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matching church architecture - melbourne - victoria
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Kew Historical Society Inc
Book, Melbourne's Churches 1836-1851: an architectural record / [by] JM Freeland, 1963
... church architecture - melbourne - victoria... Limited edition architectural history of Melbourne's churches ...Limited edition architectural history of Melbourne's churchesLimited edition170 p. : ill. 25 cmPublished in 1963 in an edition limited to 950 copies which this is no. 248churches - melbourne (vic), church architecture - melbourne - victoria -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, St Margaret's Anglican Church, Pitt Street, Eltham, 30 January 2008
St Margaret’s Church of England was officially opened on December 12, 1861. It is the oldest intact church building in Eltham. At the time it was known as Christ Church until its consecration in 1871, when it was completely free of debt (£1,700 for the church and parsonage) despite the district’s poverty. This was largely due to the free labour and materials, including locally made bricks donated by local artisans and others. The church is historically significant because it is the oldest church in the former Shire of Eltham and has associations with the philanthropist and founder of Brighton, Henry Dendy (who donated the land on which the church is built), the architect Nathaniel Billing and the prominent local builder, George Stebbing. The church is architecturally and aesthetically significant because it is constructed in the Gothic Revival style with several stained-glass windows of various dates and is also a very early use of polychromatic brickwork in Victoria. Billing was one of the first Melbourne architects to employ polychromatic brickwork and an important early architect. The rear wall was intended to be temporary. A major feature of the design is the large buttresses with long, steeply graded upper faces. The overall design is well proportioned with the surface brick patterns relieving an otherwise austere design. The church is spiritually and socially significant because it has been an important place of worship for the people of Eltham for almost 150 years. The land on which the buildings stand was donated by Henry Dendy. Dendy arrived in Melbourne in 1841 after purchasing in England eight square miles at Brighton under the system of "special surveys". After this land passed out of his hands, Dendy moved about Victoria, visited England, then returned to settle in Eltham where he purchased a flour mill. Dendy chaired the meeting held in 1860 “for the purpose of devising such means as may be expedient for the establishment of a Church of England in the township of Eltham”. He became chairman and treasurer of the church committee. Unlike the establishment of many early churches in Victoria where a vicar was appointed to a parish and later a permanent church was constructed, the population at Eltham initiated action to build a church. The nearest church at that time was at Heidelberg and the Eltham settlement was part of the parish of St Johns Heidelberg. Isolation and the tedious, time consuming journey between Heidelberg and Eltham resulted in the Eltham community taking its own action. The original vicarage (Dendy House) at the rear of the church is also an important part of the cultural significance of this place because it is connected to the church and the development of the Eltham area. Together, the church and the vicarage are aesthetically significant because they form a significant streetscape feature. The mud-brick community hall designed by Robert Marshall was added in 1978. In 2014 the original temporary rear wall was removed as part of a modern extension designed by Architects Atelier Wagner and constructed by Conrad Construction and Management. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State significance Victorian Heritage Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p67This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, st margaret's anglican church, st margaret's church, christ church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Marguerite Marshall, Parish Hall, St John's Anglican Church, Diamond Creek, 7 September 2008
The building was designed by Charles Maplestone of Heidelberg, son-in-law to Anthony Beale of St Helena. Maplestone was a prominent architect who came out to Australia with his family in 1852. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs Isabella Maplestone on 11th November 1867. The bricklayers for the church were George Stebbing, H Limmer, H Spicer and a Mr Timm while Thomas Day was the stonemason. Another three years were to pass before sufficient money could be raised for its completion. It was opened by Bishop Perry on 1st November, 1870. The church bell which hung under a tree for 50 years until it was incorporated in the parish hall was brought out from England and presented by Charles Orme. In 1916, the estate of George Martin Pizzey left sufficient money to build the red brick hall, which still stands today (2023) though in January 1969 the hall and bell tower were badly damaged by bushfire. Coincidentally the former home of benefactor, George Pizzey was destroyed in the same fire. Of particular significance are the interior and exterior of the church, the Sunday school and hall with emphasis on pre-World War I fabric (excluding the 1990s additions) and the three coloured glass windows currently suspended in the 1990s entry foyer. In 2011 further