Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former)

The former Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten at 34 Electra Street, Williamstown are of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Historically, the Manse is significant for its associations with Wesleyan Methodists who were one of the earliest religious congregations to establish in Williamstown. It is now one of the earliest surviving ecclesiastical residences in the municipality and demonstrates the importance of the Wesleyan Methodist church in Williamstown during the nineteenth century. The kindergarten demonstrates the increasing recognition of the educational needs of very young children by the Methodist church at the beginning of the twentieth century and is the oldest surviving kindergarten in the municipality. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)

Aesthetically, the Manse is significant as a Medieval styled ecclesiastical residence built of local bluestone, thus reflecting its locality. It is an integral part of the former Wesleyan church complex, which includes the similarly styled church and contributes to the historic character of Electra Street. The kindergarten is notable as an intact example of its type, which contributes to the historic character of the complex as part of the group of public buildings in Electra Street. (AHC criteria E1)

Note: There is a separate citation for the adjoining Wesleyan Methodist Church (Former)

Group

Education

Category

Other - Education