The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Plaque commemorating the opening of a new town hall in KewMetal plaque recording the official opening of the Kew City Hall, 23rd April 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.Kew City Hall / Opened by / The Hon. H.E. Bolte M.L.A. / Premier of Victoria / 23rd April 1960 / Cr. H.G. Ferguson J.P. - Mayor.kew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), sir henry bolte, local government -- kew (vic.)

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Historically significant commemorative plaqueMetal plaque relating to special Council meeting to mark centenary of Kew, 13th December 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.A Special Meeting Of The / Kew City Council Was Held In / This Hall On 13th December 1960 / To Commemorate / The Centenary of Kew / Cr. W.H.S. Dickinson, M.B.E., J.P., / Mayorkew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), cr. w.h.s. dickinson, local government -- kew (vic.)

"Infant Department The interest in this branch of the school work (under the able guidance of Misses F. Chapman and A.E. Ratten) is well maintained. It is largely through the generosity of Nr. and Mrs. Griffiths that the officers were enabled to have a new brick school hall built. The foundation stone was laid on 21st October, 1905, by Mrs. John M. Griffiths, the new building being erected on the site of the old church. It is both attractive and comfortable and is well lighted. It is also used for the week-night services. The old building which for so long had served as a schoolroom for the little ones was not considered suitable and was in 1905 disposed of for removal. When removed it was renovated, and is now used as a mission church in a neighbouring district." Source: Kew Baptist Church History 1856-1906The trowel is historically significant for its association with the Kew Baptist Church and its ownership by and association with the Griffiths family of Kew who were important tea merchants in Australia.Silver-plated commemorative trowel with bone handle, in black leather case lined with blue velvet. The trowel is engraved with information about the occasion.It was presented to Mrs J.M. Griffiths, who lived at Goldthorns, Normanby Road, Kew. [The trowel in its case was presented to the Kew Historical Society on 24 April 2018 by the Manager of Bupa Aged Care, Edithvale.]Engraved front: "Presented to Mrs. J.M. Griffiths on the occasion of her laying the foundation stone of the Baptist School Hall, Kew, Oct 21st 1905". Maker mark on reverse: "PA & S E P"griffiths family - kew (vic), mrs. j.m. griffiths, commemorative objects, baptist church (kew), presentation trowels

Desk set made of wood from St Paul's Cathedral with an added metal and enamel calendar. A history of the item is stuck on the reverse. "St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne. Foundation stone, 1880; Consecrated, 1891; Spires completed, 1931; Exterior length, 317'; Moorhouse Spire, 317 feet in height. The Bells of St Paul's Cathedral were supported on this timber of English oak from 1891 to 1963 when, during the absence of the bells for tuning in Loughborough, England, the timber was replaced with a steel frame. Refer Cathedral Guide Book, page 10, by Rev Godfrey Kircher"handicrafts, desk sets, pen holders, st paul's cathedral - melbourne (vic)

The former Baptist Church, at 8-12 Woodlands Avenue, Kew East, was nominated by the Society for protection as part of the Kew East Heritage Gap Study. W D Vaughan in his 'Kew's Civic History' (1960 writes that: "With the development of East Kew, local Baptists considered the establishment of a church was necessary. A block of land was purchased in Woodlands Avenue and the foundation stone of a new church was laid on August 8, 1931. A fine Sunday school has since been erected, and special emphasis has been given to providing activities for the young people of the church"Three colour photographs of the former Baptist Church in Woodlands Avenue, Kew East. The photographs are of the front and side of the clinker brick building. One of the photographs shows the foundation stone, laid by AH Lewis Esq, 8 August 1931.churches - kew (vic), baptist church - woodlands avenue - kew (vic)

The history of the church goes back to 1872 when Jesuits purchased land in Walpole Street. By 1875 Archbishop Gould had laid a foundation stone on 14 February for a school. Early services for local Catholics were held in Richmond, Collingwood and later Hawthorn. By 1899 the land for the current church was purchased after a donation by Mr James Crotty of 3,000.00. The foundation stone was laid on 15 December 1918 by Archbishop Mannix. The dimensions of the church were to be 139 feet long by 77 feet wide with seating for 850 people. The cost of construction was 15,000.00. (Source: www.churchhistories.net.au )Sacred Heart Church, Kew, Vic., circa 1920-54. Photographic print of a Rose Stereograph Co. postcard in the State Library of Victoria collection.Inscription: The Rose Series P. 13053, Sacred Heart Church, Kew, Vic." Annotation in pencil: "KH-5. Foundation Stone laid 1918, completed 1921."churches -- kew (vic.), sacred heart church -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), catholic churches -- melbourne (vic.)

