St Matthew’s Anglican Church | Australia Photo Spot
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Located in the rural enclave of Poonindie, St Matthew’s Anglican Church is not just a photographic subject but a landmark rich in history. Initially intended as a schoolroom for the Poonindie Mission founded in 1850 by Archdeacon Matthew Hale and Bishop Short, the limestone building became a church in 1855 due to its stunning craftsmanship. Surrounded by the remnants of barns, cottages, and ruins from the mission days, the area is steeped in history that speaks volumes. The mission was originally established to Christianize local Aboriginal people and grew into a 15,000-acre mixed wheat and sheep farm managed by the Aboriginal community. Given its layered past, photographers have the opportunity to capture not just the church’s Gothic-style architecture but also the surrounding landscapes that bear the imprints of cultural intersections. The church is typically open during daylight hours, and though there’s no entry fee, donations for upkeep are welcomed. For photographers, the golden hour offers perfect lighting to illuminate both the structure and the character of this deeply historical site.
(Poonindie, South Australia, Australia)