Blackburn, VIC - The Avenue Uniting

Year Built: 1960

Denomination: Uniting

Address: Corner The Avenue & Blackburn Road, Blackburn, Victoria, 3130

Previous Denomination: Presbyterian

Architect: Keith Reid

Traditional Owners: Wurundjeri people

Last Updated: 11/03/2023

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History and Architecture:

The first Presbyterian Church was erected in 1926. In the 1950's there was already a small brick Presbyterian Church , but with post war expansion this proved inadequate. The worshipping community worked hard to give expression to an expanded vision for the area and the "new" Presbyterian church.

The foundation stone of the current Church was laid on 19 April 1959 by the Right Reverend N. Faichney B.A. Moderator of the Assembly. The church is made of typical house bricks and the architect was Keith Reid. The total cost of the church including Furniture and fittings was £28,504.

The opening Service was held on 21 February 1961.

Clergy:

These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.

Years	Name	Annotation
1920 - 1934	Rev W. R. Cunningham	P
1922 - 1925	Rev P. L. Forster	P
1926 - 1932	Rev J. McMaster	P
1932 - 1935	Rev A. S. Houston	P
1935 - 1945	Rev T. Fletcher	P
1946 - 1963	Rev Fred P. Strickland	P
1964 - 1969	Rev Douglas G. McKenzie	P
1969 - 1981	Rev Andrew Hope	P
1976 - 1985	Rev G. Grimmett	U
1982 - 1987	Rev Alex Fergusson	U
1986 - 1993	Rev Dr Robin J. Pryor	U
1989 - 1997	Rev John Rowland	U
1995 - 1997	Rev Beverley Bellchambers	Deacon
1998 -	Rev Evan Lewis	Supply Minister
1998 -	Rev Anne Amos
2020 -	Rev Jo McKenzie Crisp	U
2020 -	Rev Rod Peppiatt	U

Organ:

This organ was built by William Stone, of St Kilda, for the Congregational Church, Alma Road, St Kilda. It was restored & installed in present location in 1973 by members of the congregation.

For a complete history click here.

Source:

1. Avenue to Unity SLT 287.93099451 AV3B
2. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.