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ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH
Monroe Street, BRANXHOLME VIC 3302 - Property No 0705

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Southern Grampians Shire
23297 St Andrews Uniting Ch Branxholme 0474
23297 St Andrews Uniting Ch Branxholme 0474
23297 St Andrews Uniting Ch Branxholme 0474
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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The St Andrews Uniting Church was built in 1863, the first church to be built in Branxholme. Prior to this, church services of all denominations were held in the school house at varying intervals. It is said to have been built as a Free Presbyterian Church. After a disagreement about the playing of music during services, a part of the congregation broke away to form a new Free Presbyterian congregation and to build a new church. The church is a small bluestone structure in sturdy, almost rustic Gothic revival style. It is in good condition, and retains a good degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
St Andrew's Uniting Church is of historical and architectural significance to the state of Victoria, the Southern Grampians Shire and the township of Branxholme.

Why is it significant?
St Andrew's Uniting Church, formerly a Free Presbyterian and subsequently a Presbyterian Church is of historical significance as one of the few surviving examples of a Free Presbyterian Church in Victoria, demonstrating interdenominational division and the very strong Presbyterian influence in the south-west of the Western District. It is of architectural significance as the work of the Hamilton architect, James Henry Fox.
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    • Physical Conditions

      ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH - Physical Conditions

      The church is in excellent condition externally and internally, including its complete fittings and fixtures.

      Physical Description 1

      ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH - Physical Description 1

      A small bluestone church in a simple but sturdy, almost rustic Gothic revival style of three bays divided by buttresses, which are paired at the corners. It is sited to face eastwards across the valley of the Arrandoovong Creek. The windows are paired and subdivided into small panes, painted white with a border of blue glass. The main part of the windows swivel at their mid point. The bluestone walls are rock faced. There is a small porch at the front with an unusual ogee arched door. There is a circular blind oeuil de boeuf in the front gable. The roofs of the nave and the porch are corrugated iron and pitched at 60 degrees.

      Historical Australian Themes

      ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH - Historical Australian Themes

      Theme 8 Developing Australia's cultural life
      8.6 Worshipping
      8.6.1 Worshipping together
      8.6.3 Founding Australian religious institutions
      8.6.4 Making places for worship

      Usage/Former Usage

      ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH - Usage/Former Usage

      church

      Integrity

      ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH - Integrity

      Excellent degree of integrity.

      Physical Description 2

      ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCH - Physical Description 2

      Fox, James Henry, architect (to be confirmed) of Hamilton
      Ewan McNaughton, successful tenderer for building the Church, 1862.
      Rev Angus McDonald, Minister of Hamilton
      Rev J McRoberts, first Minister, inducted 1863, died Branxholme 1876
      Rev Charles Thomson MA, second Minister, from 1876-1881
      Rev W C Wallace, third Minister, from 1881-1905, Moderator of Victoria, 1899
      Rev R J Houston MA, third Minister, from 1906-1926
      Rev J T Roberts, Minister 1957 when new manse was first occupied
      Mr. W Armstrong and Mr. W Begg, first Elders

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study

      Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
      Year: 2002
      Grading:

Public contributions

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