Our History

The story of Scots Church, Pitt Town, begins with the pioneering families who settled along the Hawkesbury River in the early nineteenth century.

For many years, Presbyterian families living on the Pitt Town side of the river travelled to Ebenezer Church for worship. Some crossed the river by rowboat, while others travelled by horse or buggy, using the punt at the foot of Bathurst Street.

As the community developed, the need for a church closer to home became increasingly apparent.

William Hall of Percy Place recognised this need and provided the financial support that made Scots Church's construction possible. Through his generosity, the community completed the new church without debt.

Scots Church was constructed from solid blocks of locally quarried Hawkesbury sandstone, transported from Longneck, approximately five kilometres from Pitt Town.

The sandstone blocks were about 350 millimetres thick, and builders shaped the substantial hardwood roof trusses with traditional hand tools. The church furnishings were made of cedar.

The building reflects both the craftsmanship and determination of the nineteenth-century Hawkesbury community.

Scots Church was dedicated on 25 May 1862, with a large congregation gathering for the occasion. The Reverend Craig of Parramatta preached at the dedication service, and the Reverend George Macfie served as parish minister.

A memorial tablet in the church honours William Hall, remembering his integrity, generosity and particular concern for people experiencing poverty.

Since its dedication in 1862, Scots Church has remained an important part of Pitt Town's religious and community life.

Its story has always been closely connected with Ebenezer Church. Although the two churches occupy different locations, they share a common heritage and have long formed one congregation.

Today, Scots Church is part of the Uniting Church in Australia and shares in the Green Hills Parish alongside Ebenezer and Windsor Uniting Church.

The historic sandstone building continues to provide a place for worship, fellowship and reflection, linking the faith and commitment of earlier generations with the life of the congregation today.

As Pitt Town continues to grow and change, Scots Church seeks to remain a welcoming place where people can gather, explore faith and build relationships within the community.