Snapshot in Time: The English woman whose fundraising made Bluff Point’s St George’s Anglican Church possible

During the 1930s, the Northwest Diocese of the Anglican Church decided to expand its operations to include a second parish in Geraldton. However, this did not eventuate until Cicely Biddle arrived in Geraldton from England in 1933. Miss Biddle raised about £1200 from England for the building of a church in the suburb of Bluff Point, which was completed in 1935 — St George’s Anglican Church. The church’s bell tower was built three storeys high, and the bell weighs more than 300kg. In 1961, a piece of stone from the 1000-year-old St Georges Church in England was incorporated into one of the church walls. The church grounds feature several interesting works such as the lychgate built from local sandstone of an attractive red and cream hue, with a wrought iron gate depicting St George and the Dragon. There are also two beautiful stone colonnades with pillars. Dedicated parishioners are working to restore these historical structures for future generations. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au