The College Church congregation initially worshipped in Ormond College in 1891. In 1895 they purchased the site of the present building. A committee set out certain specifications (including the crown tower), and a competition for the best design was won by architect RA Lawson. The building, constructed by Lang Brothers of Parkville at a cost of 2,170 pounds, was opened in 1898. College Church remained the only parish church in Parkville until 1934. The outstanding element is the crown tower, a choice of the first minister, the Reverend Alexander Yule. It is a copy, albeit on a reduced scale, of King's College Chapel, Aberdeen University, of which Reverend Yule was a former student. This crown tower is the only example in Victoria and is possibly unique in Australia. The church is constructed of red brick and Oamaru sandstone with a steeply pitched slate roof and parapeted gables. Windows are in the Gothic pointed arch style. The interior of the Church has a fine timber ceiling with arch braces. There are a number of quality stained glass windows, the two largest being dedicated to Mungo Scott and his wife, Scott having been a benefactor of the Church. The late nineteenth century pipe organ was built by George Fincham and Son (Richmond), with Professor Franklin Peterson as consultant, and was completed in November 1903. In the 1940s College Church was internally re-ordered and this work was designed by prominent church architect, Louis Williams. The church became part of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977, and ownership subsequently passed to Mar Thoma Syrian Church in 2008. From The Argus, Friday 19 April 1907: Rev. Alexander Yule washeld in highest esteem in his ministerialbrethren and a large circle of friends was abundanrly evident by the expressions ofsorrowful regret at his death and of sympathy with his widow and her three sonsby those who attended the funeral servicesyesterday morning. To most of those present the announcement of Mr. Yule's death, made in "The Argus" on Wednesday, came as a painful surprise. It was known that at the time of his ministerial jubilee last January he shown symptoms of failing health, and that his illness had gradually become more serious, but few among the intimate friends of the family thought the end was so near. Although Mr. Yule suffered much physical weakness, his mental faculties were unimpaired, and he was able to carry on his ministerial work almost to the last. He even conducted the services at the College Church, Parkville, on Sunday, March 31. Testimony is borne that his ministry was appreciated most highly by the important congregations, both in Scotland and Victoria, under his charge; that in the church courts he was a safe and wise counsellor; and that he did excellent service on various committees, and as the convenor of the Theological-hall committee, on which he was appointed by the General Assembly. The esteem in which he was regarded by the Presbyterian Church as a whole was expressed in his election in 1891 to the Moderator's chair of the Victorian Church, and to that of the Federal Assembly in 1901. The funeral service was held at College Church, the scene of Mr. Yule's ministry since 1891. The building was filled to overflowing by a congregation that included most of the members of the metropolitan presbyteries, representatives from several of the provincial presbyterues, the students of the Theological-hall, members of the Parkville congregation, and the children of Miss Sutherland's Home. The pulpit and furniture were draped in black, and the plain oak coffin rested on the communion-table. The simple yet impressive service usual with the Presbyterian Church was conducted by Professor Rentoul, president of the Theological-hall Senatus, who was assisted by Professor Skene, Rev. W. Fraser (moderator of the Melbourne North Presbytery), Rev. D. S. McEacharn, and the Rev. John Thomson, a life-long friend of the departed minister. The Dead March in "Saul" was played on the organ as the coffin was borne to the hearse. The procession along Parkville-crescent to the cemetery gates was a notable one, and in the following order:—Theological-hall students; the hearse; the chief mourners—Dr. Yule, Rev. A. Yule, Mr. James Yule, and Mr. Groom, M.H.R., a relative of the family; the Theological-hall professors and committee; members of the presbyteries; and other friends, making a large and repre-sentative gathering. At the grave Professor Rentoul, Rev. Dr. Meiklejohn, Rev. D. Ross, and the Rev. Dr. Marshall officiated. The pall-bearers were Revs. D. S. McEachran, J. Thomson, A. McDonald, R. J. Smith,Mr. P. McLennan and Mr. L. E. Groom, M.H.R. The funeral arrangement were in the hands of Mr. Josiah Holdsworth.Rev. Alexander Yule M.A.Born 1830 - 1907.college church, presbyterian church, yule, rev. alexander

Rev. Minchin was Tasmanian Moderator in 1985. He was a secondary teacher in Victoria before studying at the United Faculty of Theology from 1970 to 1972. His first parishes were Dartmoor and Sale-Rosedale before coming to Hobart in 1980.B & W head and shoulders studio photograph of the Rev. John Minchin, Moderator of Tasmania."John Minchin Tasmanian Moderator C&N 16/10/1985 page 11"rev john minchin, tasmania, moderator, uniting church

