Watsonia, VIC - Uniting (Former)

History and Architecture:

The church was established at a meeting in the backyard of the home of Les and Val Miles on 30 January 1957. The first service was held on 24 February 1957 at the home of Jack and Val French, and conducted by Rev. HM Watson. From 7 September 1958, morning services and a Sunday School were held in the "old tin shed", which became the Watsonia Sub Branch RSL.

Two blocks of land were purchased in Devonshire Road, Watsonia; Jack French, a member of the congregation, planned and built the church.

Originally a Methodist Church, and built in 1959, the foundation stone was laid on 12 December 1959 and dedicated by the President General of the Methodist Church, Rev. Dr A.H. Wood M.A. DIP R.E. The Minister was Rev. HM Watson.

Recent Ministers include Rev. Bill Hargreaves, Rev. Reg Davies, Rev. Keith Howden and Rev. James Douglas.

After 1966, when the Methodist and Presbyterian churches combined, the church was called the Watsonia Uniting Church, and more recently it changed its name to the Gresswell Uniting Church and shares services with the Bundoora Uniting Church.

The last service in the church was held in 2017 and around 2020 the building was sold and demolished in 2021.