Queenscliff, VIC - St George the Martyr Anglican
Year Built: 1863
Denomination: Anglican
Saint: George
Address: 22 Hobson Street, Queenscliff, Victoria,
Previous Denomination: Wesleyan Methodist
Architect: Albert Purchas
Traditional Owners: Wadawurrung people
Last Updated: 04/03/2025
Click on the image to view larger (2 photos)
History and Architecture:
In 1858 Wesleyan ministers visited the town and services were held at Pilot Reid's home. and also at Mr Simpkin Snr's home. The congregation soon became too large to meet in private homes, and so the Queenscliff Reading Room was rented for services. The Rev. Francis Tuckfield arranged to build a wooden church measuring 18 feet by 30 feet, and the foundation stone was laid by Mr John Lowe of Geelong. Tenders were let for the church's construction, but due to unforseen circumstances, the church building was not proceeded with. Services continued to be held in the Reading Room until February 1868.
Hobson street was named after Captain Hobson, master of the Rattlesnake - Hobson's Bay also carried his name.
The Church was designed by Melbourne architect, Albert Purchas, and an important example of the early English Gothic style parish church in Victoria. The tower is a distinctive landmark in Queenscliff and the church has significant associations, firstly with the Lieutenant Governor C J La Trobe who selected the site and with judge Thomas Fellows, local politician, principal church benefactor and later distinguished Supreme Court judge.
The Church was erected between 1863 and 1864. The lofty square tower was erected in 1877 to Purchas' design by Mr Chaffey, contractor.
Clergy:
These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.
| Years | Name | Annotation | D.o.B | D.o.D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1857 - | Rev A Crawford | |||
| 1860 - | Rev Frederick Smith | Missionary | 1818 | 1886 |
| 1864 - 1865 | Rev William Sneyd McJennett | 1820 | ||
| 1880 - | Rev M Williams | |||
| 1871 - | Rev Brunton | |||
| 1884 - 1900 | Rev Henry J Wilkinson | |||
| 1901 - 1903 | Rev James Chalmers Love | 1838 | 1928 | |
| 1903 - 1906 | Rev Lionel Gathorne Vance | 1868 | 1934 | |
| 1906 - 1908 | Rev Frank Cyril Anderson | 1868 | 1916 | |
| 1908 - 1914 | Rev William Alfred Shaw | 1874 | 1941 | |
| 1914 - 1920 | Rev William Watson Laidley | 1873 | 1942 | |
| 1920 - 1921 | Rev Charles Alfred Brewer | 1857 | 1925 | |
| 1922 - 1928 | Rev Charles Kingsley Cole | 1865 | 1943 | |
| 1951 - 1960 | Rev Tamillas Robert Mappin | 1892 | 1965 | |
| 1967 - 1970 | Rev Leslie Burgess | 1900 | 1979 | |
| 1986 - 1994 | Rev John Bryan Carteret Robin | PiC | ||
| 2011 - | Rev Peter Martin | |||
| 2019 ?? - | Rev Peter Martin |
Organ:
The organ was built in 1871 by George Fincham. The instrument has been accommodated at the eastern end of the south aisle of St George's Church, facing west, where it speaks directly into the building. It was reopened on 30 October 1999 following a complete restoration by Australian Pipe Organs Pty Ltd.It has 1 man., 6 speaking stops, 1 coupler, mechanical action
For a full description and photos click here.
Source:
1. Trove
2. Cable Clergy Index.
3. Churches of Geelong and District Vol 2.
4. Organ Historical trust of Australia with permission.