alterations were made to the front of the Church. The church is historically significant because it was the oldest public building in the former Diamond Valley Shire, is amongst the oldest buildings in the Shire of Nillumbik and is associated with the early settlement of the Diamond Creek district. The church is historically, socially and spiritually significant because it has been a place of worship for over 150 years and continues to be, an important meeting place in the Shire. The church is aesthetically significant for the three stained glass windows executed by the noted stained glass manufacturers, Ferguson & Urie, as well as the supporting coloured glass windows in the church. The Sunday school & parish hall is architecturally significant because the hall is a well executed and preserved example of the work of noted church architects, North & Williams. It is historically significant because it is connected with local parishioner and Melbourne industrialist, George Pizzey, who bequeathed funds for its construction. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Estate Ntionl Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local significance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p85 References: St Johns Anglican Church complex, Sunday School and Parish Hall 61 Main Street DIAMOND CREEK, NILLUMBIK SHIRE. (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/64023 Diamond Creek, VIC. – St John’s Anglican (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/diamond-creek-vic-st-johns-anglican This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, st john's anglican church, diamond creek, parish hall -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - St. Mary’s Church, Caulfield
Two documents about St. Mary’s Jubilee School. Roneoed correspondence to W.S. Feltham from S.R. Birch dated 22/03/1973 giving notification classification of St. Mary’s Jubilee School by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Caulfield Conservation Study by Andrew Ward in 1994 for Shelford, St. Mary’s Jubilee School. He describes the architecture and gives a brief history. The photocopied document includes a poorly reproduced photo.st. mary’s jubilee school, schools, glen eira road, hood crescent, caulfield, feltham w.s., webb charles, birch s. r., architectural features, gothic style, porches, plaques, tudor style, shelford c.e.g.g.s., st. mary’s church -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Trinity Congregational Church, Glen Huntly
Roneod letter from the National Trust, Victoria, to the Congregational Union of Victoria. The correspondence gives notification that the church has been placed in the classified List and should be preserved. Dated 20/03/1973. Correspondence from Department of Planning Victoria, advising the Caulfield Historical Society, that the H. B. Council has chosen not to recommend the building for addition to the Historic Buildings Register Dated 08/10/1982. Extracted From Caulfield Conservation Study By Andrew Ward Dated January 1995 Describing Trinity Congregational Church. Includes Brief History Of The Church And Description Of Architectural Features.trinity congregational church., moran b., preston joane, grange road, caulfield., historic buildings council, glen huntly, hart trevor, grey karen, timber houses, filbert street, old calendar greek, primitive methodists, caulfield south, orthodox church, el nido grove, lyons street, porches, market gardens., gothic style, congregationalists, ward andrew, architectural features, architectural styles -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Elsternwick Congregational Church – Caulfield Union Church
One page of Caulfield Council’s E.S. and P. Committee agenda, item and minutes dated 14/05/1971 concerning permit application from St. John’s Uniting Church for the Victorian Music Theatre Pty Ltd to Conduct singing lessons in the church building. Typed letter dated 08/12/1987 from National Trust to St. John’s Parish noting the Trust’s classification of the church building and the accompanying citation. Typed letter dated 20/07/1988 from the historic buildings council to Caulfield Historical Society concerning the hearing to discuss inclusion of the church building on the register to be held on 24/08/1988. Copy of historic building council’s agenda item undated describing the significance of the former Union Church. Thirteen page assessment of the architectural significance of the former Union Church dated 24/08/1988 by Anne Neale. Includes sketch of the exterior and references. Handwritten notations by Jim O’Loghlin dated 24/08/1988. Photocopy of the page from the Victoria Government Gazette dated 05/10/1988 advertising the amendment of the register of historic buildings to include the former Union Church building. A twelve page document produced by the Historic Buildings Council Victoria, date unknown, which describes the council’s operations and activities.st. john’s parish of the uniting church, e.s. and p. committee, congregational church, orrong road, victorian music theatre pty ltd, king street, glen huntly road, melbourne neon ltd, balaclava road, whiteway neon p.l., n. and d. panagiotou, nepean highway, h.c. sleigh ltd., poath road, carden w. j., warren r.p., talbot avenue, new l. mrs., elsternwick, zoning, st. georges road, architectural features, caulfield union church, towers, de lacy evans george, mcmurtie mcnaughton and stewart, glen eira road, neale anne i., mcloghlin jim, architectural styles, gothic style, caulfield, caulfield historical society, gregson w. rev., st. aloysius caulfield, brick -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Crotonhurst
