Historical information

Government surveys of the area now occupied by Avonsleigh, Emerald, Monbulk and surrounding townships set aside space for places of worship as part of plans for permanent settlements after the conclusion of the gold rushes towards the end of the Nineteenth Century. The first churches in what is now the City of Casey/Cardinia Shire area were located in Cranbourne and Berwick, so although the Avonsleigh Church of Christ was the fourth church to be built in the region, it was the first in the hills.

The Church is located at 17 Avon Road, Avonsleigh. The trees visible in the photograph appear at the front of the property, running parallel to the road, suggesting that the photograph depicts the rear of the building. Although it is known that a Church of Christ was built on the current site in 1887, more research is needed to ascertain whether it is the original building.

Churches of Christ are autonomous congregations that emerged from the American Restoration movements led by Barton W. Stone and Thomas Campbell. One source suggests that the Churches of Christ were established in Australia as early as 1845, when a British immigrant who had learned of the denomination in New Zealand joined a Scottish Baptist Church in Adelaide who shifted focus as a result of his testimony. By 1865 there were five churches in the Southern region of Australia, with 253 adherents.

Significance

The photograph is significant as an image of Avonsleigh Church of Christ as it appeared towards the end of the Twentieth Century. The Avonsleigh Church was originally built in 1887 and is still in use as a place of worship.

Physical description

Colour rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper. This photograph depicts Avonsleigh Church of Christ. The church is a single-storey wooden structure painted cream with burgundy details. It is surrounded by wooden railings with tall pine trees visible in the background. This photograph depicts the grassed area and pine tree located in front of the Avonsleigh Church of Christ. Wooden ramps and railings leading into the church building can be seen in the distance, along with an adjoining property. The bonnet of a car can be seen on the right-hand side of the photograph.,This photograph depicts a rear view of Avonsleigh Church of Christ. The church is a single-storey wooden structure with a tin roof. Access ramps lead up to double doors in the foreground of the picture. A clear area of land surrounds the building on three sides. In the background of the photograph tall trees can be seen. ,This photograph depicts a rear view of Avonsleigh Church of Christ. The church is a single-storey wooden structure painted cream with burgundy details and a tin roof. This photograph depicts details of the double-entry doorways. A grassed area is visible in the foreground of the picture and tall trees are visible behind the church.