Alonzo Sparkes Birth and Baptismal Records

Alonzo Sparkes

 

Alonzo Sparkes was born in Brisbane on 24th August, 1848.

 

He was baptised in St John's Church of England Church in Brisbane on 4th February, 1849.

 

On the baptismal record his father is recorded as William Jackson Sparkes and his mother as Mary Ann.

 

William Jackson Sparkes' occupation is noted as a storekeeper and his address is Brisbane.

 

The baptism was performed by Benjamin Glennie, a deacon who was temporarily  taking charge of the pastoral duties since the priest, Rev. John Gregor had been accidently drowned on 22nd January, 1848 at Nundah.

 

At the time of Alonzo's baptism, St Johns Church was a converted carpenter's shop and store.  The parish of St John was established in 1834 and remained this way until 1854 when a new church was consecrated.

 

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Christ Church, St Laurence, Sydney, New South Wales

Construction of the church began in 1840 on the site of the parish hall which had been there since 1830.

 

Henry Robertson was the original architect and the church was completed in 1841 by Edmund Blacket.

 

Christ Church, St Laurence was consecrated in 1845.

 

It stands at 507 Pitt Street, Sydney but its entrances is via 812 George Street.

 

In the 1st photo the church is at the far left.  At this stage it has no steeple. 

 

In the middle of the photo is the Sydney Turnpike.  Gates crossed both George and Pitt Streets and tolls were charged for the maintenance of the roads.  The gate keeper's  lodge was in  the apex of the triangle of the turnpike.

 

The building on the right was the Benevolent Asylum.  It was erected on Pitt Street in 1820.

 

 

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