Hurlstone Park, NSW - Vietnamese Baptist

History and Architecture:

The present church is the second Baptist church on this site. The first, which still stands alongside, has been converted into a hall. In 1913, the Dulwich Hill Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Revd. W. C. Black, determined to start work in Hurlstone Park, and the first service was held in May of that year in the Hurlstone Hall. The church was formed in April, 1917, and the first church building opened on August 4th, 1917.  

Strong Gothic character flows from the use of stepped buttresses, parapetted gables, dominant roof and pointed windows. Much use is made of chamfered bricks to evoke carved detailing. Most windows are simple lancets with depressed pointed arches, but main front window has an equilateral arch and perpendicular tracery in cement render.

The Church was built in 1933 on land donated by a Mrs Annie White. A Foundation stone reads, " 11th Feb 1933 This stone was laid by Mr WM White in honour of his mother Mrs Annie White who gave the site for this building. A further Foundation stone reads, " 11th Feb 1933 This stone was laid by Rev F.T. Smith Pastor of the Church 1925 - 1948".