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Congregational Church (Former)
57 Stevedore Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Private Survey Heritage Precinct

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Hobsons Bay City
Congregational Church (former), Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
Congregational Church (former), Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
Congregational Church (former), Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
Congregational Church (former), Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
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Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The former Congregational Church, designed by Joseph Schneider and constructed by Goss & Dollman in 1870, at 57 Stevedore Street, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

The former Congregational Church, Williamstown is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it is significant as an illustration of one of the earlier Congregationalist parishes in Victoria and one of the small number to achieve a church of any size outside the Melbourne Independent Church (given their refusal to accept government aid) and hence symbolic of a faith which has now almost disappeared and was always a physical rarity in Victoria. (AHC criteria A4, B2 and G1)

Aesthetically, it is significant as intact example of an early church from a comparatively small group of asymmetrical spired Gothic Revival churches in Victoria. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

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    • Physical Description 1

      Congregational Church (Former) - Physical Description 1

      Described as 'Decorated Gothic' at its opening, the former Congregational Church is built from basalt rubble and trimmed with Portland cement dressings. Distinguished by its asymmetrically placed bell tower and 83 feet high spire, the main elevation with its three-gable composition, resembles other earlier Congregational and Wesleyan designs, albeit mainly in coloured brickwork. Notable detail includes:

      - The nave oculus vent (part of a comprehensive ventilation scheme), traceried main window and a cement crocket pinnacle.

      - Internally the ceiling was plastered, the trusses exposed and ornamental and the fittings of varnished and stained, but modest, deal. Leaded quarries surrounded by coloured borders comprised the equally modest windows.

      The cement work is in general disrepair; the tower windows have been sheeted over and the fence replaced.

      The Church was originally part of a complex that included a manse, Sunday School and Hall, which were situated at the rear. These buildings were demolished in the 1970s and replaced by the existing public car park, which has greatly diminished the historic setting of the church.

      Integrity

      Congregational Church (Former) - Integrity

      External Integrity

      Integrity - Good. Condition - Fair.

      Physical Description 2

      Congregational Church (Former) - Physical Description 2

      Context

      Isolated by an adjacent car park from the generally early Victorian period housing and commercial structures nearby.

      Historical Australian Themes

      Congregational Church (Former) - Historical Australian Themes

      Making Suburbs, Forming associations,

      Physical Description 3

      Congregational Church (Former) - Physical Description 3

      Associations

      Congregational Church, Joseph Schneider

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study

      Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
      Year: 2006
      Grading:

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