Dr. Bodycomb was ordained in 1957 and served in Victoria and South Australia, as well as in Kensington, New Hampshire. His positions included Dean of the Theological Hall, 1977-1987, and Ecumenical Chaplain at the University of Melbourne, 1989-1997.B&W head and shoulder photograph of Rev John Bodycomb."John Bodycomb C&N 28/8/1986 page 18"bodycomb, john, theological hall, university of melbourne, minister

Reverend John Hill was ordained in 1969 who served at Myrtleford, Wattle Park, Mitchell Presbytery, Stawell, Commission for Mission, United States, and Bendigo West Reverend Robert Mackay Cross served in Shepparton North, Chaplain of Queen Elizabeth Geriatic Centre Ballarat, Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Division of Community Services.B & W photograph showing Reverend Cross presenting a cheque to Reverend John Hill, minister at Stawell and chairman on state recovery committee for disaster relief."Rev John Hill (right) Rev Robert Cross (left) C&N 22/7/1987 page 29"hill, john, cross, robert

Reverend John Brown was ordained in 1958 and served at Bairnsdale, Presbyterian missionary in Korea, Board of Ecumenical Mission & Relations, Commission for World Mission, UAICC Convenanting Coordinator. He retired in 2000.B&W head and shoulders photograph of Rev John Brown."Rev John Brown c 1988"brown, john

Reverend John Brown was ordained in 1958 and served at Bairnsdale, Presbyterian missionary in Korea, Board of Ecumenical Mission & Relations, Commission for World Mission, UAICC Convenanting Coordinator. He retired in 2000.B&W head and body photograph of Rev. John Brown"John Brown"brown, john

John L. Cousins: Born 1909, died 1977. Ordained 1939. Eltham, Croxton, Merbein, Cemntral Mission, Healesville, Hobart, Devonport, Oakleigh, Box Hill (to 1974), Dandenong.B & W photograph of Rev John Cousins standing at a lectern or pulpit, dressed in suit and tie. White hair, wearing glasses."Rev. John Cousins, Box Hill"

Rev. John Canaris is listed at appointed to Whittlesea in January 1988, but is not listed in the 2000 Assembly Directory. He was 37 when ordained in December 18 1987. Originally from Qld, C&N records that he had been in Horsham for the past six years, and that he had had an "extensive ministry in mass evangelism". He later returned to Brisbane, Qld.B & W photograph of Rev. John Canaris with his wife Karen and three sons."John, Karen and the boys"karen canaris, whittlesea, john canaris

Born 1866 in Glasgow. Ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1894, in Chiltern, Victoria. Served at Williamstown North from 1895, and in Deepdene from 1918. He was the first minister at Deepdene. Died in 1933B & W matte head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Caldwell, mounted on buff card.

Rev John J. Benjamin. Ordained as a Methodist minister 1930. Served at Hopetoun, Sandringham, Minyip, Yallourn, Daylesford, Nhill, Box Hill. 1941 Chaplain A.I.F.; 1953-1962 Chaplain R.G.H. , N.M.A.F.C. 1941 - 1962. Retired 1969. M.B.E.B & W seated portrait of the Rev. John.J. Benjamin. Mounted on buff card.

Rev. John Allen Manton (1807 - 1864) was born in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. He was appointed missionary to Australia in 1830. In 1833 he was appointed first chaplain at Port Arthur penal settlement. President of Horton College, first Secretary of the Australasian Wesleyan Conference, President of Conference in 1857. In 1860 took charge of Parramatta Circuit, President of Collegiate Institution Newington. Died 9 September 1864.Waist length B & W printed etching of the Rev. John Allen Manton."Revd. John Allen Manton. President of the Australasian Conference and Governor of Horton College, Tasmania. Engraved by J. Cochran."john allen manton, wesleyan, minister, missionary, horton college, president of conference, parramatta, collegiate institution newington, port arthur

Rev John Watsford (1820 - 1907). Born at Parramatta, N.S.W. First Australian born minister of the Methodist Conference. Spent 8 years with the Wesleyan Mission in Fiji. Founded Prince Alfred College Adelaide. Home Mission Secretary for Victoria. President of the Australasian Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church 1871. President of the General Conference of the Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1878. Australasian Representative at the Ecumenical Council of Methodism in London 1881.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Watsford, mounted on brown card.john watsfore, wesleyan, methodist, minister, parramatta, fiji, prince alfred college, home mission, president australasian conference, ecumenical council

