and exterior painting.

The church is managed by three trustees, with a lot of help from Mrs G. Clift of Caroona. The trustees are David and Andrew Croaker, both descendants of Frederick and Amelia. One trustee position is vacant.

You are welcome to contact either trustee for further information.

Donations for the ongoing maintenance of the church may be made to BSB 112879 Acc# 482476238, or by posting a cheque made out to "Croaker Memorial Church Maintenance Fund" to 2 Hicks Ave, South Turramurra NSW 2074 Australia.