Camberwell, VIC - Trinity Presbyterian
Year Built: 1905
Denomination: Presbyterian
Address: 581 Riversdale Road, Camberwell, Victoria, 3124
Architect: Campbell & Kernot
Traditional Owners: Wurundjeri people
Last Updated: 13/07/2024
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History and Architecture:
The first Presbyterian service in Camberwell was held in the old Shire Hall on 6 September 1885.
The site on which the present Church stands was purchased for £375, and almost immediately the first building was erected, at a cost of £566. It was a very plain, weatherboard structure, and seated about 200 persons. This first church was opened on 6 June 1886.
The original church hall, adjacent to the church in Waterloo Street, was built in 1925. In 1965 this hall was demolished and the existing hall built on the same site. The existing manse at 20 Waterloo Street was purchased in 1934.
In 1905 tenders for a new Church proved too sigh. Plans modified, and Mr. Machin received contract £5.150 allowed for unforeseen costs. Memorial stone laid on last day of September by Senator the Honorable. Simon Fraser.
On April 27th 1906 the new Church was opened by State Moderator, Dr. Cairns, of Ballarat. Preachers on first Sunday, April 29th, were the Revs. P. J. Murdoch, John Gray and Dr. Marshall. On the following Sunday, the Revs. S. Pearce Carey, J. F. Macrae and Dr. Sugden.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 - | Rev R M Fergus | 2 months | ||
| 1886 - 1887 | Rev James Climie M.A. | 1887 | ||
| 1887 - 1928 | Rev Patrick John Murdoch MA | 1850 | 1940 | |
| 1921 - | Rev R. Wilson Macaulay | |||
| 1928 - 1951 | Rev Dr R Wilson Macaulay | 1951 | ||
| 1933 - | Rev John Gray | |||
| 1951 - 1981 | Rev William Loftus | |||
| 1981 - 1983 | Rev Dudley Hallam | 1983 | ||
| 1985 - 1990 | Rev Robert Humpherys | |||
| - | Rev Graham Nicholls | |||
| 2000 - | Rev Philip Mercer |
Organ:
The Organ was built in 1885 by George Fincham for Chalmers Presbyterian Church, East Melbourne. Installed in present location in 1906. Rebuilt in 1915 by George Fincham & Son (tubular-pneumatic action and detached console) Electrified in 1954 & new console in 1969 by Hill, Norman & Beard. Tonal alterations c.1975 by John S. Parker Rebuilt 1995-1996 Vernon Cresswell; completed Peter D.G. Jewkes Pty Ltd. 2 manuals, 32 speaking stops, 8 couplers, electro-pneumatic and electro-magnetic actions.
For a full description and photos click here.
Contributions:
Anonymous submission of some clergy details
Source:
1. Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell 1885 - 1935 Jubilee Souvenir Book SLT 285.29451 T7369T