Historical information
In 1863 a Whittlesea resident Thomas Wills donated fifteen acres of land to the Church of England for the use of promoting the Christian religion within the area. More specifically though Wills directed that part of this land was for the erection of a building for public worship and of a dwelling for the Minister duly appointed.
Thomas Wills himself laid the foundation stone on 14 July 1864 and by August 1865 the building was completed. The Church was finally opened on Sunday 25th February 1866 by Bishop Perry of Melbourne who had stayed the weekend at “Braemore” the home of the Sherwins.
The first Minister appointed by the Bishop was the Rev. W. McGennet from Bunninyong. The bell that originally hung in the tower was lowered in 1909 when its weight endangered the structure of the Church.
Rev. William McGennett conducted his first service in Christ Church on 2nd March 1866. In the absence of the vicarage which was erected several years later the accommodation for Rev. McGennett was provided at Taylor’s Carriers Arms Hotel which stood at the corner of Jack’s Creek and Yea Roads.
A brick vicarage was erected nearby, several years after the Church. Construction of stage one of the church hall commenced in 1955, with final completion in 1966.
Physical description
35mm colour positive transparency (10 of 17)
Card mount - Kodachrome Transparency