Rev John Watsford (1820 - 1907). Born at Parramatta, N.S.W. First Australian born minister of the Methodist Conference. Spent 8 years with the Wesleyan Mission in Fiji. Founded Prince Alfred College Adelaide. Home Mission Secretary for Victoria. President of the Australasian Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church 1871. President of the General Conference of the Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1878. Australasian Representative at the Ecumenical Council of Methodism in London 1881.B & W Head and shoulders printed image of the Rev. John Watsford. Taken from a photograph."Rev. John Watsord, Ex-President Wesleyan Conference, Victoria, Australia. (The Venerable President of Christian Conventions.)"john watsfore, wesleyan, methodist, minister, parramatta, fiji, prince alfred college, home mission, president australasian conference, ecumenical council

Ordained 1929. Appointed to Inland mission at Wyndham then Meekatharra in 1930, Cohuna in 1932, Lorquon in 1935. In 1937 went to Pascoe Vale & Merlynston, appointed to South Preston 1941. Chaplain in the AIF IN 1943. In 1946 appointed as Minister to Collingwood Mission, in 1949 appointed to Brunswick West. Resting in 1953, to Donald in 1954, Northcote (Prince of Wales Park) in 1958, Superintendent to Portarlington in 1962. Died 29 April 1983 aged 93.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. William John Ormandy.william john ormandy, methodist, mission, collingwood mission, inland mission.

John Barnaby was born in 1867 near Rosebud, Victoria. In 1885 he came to Melbourne and started working as a teacher at Caulfield Grammar School. In 1894 John Barnaby entered the Theological Hall at Ormond college. He graduated B.A. in 1895 and finished his theological studies in 1896. He was ordained in 1898 and called to Kew Presbyterian Church. In 1903 he took his M.A. degree. In 1912 he left Kew and was appointed Neil Walter Black Lecturer at Ormond College Theological Hall. Graduated Bachelor of Divinity and also gained a Diploma of Education. Convenor Home Missions Committee until 1923. Superintendent of Group Mission from 1923. Died 12 September 1933B & W half length, seated studio portrait of Rev John Barnaby M.A. printed on buff card.Rev. John Barnaby, M.A. 1898 - 1912john barnaby, presbyterian minister, ormond college theological hall, kew, neil walter black lecturer, home missions committee

John Barnaby was born in 1867 near Rosebud, Victoria. In 1885 he came to Melbourne and started working as a teacher at Caulfield Grammar School. In 1894 John Barnaby entered the Theological Hall at Ormond college. He graduated B.A. in 1895 and finished his theological studies in 1896. He was ordained in 1898 and called to Kew Presbyterian Church. In 1903 he took his M.A. degree. In 1912 he left Kew and was appointed Neil Walter Black Lecturer at Ormond College Theological Hall. Graduated Bachelor of Divinity and also gained a Diploma of Education. Convenor Home Missions Committee until 1923. Superintendent of Group Mission from 1923. Died 12 September 1933Oval, B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of Rev John Barnaby M.A. mounted on buff card.john barnaby, presbyterian minister, ormond college theological hall, kew, neil walter black lecturer, home missions committee

William Edward Watkins was born at Carlton, Victoria on 18 June 1887. He entered the Theological Hall, Ormond College, in 1922 and completed his course in 1924. He was ordained and inducted at Collingwood in 1924. In 1925 he was assistant to the Rev. John Barnaby in the Group Mission, which included the churches of Fitzroy and Collingwood. He was called to St. John's Ballarat in 1927, South Melbourne in 1930, St. David's Geelong in 1936, Kew Presbyterian in 1942 and Wallan in 1950. He died on March 23 1955.B & W head and shoulders photograph of the Rev. William Edward Watkins, printed on buff card.Rev. W.E. Watkins 1942 - 1949william edward watkins, presbyterian, minister, ormond college, group mission, kew

John Blakemore (1908 - 2000). Born at Pelsall, Staffordshire. Became a local preacher at the age of 18. Arrived in Australia in 1926. Accepted as a Home Missionary and served at Ultima, Willaura, Piangil and Moulamein. Studied at Otira and at Queen's College. Whilst studying he was sent to St. George's Rd Northcote, where he met his wife. Returned to England for two years, where he served as a probationer. Returned to Australia in 1937 and was ordained into the Methodist Church. He served at Merbein, Shepparton, Newstead, Numurkah, Maffra, East Ivanhoe, Bentleigh, and Oakleigh. Between 1941 and 1944 he was a chaplain in the A.I.F.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Blakemore.john blakemore, local preacher, home missionary, otira, queen's college, chaplain a.i.f., methodist, minister.