The Kew Baptist Church was originally located on the corner of Cotham Road and St John’s Parade. In 1922, work commenced on a new, larger church in Highbury Grove. The foundation stone of the new building was laid by Cr Ratten of the City of Kew on Saturday 14 October 1922, with the First Kew Scouts forming a guard of honor. A collection taken up at the laying of the foundation stone raised £454. The site and building cost approximately £6,000. The architects for this new red brick ‘semi-Gothic’ church were Messrs Gawler & Drummond. The interior of the church accommodated 500 parishioners. The seating sloped towards the pulpit with no columns obstructing the view of the worshippers. An item from an outstanding and diverse photographic collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew. This remarkable photograph is a silver albumen photograph of what was by then a significant religious group in Kew. Photographic positive on mounting board of laying of the foundation stone of the new Kew Baptist Church in Highbury Grove, Kew, The foundation stone of the church was laid on 14 October 1922 by Councillor F.R. Patten J.P. The church was opened on 9 June 1923."Building Kew Baptist"washfold family, kew baptist church -- highbury grove -- kew (vic.), churches -- kew (vic.), christian-washfold collection

The first Baptist church in Kew was wooden and erected in St John's Parade in 1854 and was enlarged in 1859. A brick church was later erected in Cotham Road in 1882 and was later named Newnham Hall after Reverend Newnham. In 1921 land was purchased in Highbury Grove at a cost of 602.00. Messer's E & F Ratten donated 6 feet of land beside this new purchase which allowed for a frontage 79 feet. The Foundation stone of the current church was laid on 14 October 1922 by Councillor F.R. Patten J.P. The church was opened on 9 June 1923.A rare item from an outstanding and diverse photographic collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew.Photographic positive on mounting board. interior of Baptist Church in Highbury Grove with seated congregation in foreground and serried ranks of children and adults at front. Probably the church choir at the opening of the church in 1923. The photo is encased in a grey bifold cardboard outer with a crest on the front. The photo is protected by a sheet of watermarked cellophane. washfold family, kew baptist church -- highbury grove -- kew (vic.), churches -- kew (vic.), christian-washfold collection

Bi-fold pamphlet on brown paper. Kew Baptist Church Monthly News Vol VII November 1932, No. 76non-fictionkew baptist church -- highbury grove, churches -- kew (vic.), baptist churches, christian-washfold collection

The Kew Baptist Church was originally located on the corner of Cotham Road and St John’s Parade. In 1922, work commenced on a new, larger church in Highbury Grove. The foundation stone of the new building was laid by Cr Ratten of the City of Kew on Saturday 14 October 1922, with the First Kew Scouts forming a guard of honor. A collection taken up at the laying of the foundation stone raised £454. The site and building cost approximately £6,000. The architects for this new red brick ‘semi-Gothic’ church were Messrs Gawler & Drummond. The interior of the church accommodated 500 parishioners. The seating sloped towards the pulpit with no columns obstructing the view of the worshippers. Faded sepia 'real photo' Kodak postcard of the interior and altar of Kew Baptist Church "Interior of Kew Baptist Church"kew baptist church -- highbury grove, churches -- kew (vic.), baptist churches, christian-washfold collection

The Kew Baptist Church was originally located on the corner of Cotham Road and St John’s Parade. In 1922, work commenced on a new, larger church in Highbury Grove. The foundation stone of the new building was laid by Cr Ratten of the City of Kew on Saturday 14 October 1922, with the First Kew Scouts forming a guard of honor. A collection taken up at the laying of the foundation stone raised £454. The site and building cost approximately £6,000. The architects for this new red brick ‘semi-Gothic’ church were Messrs Gawler & Drummond. The interior of the church accommodated 500 parishioners. The seating sloped towards the pulpit with no columns obstructing the view of the worshippers. An item from an outstanding and diverse image collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew. This early photo of the Kew Baptist Church shows its original fence, built by Henry Clifford Washfold, the father of the donor.Faded sepia real photo Kodak postcard of the exterior of Kew Baptist Church in Highbury Grove. Image shows original fence and paintwork of windows."Dad built the fence"kew baptist church -- highbury grove, churches -- kew (vic.), baptist churches, christian-washfold collection

The Kew Baptist Church was originally located on the corner of Cotham Road and St John’s Parade. In 1922, work commenced on a new, larger church in Highbury Grove. The foundation stone of the new building was laid by Cr Ratten of the City of Kew on Saturday 14 October 1922, with the First Kew Scouts forming a guard of honor. A collection taken up at the laying of the foundation stone raised £454. The site and building cost approximately £6,000. The architects for this new red brick ‘semi-Gothic’ church were Messrs Gawler & Drummond. The interior of the church accommodated 500 parishioners. The seating sloped towards the pulpit with no columns obstructing the view of the worshippers. An early real photo Kodak postcard of the Kew Baptist Church showing its original fenceFaded sepia postcard taken at an oblique angle of exterior of Kew Baptist Church in Highbury Grove. Image shows original fence and paintwork of windows. Photo shows parts of adjacent buildings. Two women walking past on footpath. "Kew Baptist Church"kew baptist church -- highbury grove, churches -- kew (vic.), baptist churches, christian-washfold collection