UNITING CHURCH COMPLEX
Cnr High Street and Tyler Street, RESERVOIR, DAREBIN CITY
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Uniting Church (former Wesleyan Methodist Church) complex at 648-656 High Street, Reservoir. The following elements contribute to the significance of the place:
- the 1863 church and the 1902 additions including the interiors and the Fincham organ
- the bluestone cairn
- the brick Sunday School and Hall
Fencing and later additions to the church and hall are not significant.
How is it significant?
The Uniting Church complex, Reservoir is of local historic, architectural, aesthetic and social significance to the City of Darebin.
Why is it significant?
The Uniting Church complex is historically significant as an illustration of the strength of Methodist faith in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and illustrates the important role that the church played in the development of the Reservoir community. As the second Wesleyan church in the Preston district and the oldest surviving Wesleyan church in Preston the 1863 church is historically significant as evidence of the beginnings of Methodist worship in the City of Darebin. The church is also significant for its associations with Samuel Jeffrey. (Criteria A & H)
The Uniting Church complex is socially significant for its strong community associations because of its continuous use as a Wesleyan, and later Uniting, church over 140 years. (Criterion G)
Architecturally, the 1863 Church is significant as a fine example of the simple Early English Gothic style, which is representative of early church buildings in Victoria, particularly in rural areas. The complex as a whole has aesthetic significance for its landmark qualities due to its historic character and scale and siting of the church and other buildings on a prominent corner in Reservoir. (Criterion D & E)
The 1877 Fincham organ, transferred to the church in 1930, is historically significant for its associations with religious life in Victoria and for its associations with pioneer master organ-builder, George Fincham. It is one of the oldest surviving organs in Darebin and illustrates the continuing development of the church in the twentieth century. (Criteria A & H)
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BRAITHWAITES TANNERY
Victorian Heritage Inventory -
BROADHURST TANNERY
Victorian Heritage Inventory
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COUNCIL CLUB HOTEL
Victorian Heritage Inventory
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'CARINYA' LADSONS STORE
Victorian Heritage Register H0568 -
1 Alexander Street
Yarra City -
1 Botherambo Street
Yarra City
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