A letter from Mrs M Ring to the Caulfield Historical Society, dated 14/03/1986, conveying gratitude for the information provided about the house Crotonhurst located at the corner of Hawthorn Road and Glen Eira Road, Caulfield North, and requesting information about the Langdon and Webb families and the property Lirrewa. Enclosed with the letter is a copy of a two page report on the Life of George Frederick Webb. The file also includes a seven page report conducted by Irene Victoria Anderson in 1982 on the history of the Langdon and Webb families and the house Crotonhurst. Two earlier drafts of the same report are included and one of these has further handwritten notes.crotonhurst, rosecraddock, lirrewa, caulfield north, hawthorn road, langdon road, glen eira road, mitchell road, crotonhurst avenue, caulfield city hall, city of caulfield, polo ground, polo parade, neerim road, powderham road, walworth avenue, langdon family, webb family, rosecraddock family, webb george henry frederick, webb george henry webb justice, field matilda, agg sophia sarah, agg sophia sarah annie, webb sophie sarah annie, agg dottie, webb dottie, langdon william farrar, langdon willie, langdon bill, langdon h j mrs, langdon mrs, webb george edward, webb matilda elizabeth, webb isabella elizabeth, webb james hemming, murray peter r, wells john c, langdon marie, langdon clive, murdoch keith, egerton-warburton mr, yorston mr, yorston rita, langdon violet, langdon. philip, gillespie ray, lindsay joan, ring m, paterson mrs, coffey eileen, fitzsimmons eileen, ronald heather, william gluyas, maidment isobel, langdon rr, langdon charles, langdon r b, knox david, langdon dick, hart trevor, mclaughlin j, ballantyne r, webb matilda sarah, somers charles, mckenzie barbara, mcleod lexie, richards barbara, richards lexie, sims betty, anderson irene victoria, short hand writer, lawyers, phthisis, queen’s counsel, judge of the supreme court, court reporter, architectural features, world war 1914-1918, soldiers, point to point steeplechase, master of the hounds, organs, sculptor, statues, stained glass, crests and emblems, elsternwick congregational church, government shorthand writers’ department, eureka treason trials, swamp sand and heath, dickson and yorston, caulfield council, caulfield historical society, harrison ramsay, time without clocks, the hounds are running, melbourne hunt club, st mary’s church, geo. fincham and sons, city hall gallery, mansions -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Plan - Architectural Plan, Louis Reginald Williams, Plans for the Port Melbourne Mission to Seamen by Louis R.Williams of F.R.A.I.A Architect, c. 1936
In 1936, the old Port Melbourne building dating from 1888 was too small and not longer suitable for the purpose of the mission. So architects were asked to design a new building. Harry Morris 's project was chosen.Louis Reginald Williams (1890–1980) was s sought after ecclesiastical architect in Australia. He designed churches throughout the country, particularly in Victoria. The Anglican Church was his major client but he also Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Christian Scientists churches. Williams was probably the major church architect in Australia in the Arts and Crafts tradition from the 1920s to the 1970s.Plans port melbourne, louis reginald williams, louis reginald williams (1890–1980), arts and crafts, art deco, harry norris -
St Kilda Historical Society
Photograph, Sacred Heart Church in St Kilda
The church was opened and dedicated on 7/12/1884, and completed in 1922. http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/Sacred%20Heart%20Church.htmThe church is of architectural significance due to its Italian Renaissance Baroque Style, with red bricks, cement dressings and a slate roof. It indicated the abandonment of the Gothic Revival style favoured by Victoria's Roman Catholics and set the new style for subsequent Roman Catholic churches in Victoria. It was designed by Reed, Henderson & Smart. colour photographst kilda, churches, catholic churches, sacred heart -
St Kilda Historical Society
Photograph
The church was opened and dedicated on 7/12/1884, and completed in 1922. http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/Sacred%20Heart%20Church.htmThe church is of architectural significance due to its Italian Renaissance Baroque Style, with red bricks, cement dressings and a slate roof. It indicated the abandonment of the Gothic Revival style favoured by Victoria's Roman Catholics and set the new style for subsequent Roman Catholic churches in Victoria. It was designed by Reed, Henderson & Smart.Black and white photograph, unmountedst kilda, sacred heart church, sacred heart catholic church, grey street, catholic churches -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Unknown, Congregational Church, Walpole Street, 1977