John Grant was ordained in 1974 and served at Devonport-La Trobe in Tasmania, St Kilda, the Presbytery of Maribyrnong Valley as Presbytery Minister. He resigned from the ministry following his service as Presbytery Minister.B & W photograph of the Rev. John Grant, Mrs Rosemary Grant, and adopted Korean girl being served a Korean meal."Church and Nation" for 17 October 1984rev. john grant; mrs rosemary grant; presbytery of maribyrnong valley; st kilda; devonport-la trobe tasmania; presbytery minister, korean adoption

Born on the West Coast of Tasmania. Became a teacher inTasmania in the early 1930. He married Emily Ferguson, a presbyterian girl, but felt a calling to the Methodist Church. John went to Underbool in Vic in 1939. Joined the RAAF in 1942 and trained as a Navigator for Bomber Command. Was recalled in 1943 and began his ministry in the Woomelang Circuit, then at Mitiamo 1947-1950; Port Fairy 1950-52; Nathalia 1952-54. He left the ministry and bought a small farm near Bendigo. After 18 mths he started preaching at Mckenzie Street Methodist church with the title Pastor. In 1958 he was recalled to the ministry and served at Morwell. He was also chaplain to Morwell River Prison, Newport West, Coburg, Milan Italy and Finally at Moonee Ponds where he retired in 1978. After retirement he did supply work in places such as Sea Lake, Heathcote, Warragul and Quirindi NSW. John died on 25 July 2000. B & W photograph of Rev. John Adamthwaite standing in front of an open briefcase.john adamthwaite, methodist, minister

James Rogers was born in Wallaroo, South Australia, but came to Sailor's Gully, Eaglehawk with his family as an infant. He was converted in a Salvation Army meeting at Bendigo. He became a member of the Primitive Methodist Church at Eaglehawk. He was stationed at: 1888 Murtoa; 1889 Hamilton; 1892 Melbourne, Collingwood; 1892 Beaconsfield; 1894 Penguin; 1900 Castlemaine; 1905 Dimboola; 1909 Geelong, Yarra St.; 1913 Kilcunda & Powlett River; 1917 Kyabram; 1920 North Melbourne; 1923 Brighton; 1928 Prahran; 1932 Supernumerary Hawthorn. Gaol Chaplain 1909 - 1912; Hospital Chaplain 1935 - 1936Died 2nd September 1937 Agnes Rogers (nee Caldwell) was born in 1867, married James Rogers in 1892 and died in 1951. The children in the photograph are: James Stanley (born 1893), John David (born 1895), Agnes Pricilla (born 1897), Robert Leslie (born 1899), Jean (born 1900), Ethel Margaret (born 1903), Amelia Florence (born 1905) Lois Susan and Ella (twins born 1908).B & W studio photograph of Rev James Rogers, Mrs Agnes Rogers (nee Caldwell) and their children. The images of two men in uniform (presumably absent overseas) have been superimposed on the photograph to complete the family group. james rogers, agnes rogers, agnes caldwell, methodist, primitive methodist, eaglehawk, minister, first world war

Rev John Edward Smith: b.1900; 1932 ordained Kergunyah; 1935 Port Campbell; 1937 Wycheproof; 1940 Werribee; 1947 Bendigo, St. John's; 1952 Albury; 1955 Essendon; 1967 Apollo Bay united; 1969 retired; 1971 emeritus, Presbytery of Melbourne West; 1986 died.B & W matte photograph of the Rev. J.E. Smith and an unidentified woman sitting together at a church function..presbyterian, minister, rev. john edward smith, albury, essendon

Rev John Edward Smith: b.1900; 1932 ordained Kergunyah; 1935 Port Campbell; 1937 Wycheproof; 1940 Werribee; 1947 Bendigo, St. John's; 1952 Albury; 1955 Essendon; 1967 Apollo Bay united; 1969 retired; 1971 emeritus, Presbytery of Melbourne West; 1986 died.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Edward Smith in clerical dress.presbyterian, minister, st. john's essendon, rev john edward smith

