Rokewood Uniting Church
| Rokewood Uniting Church | |
|---|---|
| Rokewood Presbyterian Church | |
Rokewood Uniting Church | |
| 37°54′02″S 143°43′16″E / 37.900530°S 143.721208°E | |
| Address | 60 Ferrars Street, Rokewood, Victoria |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Uniting (since 1977) |
| History | |
| Status | Closed (private residence) |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Davidson and Henderson |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Victorian Gothic |
| Years built | 1865-1866, 1905 (spire) |
| Closed | 2020 |
| Clergy | |
| Chaplain | |
| Official name | Rokewood Presbyterian Church |
| Type | Heritage Place |
| Reference no. | 185013 |
| Heritage Overlay number | HO101, HO61 |
Rokewood Uniting Church (formerly Rokewood Presbyterian Church) is a heritage-listed church building located in Rokewood, Victoria, Australia. The church, dating from 1866, originally began as a Presbyterian church,[1] before switching to the Uniting Church in 1977,[2] until its closure in 2020, where it has since been converted to a private residence.[3][4] The church is notable for its architecture, particularly its broach spire.[5]
History
Prior to the construction of an official church building, services were conducted at various residences in the Rokewood region, by the Reverend Mr. Gow from 1847. Mr Gow was provided with accommodation on his travels, particularly by Messrs. E. and F. Aitcheson of the nearby Kuruc-A-Ruc Homestead, and Messrs Elder. Mr. Gow, educated as a minister in Scotland, originally settled on a property now known as Mount Gow, but after being approached by Messrs. Aitcheson upon hearing of his preaching abilities, was asked if he would leave his property to become the district's preacher. After moving around the district and establishing the congregation, he later moved to Pitfield, as services were now conducted on a monthly basis by the visiting Rev. Archibald Simpson from Shelford at McLarty's (Stanbrook's) Hotel from 1856.[6]
In 1858 a schoolhouse was constructed, headed by Mr. Savage. This schoolhouse, reputedly funded by the Presbyterians of the district, doubled as a school and church. Reverend John Cooper was brought over from Geelong to become the town's pastor in 1859. After a year of his tenure, proposals were made for the construction of a manse, and in 1860 the government granted some land for a manse and an acre for a potential church. The site where the church now stands was purchased for £8 on 11 March 1865, and on 23 August 1866 the church was completed, built to designs by Alexander Davidson, with the opening sermon conducted by Rev. J. Oswald Dykes.[6]
A vestry was added in 1874.[1]
On 9 February 1887, a fence was constructed around the church, at a cost of £42. A new bell was presented to the church the following year on 15 January.[6]
The tower, and its broach spire, were added in 1905, containing a memorial stone to Mrs W. G. Elder.[7] The tower employs recessed bands surmounted by gables.[5]
In 1951, the Smythesdale Church of England was relocated to the rear of the church, where it was converted to a hall and school under the name "Alan Bell Memorial Hall", in memory of the brother of Gladys Bell, who funded the relocation of the church.[1] This has since been demolished.
The church made the decision to align with the Uniting Church of Australia in 1977.[2]
In 2020, reputedly due to a dwindling congregation, it was decided to put the church up for sale, and for the money made from the sale to be put towards broader social and community needs.[2] The church was sold on April 23, 2021, for the price of $555,500.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Rokewood Presbyterian Church Complex (VHD)". Victorian Heritage Database. Victorian Heritage Database. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ a b c Neal, Matt (19 April 2021). "Push to return Rokewood Uniting Church to Presbyterians hits a snag". ABC News. ABC News. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Mayne, Nicole. "Historic Rokewood church building could be your slice of heaven". Real Estate. Real Estate. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ a b "60 Ferrars Street". Real Estate. Real Estate. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Presbyterian Church, Rokewood". Victorian Heritage Database. Victorian Heritage Database. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ a b c "Rokewood Presbyterian Church (Trove)". Trove. Ballarat Courier. 6 September 1916. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ "Rokewood Uniting Church (former)". Churches Australia. Churches Australia. Retrieved 6 March 2026.