The Congregational Church was built on the site of the first church in Kew. This church, the second on the site, was designed by the Kew architect Charles Vickers and opened in 1860. The distinctive polychrome brick façade designed by Vickers contrasted with the style that he employed for other churches he designed during this period; they were usually constructed in bluestone. In the 1960s, a new ministry saw the erection of a neon cross at the apex of the church. The illuminated cross could be seen from Church Street, Hawthorn. The church was later to be demolished, and the land sold for the construction of modern villas. The Kew Historical Society's Pictures Collection is comprised of photographs, postcards and original works of art. The photographs include original (mainly) images dating from the 1870s to the present. A number of these photographs derive from the former City of Kew's Civic Collection while others are the work of amateur and professional photographers. Most of the images in the collection depict people, places and objects within the suburbs of Kew and Kew East. Other photographs depict other locations in Melbourne and Victoria. A number of the photographs are of statewide and/or national significance.Congregational Church, Walpole Street, Kew, 1977 (now demolished). View of the polychrome facade facing Walpole Street. The use of polychrome brick by Alfred Purchas (the second architect) reflects his preference for this architectural style, such as in his design for Tarring (now Ruyton Girls' School)Inscriptions on reverse: "KH-99. Congregational Church Walpole St Kew. Built 1854. Now amalgamated with United Churches 1977."congregational church, walpole street (kew), charles vickers -
Federation University Art Collection
Work on paper - Etching, Victor Cobb, 'The Approach to the Old Stables of Cobb and Co., Melbourne' by Victor Cobb, 1926
Victor COBB (14 August 1876-02 December 1945) Born Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria Cobb's reputation rests on a large oeuvre of etchings, built up during his lifetime and depicting with meticulous accuracy the architectural splendour of Melbourne's colleges and churches, vistas of the city, the tea-tree patterned foreshore and the outer areas of bush and countryside. State galleries hold many examples of his work. (http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/cobb-victor-ernest-5698) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed limited edition etching of a street scene where an archway over road leads to the Cobb & Co. stables. These scene depicted is possibly in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Gift of the National Trust of Australia (Western Australia)Incised in plate l.l.: "The approach to the old Stables / - of Cobb & Co." / Victor Cobb 1926./ (no relation) inscribed in pencil l.l.: Victor Cobb inscribed in pencil l.c.: "Approach to the old Stables of Cobb & Co. / Melbourne inscribed in pencil l.r.: 3?/85. art, artwork, victor cobb, cobb and co, cobb & co, printmaking, etching -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, St Margaret's Anglican Church, Pitt Street, Eltham, 30 January 2008
St Margaret’s Church of England was officially opened on December 12, 1861. It is the oldest intact church building in Eltham. At the time it was known as Christ Church until its consecration in 1871, when it was completely free of debt (£1,700 for the church and parsonage) despite the district’s poverty. This was largely due to the free labour and materials, including locally made bricks donated by local artisans and others. The church is historically significant because it is the oldest church in the former Shire of Eltham and has associations with the philanthropist and founder of Brighton, Henry Dendy (who donated the land on which the church is built), the architect Nathaniel Billing and the prominent local builder, George Stebbing. The church is architecturally and aesthetically significant because it is constructed in the Gothic Revival style with several stained-glass windows of various dates and is also a very early use of polychromatic brickwork in Victoria. Billing was one of the first Melbourne architects to employ polychromatic brickwork and an important early architect. The rear wall was intended to be temporary. A major feature of the design is the large buttresses with long, steeply graded upper faces. The overall design is well proportioned with the surface brick patterns relieving an otherwise austere design. The church is spiritually and socially significant because it has been an important place of worship for the people of Eltham for almost 150 years. The land on which the buildings stand was donated by Henry Dendy. Dendy arrived in Melbourne in 1841 after purchasing in England eight square miles at Brighton under the system of "special surveys". After this land passed out of his hands, Dendy moved about Victoria, visited England, then returned to settle in Eltham where he purchased a flour mill. Dendy chaired the meeting held in 1860 “for the purpose of devising such means as may be expedient for the establishment of a Church of England in the township of Eltham”. He became chairman and treasurer of the church committee. Unlike the establishment of many early churches in Victoria where a vicar was appointed to a parish and later a permanent church was constructed, the population at Eltham initiated action to build a church. The nearest church at that time was at Heidelberg and the Eltham settlement was part of the parish of St Johns Heidelberg. Isolation and the tedious, time consuming journey between Heidelberg and Eltham resulted in the Eltham community taking its own action. The original vicarage (Dendy House) at the rear of the church is also an important part of the cultural significance of this place because it is connected to the church and the development of the Eltham area. Together, the church and the vicarage are aesthetically significant because they form a significant streetscape feature. The mud-brick community hall designed by Robert Marshall was added in 1978. In 2014 the original temporary rear wall was removed as part of a modern extension designed by Architects Atelier Wagner and constructed by Conrad Construction and Management. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State significance Victorian Heritage Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p67 St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Pitt Street, Eltham, which officially opened on December 12, 1861, is the oldest intact church building in Eltham.1 With the nearby courthouse and police station, it was one of the first permanent community buildings in the district. The church and vicarage are on the Register of the Heritage Council of Victoria and the National Trust of Australia – Victoria. The church is important as an early example of polychrome brickwork by the notable architect Nathaniel Billings. It is also notable for its historic associations with the early settlement of the Shire of Eltham and its connection with Henry Dendy, Brighton’s founder.2 Henry Dendy, who lived in Eltham much longer than at Brighton, chaired the original meeting which planned the church, and he donated the half-acre (0.2ha) site. Dendy had arrived in Melbourne in 1841 after buying eight square miles (20.7sq km) at Brighton while in England. After this land passed out of his hands, he eventually settled in Eltham where he bought a flour mill, west from the corner of Main Road and Pitt Street (then called Brewery Lane). The vicarage was named Dendy House after him. The Eltham settlers were unusual in initiating the establishment of a church. Usually in Victoria a vicar was appointed to a parish and then a permanent church was constructed. But then, the nearest church was at Heidelberg, which was a tedious and time-consuming journey. St Margaret’s builder was a local, George Stebbing, who also constructed the former Methodist, later Uniting, Church at John Street and the Shillinglaw Cottage near Eltham’s Central Park. It is believed the first Anglican Bishop of Melbourne, Bishop Perry, dedicated the church. After the ceremony he joined in the festivities at the nearby pub and a bill was sent to the parish for teas taken there by the bishop with other participants. The first vicar was the Reverend Robert Mackie from 1864 to1866. St Margaret’s Church was originally called Christ Church until its consecration in 1871, when it was completely free of debt (£1700 pounds for the church and parsonage) despite the district’s poverty. This was largely due to the free labour and materials, including local bricks, donated by local artisans and others. St Margaret’s Church is in the Gothic Revival tradition with a buttressed nave, paired lancet windows, porch and bell-cote. It was the first polychromatic brick church in Australia, using softly contrasting coloured brickwork.3 Billing was one of the first architects to introduce polychrome brickwork into Melbourne. His original drawings for St Margaret’s survive in a folio of his architectural work. However the church’s brickwork is more subdued than in his drawings. About half the windows – those in clear glass with gold borders – are original. The stained glass windows were made much later, but the one behind the altar is thought to be the oldest in the Diamond Valley. It was to be temporary until the congregation could afford to extend the church. In the early 1960s the original cedar pews were replaced by blonde timber pews and the originals were sold to restaurants and to private individuals. Eminent local sculptor Matcham Skipper created a crucifix for the church. A major addition was made in 1978, when the weatherboard hall was replaced by a mud-brick hall. Made of local material, it was designed by local architect and a former shire president Robert Marshall. The mud-brick hall reflects the style of building in Eltham of the late 1970s and for which Eltham is well-known. Perhaps because its earthy tones blend with the surrounding environment, the hall sits well with the church building. St Margaret’s membership has included economist and ABC chairman, Richard Downing; political commentator, diplomat and academic, William Macmahon Ball; Eltham civic leader, Charles Wingrove; artist, Peter Glass; and Eltham’s first postmaster, Frederick Falkiner.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, st margaret's anglican church, st margaret's church, st margarets church hall, christ church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Marguerite Marshall, St John's Anglican Church, Diamond Creek, 7 September 2008
The building was designed by Charles Maplestone of Heidelberg, son-in-law to Anthony Beale of St Helena. Maplestone was a prominent architect who came out to Australia with his family in 1852. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs Isabella Maplestone on 11th November 1867. The bricklayers for the church were George Stebbing, H Limmer, H Spicer and a Mr Timm while Thomas Day was the stonemason. Another three years were to pass before sufficient money could be raised for its completion. It was opened by Bishop Perry on 1st November, 1870. The church bell which hung under a tree for 50 years until it was incorporated in the parish hall was brought out from England and presented by Charles Orme. In 1916, the estate of George Martin Pizzey left sufficient money to build the red brick hall, which still stands today (2023) though in January 1969 the hall and bell tower were badly damaged by bushfire. Coincidentally the former home of benefactor, George Pizzey was destroyed in the same fire. Of particular significance are the interior and exterior of the