Camberwell, VIC - Trinity Presbyterian

Year Built: 1905

Denomination: Presbyterian

Address: 581 Riversdale Road, Camberwell, Victoria, 3124

Architect: Campbell & Kernot

Traditional Owners: Wurundjeri people

Last Updated: 13/03/2024

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History and Architecture:

The first Presbyterian service in Camberwell was held in the old Shire Hall on 6 September 1885.

The site on which the present Church stands was purchased for £375, and almost immediately the first building was erected, at a cost of £566. It was a very plain, weatherboard structure, and seated about 200 persons. This first church was opened on 6 June 1886.

The original church hall, adjacent to the church in Waterloo Street, was built in 1925. In 1965 this hall was demolished and the existing hall built on the same site. The existing manse at 20 Waterloo Street was purchased in 1934.

In 1905 tenders for a new Church proved too sigh. Plans modified, and Mr. Machin received contract £5.150 allowed for unforeseen costs. Memorial stone laid on last day of September by Senator the Honorable. Simon Fraser.

On April 27th 1906 the new Church was opened by State Moderator, Dr. Cairns, of Ballarat. Preachers on first Sunday, April 29th, were the Revs. P. J. Murdoch, John Gray and Dr. Marshall. On the following Sunday, the Revs. S. Pearce Carey, J. F. Macrae and Dr. Sugden.

Clergy:

This list may not contain every serving cleric, past or present, for this church.
Further submissions welcomed.

Years Name Annotation D.o.B D.o.D
1885 - Rev R M Fergus 2 months
1886 - 1887 Rev James Climie M.A. 1887
1887 - 1928 Rev Patrick John Murdoch MA 1850 1940
1921 - Rev R. Wilson Macaulay
1928 - 1951 Rev Dr R Wilson Macaulay 1951
1933 - Rev John Gray
1951 - 1981 Rev William Loftus
1981 - 1983 Rev Dudley Hallam 1983
1985 - 1990 Rev Robert Humpherys
- Rev Graham Nicholls
2000 - Rev Philip Mercer

Organ:

The Organ was built in 1885 by George Fincham for Chalmers Presbyterian Church, East Melbourne. Installed in present location in 1906. Rebuilt in 1915 by George Fincham & Son (tubular-pneumatic action and detached console) Electrified in 1954 & new console in 1969 by Hill, Norman & Beard. Tonal alterations c.1975 by John S. Parker Rebuilt 1995-1996 Vernon Cresswell; completed Peter D.G. Jewkes Pty Ltd. 2 manuals, 32 speaking stops, 8 couplers, electro-pneumatic and electro-magnetic actions.
For a full description and photos click here.
 

Contributions:

Anonymous submission of some clergy details

Source:

1. Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell 1885 - 1935 Jubilee Souvenir Book SLT 285.29451 T7369T

Downloads:

1885 - 1935