Warrandyte, VIC - Uniting

History and Architecture:

Church services began in Warrandyte five years after the discovery of gold in 1851. By 1921, the Presbyterian Church had started services in a disused hall built originally by the Baptists in 1906. This building was destroyed by fire in 1939.

In 1956 a block of land near Keen's Cutting was purchased. Two timber buildings were obtained and transported to the block in 1958, and transformed by working bees to establish the church, which was dedicated in December, 1960. In January 1962, Warrandyte was engulfed by fire, and the building was destroyed.

The Presbyterian services were then held at St Stephens Church of England, until the present site in Taroona Avenue was chosen in 1962. The present church building was constructed and dedicated in August, 1963.

Architects John Hipwell and Albert Ross designed a unique building. Its simple geometric design owes much to Christopher Wren's London City churches. The Hall was dedicated on 26 May 1991 by Rev J.G. Bucknall.