John Thomas was born at Worcester, England in 1796 and he became a blacksmith at Hagley, Worcestershire before becoming a Methodist and he soon started to preach. He married Sarah Hartshorn who predeceased him in 1867. He was accepted by the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society (WMMS) in 1824 and he became a pioneering missionary to Tonga (the Friendly Isles) in the South Pacific. He sailed first to Australia, and eventually arrived in Tonga in 1826, together with his wife and fellow missionary John Hutchinson.Initially he preached in Hihifo, Tongatapu from 1826 to 1828 and then moved to the island of Ha’apai in 1829. He baptised the chief Taufa’ahua Tupou in 1831 and enthroned him with English rites as the first King of all Tonga in 1845. Although the WMMS withdrew from Samoa in 1839, Thomas advocated its re-entry and he supported the King’s policy of sending Tongan Wesleyan missionaries to Fiji and Samoa. John Thomas also persuaded the Australasian Wesleyan Conference ( which took over the Pacific region from the British in 1855) to reverse the London Missionary Society’s decision regarding Samoa. John Thomas had 2 periods in Tonga from 1826 to 1850 and 1855 to 1859. Following a visit to England his influence with King Tupou waned in the 1850's and he retired to England and became a supernumerary minister at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, where he died in 1881. His wife Sarah had been a partner in his missionary work until she died 14 years earlier than he did. John Thomas’ name is honoured by having one of the 12 dormitory houses of Toupou College in the capitol of Tonga named after him. John Thomas House is House #1, and it is customary for the Head Prefect to reside in this dormitory. B & W engraving from a photograph of the Rev. John Thomas, formerly missionary in the Friendly IslandsRevd. John Thomas, Formerly Missionary in the Friendly Islands, Engraved by J. Cochran from a Photograph.rev. john thomas, methodist, tonga, friendly islands, wesleyan, missionary, wesleyan methodist missionary society

Reverend John Kissack Arnold was a home missionary at Mansfield and was ordained in 1923 for Overseas Mission work. He was appointed to Drysdale, Newtown, Geelong, Yarram, Kyabram, Castlemaine, Kew and Moonee Ponds. He was born in 1895 and died on31 July 1955.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev John Kissack Arnold, mounted on grey card.Rev. J.K.Arnoldrev john kissack arnold, home missionary, methodist, overseas mission

Reverend John Gray Sterling was a Presbyterian minister who was born in Belfast Northern Ireland in 1858 and was ordained in Rockhampton in 1881. He served at Bundaberg, Maryborough Victoria and Flemington. He died in 1924.B & W waist length seated studio portrait of the Rev. John Gray Sterling. Cabinet card format

Mrs Annie Sterling was the wife of the Reverend John Gray Sterling, a Presbyterian minister who was born in Belfast Northern Ireland in 1858 and was ordained in Rockhampton in 1881. He served at Bundaberg, Maryborough Victoria and Flemington. He died in 1924.B & W waist length seated studio portrait of Mrs Annie Sterling. Cabinet card formatannie sterling, rev john gray sterling, presbyterian, minister

Mrs Mary Holden (1843 - 1930) was the mother of the Rev Albert Thomas Holden CBE V.D., B.A., D.D. Director of the Methodist Inland Missions, Chaplain-General of the A.I.F. and President-General of the Methodist Conference of Australasia. She was the mother-in-law of the Rev. Samuel Hoban. Miss Gertrude Holden was the sister of the Rev. Albert Thomas Holden. Mr John Best was superintendent of the Ashby Methodist Sunday School 1897 - 1918.B & W photo of the Ashby Methodist Sunday School Teachers. Postcard format. Mr John Best, the Sunday School Superintendent is seated in the centre of the front row. Mrs Mary Holden is seated second from the right in the front row. Seated between Mr Best and Mrs Holden is Miss Gertrude Holden, daughter of Mrs Mary Holden.mary holden, rev albert thomas holden, rev samuel hoban, miss gertrude holden

B 1900 Fielding NZ, Educated Otago University, Dunedin NZ. Ordained assist 1925. 1st Church Dunedin, 1927 East Taieri NZ, 1932 Christchurch St Pauls NZ; 1942-1967 Toorak; 1953 Moderator Victoria; 1959-1962 Moderator General Australia; 1967 emeritus, Presbytery of Flinders. Died 15 January 1976. B & W photograph of the Very Rev. Dr Alan C. Watson dressed in the formal evening coat of the Moderator General with his daughter Margaret St. John in her wedding dress, his wife Mrs Eileen Watson and Mrs Bain. alan watson, margaret st. john, eileen watson, moderator, presbyterian, minister, mrs bain

Rev. John Wade was stationed at: 1934 Wangaratta; 1936 Cudgewa; 1941 Monbulk; 1942 Chaplain; 1943 Womboota, NSW; 1947 Horsham, Pimpinio; 1951 Werribee; 1957 Preston; Home Missions Director at the time of the formation of the Uniting Church.B & W photograph of the Rev. John Wade addressing a congregation. He is dressed in clerical stock and collar and academic grown. The congregation includes a woman at the keyboard of an harmonium."Rev. John Wade"wade, john, home missions, methodist