Broughton Road

Yacka SA 5470

Yacka is a small town of around 200 in the shallow valley of the Broughton River in the mid north of South Australia. Situated between Clare and Gladstone, it was also a station on the Gladstone-Balaklava railway, which closed by 1993.

St James Church was built in 1894, along with its twin, St Johns Koolunga (the latter which was sadly demolished).The plans for the two churches were approved by the Bishop of Adelaide at the time.

Priests were poorly paid during the pioneer years, therefore, the land surrounding the Church enabled families to be self sufficient with their cow, horse, poultry and vegetable garden.

There were also gifts from the Parish families of meat and hay and other useful goods.

In the early days of rural settlement, there was genuine charity, sharing and helping each other, without the support of a welfare system as we have today.
The Priest travelled the area by horse and sulky and often stayed overnight with parishioners.

This Church was often the first posting after Ordination of some Priests, who invigorated a growing community at the time.

Prior to the use of cars, country communities were very close and social events were well attended. The Church had its social calendar, too. The Annual Parish Ball was a big occasion with the ladies sewing their gowns, planning the Hall decorations, and the renowned supper for many weeks beforehand. Other popular events included card afternoons, "At Home" afternoons, and the annual Yacka Strawberry Fete.

There was never an official Guild formed, but there was always a group of people willing to love and care for St James. This care is evident, and is the predominant reason that it stands so proudly today.

The church, with its stone/sandstone construction, is complemented by red brick feature quoins which adorn the structure from all sides, as well as the relatively austere leadlight.

Inside, there is a small vestry where the priests may have dressed in their robes, and it may have held Sunday school classes for children.

In absolutely superb condition for its age, it is perfectly suited for future holiday accommodation, for owner occupiers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, or for travellers using it as a base to explore further into the North, perhaps to the Flinders Ranges, or even beyond.

The property currently sits on two valuable allotments of around 4,000sqm (approx). There is the opportunity to subdivide in future (STCC), particularly given the position that the Church currently occupies on the land.
There are good quality homes surrounding the property.

A perfect chance to secure this superb piece of South Australian history, rich in provenance, just 2 hours north of Adelaide.

CT: 5836/510
LGA: NORTHERN AREAS
Land Size: 4,040.00sqm