St Raphael's

June 1910 marked a pivotal juncture for the Upper Stowport Anglican Church, christened St. Raphael's, as it neared the culmination of its construction endeavors. Poised to emerge as a paragon of architectural charm along the coastal landscape, this forthcoming sanctuary bore the promise of accommodating a congregation ranging between 60 to 70 devout worshippers.

Emanating an aura of aesthetic splendor, the interior boasted embellishments of stained and varnished oak complemented by the soothing hues of pale green adorning its walls. A testament to meticulous craftsmanship, an apse dedicated to the altar stood as a focal point within the sacred space. Architectural details, reminiscent of early Gothic influences, manifested in the design of the five windows and doors, adorned with page green-tinted cathedral glass, imparting a sense of transcendent tranquility upon the sanctuary.

Situated atop a gentle incline, graciously donated by the benevolent hand of John Sturzaker, this divine haven occupied a parcel of land spanning approximately a third of an acre. However, the vicissitudes of nature posed a formidable challenge to the church's existence in 1912, when bushfires ravaged the surrounding district, imperiling the sanctity of this cherished institution. Yet, through the indefatigable efforts of Mr. John Sturzaker and the concerted collaboration of his neighbors, the hallowed precincts of St. Raphael's were preserved from the ravages of the inferno, ensuring its enduring presence as a beacon of spiritual solace within the community.

Circa 1959 bear witness to the obliteration of this church at the hands of a tempestuous willy willy. This whirlwind, with its ferocious might, laid waste to the sacred edifice, erasing its physical manifestation from the landscape.