Wickliffe, VIC - Uniting (Former)

History and Architecture:

The Church was built in 1861 of bluestone with Waurn Ponds, but remarkable for the tower was added in 1878 to the design of Alexander Davidson. The latter is in a French Decorated Gothic style with details such as the weather vane and gargoyles showing the influence of the French architect and historian Viollet-le-Duc, of whom Davidson was a follower.

An Historical marker reads, " The first Presbyterian minister, Rev. John McLachlan, was appointed to the Wickliffe District in 1851. He lived at a nearby station and officiated throughout the Wickliffe, Hopkins Hill and Dunkeld areas until 1856.. Services were conducted in the Hopkins Hotel until the local congregation obtained a government grant and raised Ei000 towards two new buildings.

The Gothic style church and manse were opened in May 1861, with Rev. Edward Blair as minister. Mr John Dickson Wyselaskie of Narrapumelap, one of the founding members and benefactors, had the loft steeple and bell-tower added in 1878. His generosity is recorded, by a memorial tablet in the church. The bell-ringer in 1898 was paid lo/- annually but eventually volunteers took up the task. A new parish manse was built in Lake Bolac in 1954 and this one was they used for meetings and Sunday School. Church of England services were also held in this church 1862-1950. Wickliffe Presbyterian Church in 1878 with tower and spire complete with gargoyles.