Randwick, NSW - Presbyterian
Year Built: 1889
Denomination: Presbyterian
Address: 27 Cook Street, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031
Architect: Sulman and Power
Traditional Owners: Bidjigal and Gadigal people
Last Updated: 02/04/2024
Click on the image to view larger
History and Architecture:
The church is a total departure from recognised church architecture. It is situated on almost the highest part of the municipality, at the junction of Alison-road and the tramline, and when the original design is carried out, the church will form a handsome and conspicuous figure in the landscape. The great aim of the pastor has been to secure a model church so far as its interior arrangements are concerned, and this the architects, Messrs. Sulman and Power, of George-street, have succeeded in attaining with marked success. The building is erected in the style of a Greek theatre.
An Historical plaque reads, " Randwick Presbyterian Church designed by Sir John Sulman erected 1889 - 1890 Interior design based on Amphitheatre renowed for acoustic qualities. First Minister Dr Will Scott Frackelton (1885-1896). Plaque funded by the Australian Bicentennial Authority and Randwick Municipal Council".
A Foundation stone reads, " This stone was laid by Hon Henry Clark MLA March 9th 1889". Architect John Sulman Contractor ?? Calf".
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 - 1896 | Rev Dr W. Scott Frackelton | |||
| 1896 - 1898 | Rev William Gibson Maconochie | |||
| 1898 - 1922 | Rev Charles Henry Talbot | |||
| 1922 - 1949 | Rev William James Grant | |||
| 1949 - 1967 | Rev C. J. Vernon McKeown | |||
| 1968 - 1970 | Rev Douglas Graham Richie | |||
| 1971 - | Rev Stuart John Clements | |||
| 1981 - | Rev David Sie Silas |
Organ:
In 1902 it was decided to replace the initially purchased American organ by the magnificent pipe organ which is still in use today. Jane Fischer, widow of Jacob Christian Fischer, offered to have an organ built in memory of her son Albert, who was drowned at Inverell. The conditions Mrs. Fischer placed upon the gift were that she be permitted to carry the whole matter through herself and that the supervision of the the work be in the hands of Mr. W. Houston and Mr. Herman Fischer. W. G. Rendall, of Bondi Junction manufactured the various parts of the organ and then assembled them in place.
Source:
1. A Centenary chronicle 1884-1984: the Randwick Presbyterian Church, N.S.W. Australia via Illuminate Recollect.