Extracted from one of our Publications:
"Grafton
and the Early Days on the Clarence"
- see Publications Page.
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH
In 1847 the Diocese of Newcastle was formed which included
all the territory north of Newcastle and the whole of Queensland.
Grafton was the headquarters of a Parish which included the
Clarence, Richmond and Tweed districts. Dr. William Tyrell
was the first Biship to visit here coming on horseback from
Newcastle, via Armidale. He held a confirmation service in
the Old Court House in 1850.
1868 saw the formation of the diocese of Armidale and Grafton,
Bishop Sawyer being the first Bishop. His home was formerly
the home of William Kirchner, below the present cemetery. After
conducting a service in the old church built in 1854 on the
corner of Duke and Victoria Streets he was returning home by
boat when almost in sight of home the boat sank and he was
drowned.
