St Andrew's Church in Walcha is the oldest building standing in the town and the oldest church in the Armidale Anglican Diocese, and it is in desperate need of salvation. The building is in a state of disrepair and has not been used since the 1990s; however, a group of residents want to change this and bring the building back to life. They have begun to raise $50,000 to put towards work to save the building and its historic stained glass windows. Each week I tell the story behind a window.
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Robert Arthur Wauch was born at Trinity, near Edinburgh, Scotland on 25th December 1833 to Captain Robert Andrew Wauch and Mary (nee Gillot). As a child he came to Australia with his parents. His father was of the 48th Foot Regiment and with other military men settled at Port Macquarie NSW later acquiring the land which is still known as Wauchope.
Mr Robert Arthur Wauch became actively engaged in pastoral pursuits in the New England district. He acquired 'Branga Park', Walcha which was in possession of the family for over sixty years. He married on 10th July 1867 Mary Jane Richardson, daughter of Ralph Richardson of Durham, England and had three sons, namely Rawden Arthur, Hugh Oswald and Robert Andrew Ralph. His daughters were Florence Mary, Lily Augusta and Roberta Margaret Wauch.
After Mary Jane died on 16th August 1883 of cardiac disease, Robert Wauch married her sister Annie on 3rd July 1884 at 'Branga Park'. Robert died on 14th February 1923 and with Annie who died on 4th September 1915, is buried in the cemetery on the property.
The window is on the left and is part of a pair at the north rear of the church. They are not related and have been made at different times. The inscription reads:
'In memory of R. A. Wauch, Mary and Ann. Dedicated by his family.'
The theme is St. Peter The background drapery and decoration is detailed and well executed. This is the most badly damaged window in the church with multiple fractures and loss of glass. The lower part will need to be reconstructed with matching pieces.
There are many Wauch descendants in the Walcha district and beyond.
Thank you for donating to "Friends of the Old Stone Church" at Regional Australia Bank BSB 932000, Account 100284339