Mining

Faith & Education

Faith in God, & education, were regarded as cornerstones of the community, a belief which Governor Macquarie had set in stone (literally). 

In 1881, North & Henry Barber applied to the newly formed Education Department for the establishment of a school in Katoomba. Faulconbridge politician Henry Parkes, another man motivated by these Christian principles, had played a major role in establishing public education in NSW.

North's home, "Waimea", was the venue for the first church service in Katoomba in 1877. The preacher was Mr Stephan Glossop, Secretary of the Lay Preachers Association of the Congregational Church. The Station Master, Mr James, held Sunday School in the railway station waiting room. Services were later moved to a hall which North had had erected for use as a school room. 

More Info