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St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex
85-89 Cecil Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City

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St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
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Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church complex, comprising the Church designed by Lloyd Tayler and constructed by Reid & Stewart and Goss & Fleming in 1870-71 including the belfry added in 1934, the Parish Hall and the fence along the Hanmer Street frontage, at 85-89 Cecil Street, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church complex is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it is significant for its strong associations with the development of the Presbyterian Church in Williamstown as the second Presbyterian church built on an early reserve. It demonstrates the important role of the church in the significant development of Williamstown that was associated with the port during the nineteenth century. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)

Aesthetically, it is significant as a near original example of a common church style in a relatively uncommon wall material, which is the subject of a vista from Hanmer Street and enhances the historic nineteenth century character of the street. The fence is a fine example of its type, which enhances the historic character of Hanmer Street and also recalls the existence of the former Manse. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

Socially, it illustrates the importance of the Church in the early development of Williamstown and is highly valued by the local community. (AHC criterion G1)

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    • Physical Description 1

      St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex - Physical Description 1

      St Andrew's, Williamstown, is a gabled and slated roof, random basalt rubble Gothic Revival church in the Early English manner, with a central parapeted bell tower which also forms the entrance porch and provides the vehicle for most of the ornament. Simple pointed archwindows, with stucco dressings in the nave outnumber the few traceried and groupedlights set in the tower. Norman-like castellations fringe the octagonal corner piers atthe tower's junction with the church whilst corner buttressing echoes this effect at the outward corners. Arcading to the tower parapet, belfry louvres, pinnacles, quatrefoil friezes and masonry cappings provide further ornament. A stuccoed vestry has beenadded at the rear.

      There is a large gabled hall at one side facing Cecil Street, and at the rear there is an impressive cast iron fence and gates along the Hanmer Street frontage, which formerly enclosed the now demolished Manse. (refer photograph, Williamstown Historical Society, OW-237).

      (Note: The interior has not been inspected)

      Integrity

      St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex - Integrity

      External Integrity and condition

      Generally original except for the removal of the original spade head picket fence at the Cecil Street frontage, the tiling of the vestry roof, and the removal of the manse.

      Physical Description 2

      St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex - Physical Description 2

      Context

      Isolated in the Cecil Street context but, the subject of a distant view from Hanmer Street through the fine fence and gates which continue the building line past the void created by the loss of the manse.

      Historical Australian Themes

      St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex - Historical Australian Themes

      Making Places for Worship

      Physical Description 3

      St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Complex - Physical Description 3

      Associations

      Presbyterian Church, Lloyd Tayler

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study

      Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
      Year: 2006
      Grading:

Public contributions

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