Site 53A Presbyterian Church

23 Sands Avenue

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The original church on this site, constructed using the “pine and pug” method, was opened in May 1891. It was immediately let to the Education Department to be used as a school during the week and to the Mutual Improvement Society for their evening meetings. These lettings brought forth a charge of disloyalty from the Mechanics Institute Hall Committee who considered they were being robbed of rightful revenue and the dispute created a deal of bitterness at the time. When the school moved out at the end of 1893 a chemist, W.T. Brown, operated from the premises. Due to the short life of this type of construction services were later held at the Mechanics Institute and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A new church, the surviving building, was finally built and dedicated in May 1958. The Uniting Church was established in Australia in 1977 where after services were conducted at the Methodist church. The church building was sold to the Jeparit Primary School in 1981.

Disclaimer: All information contained on these pages has been prepared over years of research from a small local volunteer group. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge. We always welcome suggestions for corrections or further information to add to the heritage sites. Please forward any comments toinfo@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.