New Church on the Gilbert.— A correspondent writes as follows:— ‘A very neat and substantial church is now nearly completed at Chinckford, at the head of the Gilbert, in the Hundred of Saddleworth. The size of the building is 30 feet long, 16 feet wide inside, and 12 feet from floor to ceiling. It is built of stone obtained on the land, of a light colour, easy to work, and durable. The edifice reflects great credit on the masons engaged in the erection. The door and windows are in the Gothic style, made by Mr. Hunt, of Mintaro, who, in point of workmanship and material, has given great satisfaction to the Building Committee. The church, though small, has a neat and pretty appearance, and from its central position is easy of access to the congregation. One feature in connection with this building is that all the stone, lime, and sand were put on the ground by the congregation free of expense. The walls were built at a cost of only £4, which was for extra work in the Gothic arches. The roof was put on free of expense, except the material, which has to be paid for. The plasterer expects to finish early next week. The opening is fixed for an early day in October, to be followed by a tea meeting and a public meeting next evening. The Sunday-school is progressing favourably. The subscription-list amounts to nearly £50; but it will require double that sum to complete the internal fittings; for as the local Trustees, in conjunction with the Building Committee, desire to steer clear of debt, they only intend to put up some common deal seats, and use the ground for a floor until money is more plentiful. The building is called Immanuel Church, so named several years since by a much-esteemed lady then residing at Kapunda.’
Note: “Manoora was originally called Chingford.” – Heritage Survey of the Lower North, D. C. Saddleworth and Auburn, Part 2, Dept. Environment and Planning, Adelaide, 1983, p. 24. Also spelt as Chinkford.