church, the Sunday school and hall with emphasis on pre-World War I fabric (excluding the 1990s additions) and the three coloured glass windows currently suspended in the 1990s entry foyer. In 2011 further alterations were made to the front of the Church. The church is historically significant because it was the oldest public building in the former Diamond Valley Shire, is amongst the oldest buildings in the Shire of Nillumbik and is associated with the early settlement of the Diamond Creek district. The church is historically, socially and spiritually significant because it has been a place of worship for over 150 years and continues to be, an important meeting place in the Shire. The church is aesthetically significant for the three stained glass windows executed by the noted stained glass manufacturers, Ferguson & Urie, as well as the supporting coloured glass windows in the church. The Sunday school & parish hall is architecturally significant because the hall is a well executed and preserved example of the work of noted church architects, North & Williams. It is historically significant because it is connected with local parishioner and Melbourne industrialist, George Pizzey, who bequeathed funds for its construction. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Estate Ntionl Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local significance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p85 St John’s Anglican Church stands like a beacon on the hill on Main Street, Diamond Creek. Today the church has a large congregation, but its early years were marked by a small congregation struggling to find enough money to survive. It was gold in Diamond Creek that resulted in the building of this National Trust registered property.1 This church is far removed from William Wilson’s humble barn (later the Bowling Green) where the first Anglican church services were conducted – probably the first in the district.2 In the mid 19th century services were infrequent as the Rev Francis Hales, travelling on horseback, also conducted services elsewhere, including at Heidelberg, Coburg, Kinglake, Arthurs Creek, St Andrews and Kangaroo Ground. In 1860 Diamond Creek came under the jurisdiction of the Eltham Parish. Until the mid 1860s the Diamond Creek settlement included only about 20 families who were struggling farmers. But this changed when gold was found in 1862. Then the township grew to 200 families, including miners, civil administration workers and shopkeepers. The resulting growth of Church of England adherents prompted them to petition the Government in 1866 for land to build a church. The area chosen, on which the original building still stands, was at the centre of the proposed township. Today church leaders believe that this conspicuous location is one of the reasons for its exceptional growth. Prominent architect Charles Maplestone designed the building as he did the Presbyterian Church at Kangaroo Ground. St John’s, which is still intact, was built in the Gothic Revival style with the traditional rectangular plan of a central nave and sanctuary at the end. It is typical of small churches built in Victoria at that time, with polychromatic hand-made bricks, a porch, diagonal buttresses and a slate roof.3 The church was officially opened by Lord Bishop Perry on November 1, 1870. But during the next 40 years, due to the varying fortunes of gold mining, the church struggled to remain viable. In 1909 it separated from the Eltham Parish to form a parish with Greensborough. Life became more difficult with the privations of World War One. Then disaster struck in 1915 when fire destroyed the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, wiping out the major livelihood of most parishioners. However the church’s morale was lifted in 1916, when it received a bequest to build the red brick hall, from late parishioner and prominent leather manufacturer, George Pizzey. As prosperity grew, in 1924 the congregation separated from Greensborough, but they rejoined in the 1930s Depression. In the 1950s the wider population soared, impacting on St John’s, and it became a separate parish, becoming responsible for six churches at St Andrews, Hazel Glen, Hurstbridge, St Helena and Yarrambat. As parishioner numbers outgrew the building, extensions were added in 1989 and then in 1993, blending in well with the original building. Church members have made a huge contribution to the local community. John Ryan was a Heidelberg Shire Councillor for 25 years from 1931, Mayor in 1939 and headed several local sporting and other organisations. His son Jock became a clergyman and a local historian heading the Nillumbik Historical Society. Another parishioner, Dr Ted Cordner, came to Diamond Creek in 1920. One of his sons Donald, who was a local doctor, won the Brownlow Medal, was President of the Melbourne Cricket Club and President of the Melbourne Grammar School Council. Roy ‘Monty’ Vale was a state Liberal MP and was related to May Vale, a member of the Heidelberg School of Artists.4 In the early 21st century St John’s Anglican Church is one of the fastest growing congregations in Melbourne. References: St Johns Anglican Church complex, Sunday School and Parish Hall 61 Main Street DIAMOND CREEK, NILLUMBIK SHIRE. (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/64023 Diamond Creek, VIC. – St John’s Anglican (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/diamond-creek-vic-st-johns-anglican This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, st john's anglican church, diamond creek