Boort, VIC - Presbyterian, (Former)

History and Architecture:

Presbyterian services were conducted in the district from 1876, and in a permanent church building in Boort from 1881. It is believed this building was sold to the Anglican Church c1905 (see history of St. Andrew's Anglican church).

A new wooden Presbyterian church, St. Andrews, was designed and built in 1901 by Mr. A. E. DeGruchy for the sum of £225. A manse, built in 1910, burnt down in 1912, and was rebuilt in later years.

Mention of the first Presbyterian service comes from the pen of D. Kennedy, who states that he attended the first service in 1886 where a decision was made to hold services in the Church of England building. Relations between the two congregations were most amicable, but about 1900 the Presbyterians decided that they would like a place of worship of their own.

The finished church, though small in appearance, seated 100 people and was of neat appearance, the front being relieved by what was technically known as a curtain. Inside, the rigidity of the pulpit was broken by a handsome drapery presented to the church by Miss Lindsay. Prominent among the workers were Mesdames Fyfe, Day, Irving, McRae, McRorie, Cable, Sinclair and Patterson.

A manse was built in 1910 but was burnt down in 1913 and subsequently re built.

Church sign now removed and appears to be a private residence.