Historical information

This plate comes from the Congregational Church in Warrnambool. It was probably part of a set of crockery used by church members at social events. The Warrnambool Congregational Church was established in 1862 when Robert Winton and Thomas Nayler set up a meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing an Independent Church in Warrnambool. The first minister was William Pentland and the first church was opened in 1864 in Liebig Street. Samuel Nettleton was a notable early church member, being Superintendent of the Sunday School for 60 years. A new church was opened in Henna Street in 1940. In 1973 the Congregational Church merged with the Methodist Church to form the Uniting Church in 1977. In 1976 the former Congregational Church in Henna Street was sold to the Salvation Army.

Significance

This plate is of interest as a memento of the former Congregational Church in Warrnambool. In the early to mid 20th century this church was a strong and influential force in the Warrnambool community.

Physical description

This is a cream-coloured dinner plate made of china. The gold bands around the edge of the plate are now almost obliterated. The lettering in the middle of the plate is black and white. The plate has several chips on the edge and is somewhat stained

Inscriptions & markings

Warrnambool Congregational Church’