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

See Street View

Send your photos

Click on the image to view larger


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