A brief history
Maitland became a parish in 1838 and is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Newcastle.
The first St Mary’s Church was designed by James Hume and was a stone building of modest dimensions, situated between the present Church and the Rectory. It was consecrated by Bishop Broughton on 18 June 1843.
By 1859 with concern for the condition of this building and a growing population, a new building was proposed. Plans were drawn up by the Colonial Architect, Edmund T Blackett. The Foundation Stone was laid 7 September 1860 by the Right Reverend Dr Barker (Bishop of Sydney) assisted by the Right Reverend William Tyrell (Bishop of Newcastle).
The church was built using locally quarried Ravensfield Stone. Detailed carved cedar formed the pews, pulpit and altar rails.
St Mary’s church was consecrated in 1878. The tower and steeple were completed in 1887.
St Mary’s Church occupies an iconic architectural and cultural site within the City of Maitland. It is listed as an item of State Significance on the NSW State Heritage Register.