Benalla, VIC - St Andrew's Presbyterian
Year Built: 1905
Denomination: Presbyterian
Saint: Andrew
Address: Corner Church & Mitchell Streets, Benalla, Victoria, 3672
Architect: Unknown
Traditional Owners: Yorta Yorta people
Last Updated: 04/08/2024
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History and Architecture:
In the 1840s and early 1850s Presbyterians attended Church of England services in the courthouse in Arundel Street whenever a passing minister was available. Then in 1855 a Church of England minister was appointed to Benalla and services were held more regularly.
Rev. McCully oversaw the building of a small, but very impressive Presbyterian Church at Benalla. It was opened late in 1866 shortly before Rev. McCully left Benalla. The church remains a very prominent building. It is the most complete mid-Victorian church building in the town. It is a good example of neo Gothic architecture and has a fine Italianate front. Revs Alexander Murdoch (1868-1882) and Alexander McConnan (1884-1926) fol-lowed Rev. McCully. Rev. Murdoch had a manse built next to the church in Church Street in 1870 and added a vestry to the northern end of the church in 1871. Rev. McConnan named the church St Andrew's in 1887 and eighteen years later oversaw the building of the new, bigger church.
The Foundation stone was laid David Maughan Esq on 17 May 1905.
Clergy:
Incorrect names removed and correct names now added.
| Years | Name | Annotation | D.o.B | D.o.D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1857 - 1868 | Rev Andrew Grahame | |||
| 1865 - 1866 | Rev Robert McCully | |||
| 1868 - 1882 | Rev Alexander Murdock | |||
| 1914 - 1919 | Rev Percy John Thomas Edwards | 1851 | 1940 | |
| 1884 - 1926 | Rev Alexander McConnan | 1930 | ||
| 1926 - 1933 | Rev Frank Butchers | |||
| 1933 - 1944 | Rev Raymond Simons | |||
| 1944 - 1961 | Rev Alister Kenneth McLean | |||
| 1961 - 1964 | Rev Ken Melville | |||
| 1964 - 1980 | Rev Stewart Chant | |||
| 1982 - 1989 | Rev Ken Martin | |||
| 1991 - 1997 | Rev Roy Taylor | |||
| 1997 - 2004 | Rev Dr Dallas Clarnette | |||
| 2016 - | Rev Stephen McDonald |
Organ:
The Organ was built in 1914 & rebuilt in 1966 by George Fincham & Sons. It has 2 manuals, 15 speaking stops, 8 couplers, electro-pneumatic action Gt: 8.8.8.4.2. Sw: 8.8.8.4.III.8. Ped: 16.8.5-1/3.4.
A full description and photos can be seen here.
Source:
1. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.
2. St Andrews Presbyterian Church Benalla Church Building Centenary 1905 - 2005