Balmain, NSW - Presbyterian

Year Built: 1868

Denomination: Presbyterian

Address: 7 Campbell Street, Balmain, New South Wales, 2041

Architect: James McDonald

Traditional Owners: Gadigal and Wangal people

Last Updated: 01/02/2024

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History and Architecture:

The first church was erected in 1842 at a cost of £25.00 and was the first church to be built in Balmain.

An early stone Early English Gothic Revival style Church constructed in 1867-1868. The Church significantly retains its original form, scale and details particularly the stone façades and roof and associated details and prominent tower and stone spire. It significantly continues to be used by the local Presbyterian community.

The Builder was James Burt.

Rock faced and dressed stone Church with pedimented gabled roof clad in slates, exposed rafter end and vented gablets along the main, central gable. The front façade is symmetrical about a central tower with stone spire framed by gabled bays with pinnacle topped stone buttresses and pointed arched timber framed windows and doors with rustic stone label moulds over.

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
1857 - 1869 Rev Thomas A. Gordon
1869 - 1872 Rev Colin McCullock
1872 - 1899 Rev Dr James Cosh
1900 - 1911 Rev J. F. Blair
1912 - 1919 Rev G. Cranston
1915 - 1917 Rev J. W. McCredie Supply Minister
1920 - 1924 Rev S. L. McKenzie
1925 - 1928 Rev Grant Forsyth
1929 - 1935 Rev D. E. Hamilton
1936 - 1943 Rev S. M. Mitchell
1944 - 1946 Rev W. A. Walker Student. Ordained 1946
1947 - 1951 Rev C. H. Ball
1952 - 1953 Rev J. Auld Supply Minister
1961 - 1964 Rev W. B. Bartlett
1964 - Rev L. A. Martin
2011 - Rev Luke Tattersall

Organ:

The organ, which stands at the front of the building was built in 1893 at a cost of £504 in 1893 by Charles Richardson. It was opened for a recital on 28 May of that year. It has 2m., 17 sp. st., mechanical and tubular-pneumatic.
For a complete description and photos click here.

Source:

1. Cambell Street Presbyterian Church Centenary 1868 - 1968
2. NSW Heritage website
3. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.