Image: Holy Name of Mary Church archives

Next time you are watching a game of cricket being played on the grounds opposite St Joseph’s College on Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill – close your eyes for a moment and picture the entire area covered in grape vines.

Over hundred years ago the Villa Maria Monastery had its own vineyards. They were principally for the manufacture of altar wine with a small quantity set aside for table wine for the use of the Villa Maria community. The quality of the table wine left a lot to be desired, although the 1874 vintage appears to have been exceptional.

It was reported ‘This year our wine has been wonderful, we have made 16 barrels of wine, and good stuff too.”  The last recorded vintage was 1906.

Figtree Chapel just before demolition

When next visiting the Hunters Hill Hotel stroll across the road to the Moreton Bay fig tree and small garden opposite the shops.  You’ll discover underneath the shade of the tree a sandstone plinth with a plaque. This marks the original entrance way to Figtree Chapel, the oldest public building in Hunters Hill, which was saved at the 11th hour from total destruction.

The sandstone church was relocated just down the road to Figtree Road, Hunters Hill where is resplendently stands today as St Mark’s Church.  After it was moved, the congregation added stained glass windows and other traditional features which have enhanced this lovely and quaint church.