Former Spring Road Methodist Church (Korean Society of Victoria)

The Spring Road Methodist church later used by the Korean Society of Victoria, and designed and built in 1889 by Alfred Dunn is significant. Later extensions to the church by Alec Eggleston in 1925 are also significant.

How is it significant?

The former Spring Road Methodist church is of local historic, social and architectural significance to the City of Stonnington.

Why is it significant?

The Spring Road former Methodist Church represents the growth and consolidation of Methodism in Malvern in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century following the congregation outgrowing a smaller church of 1860. (Criterion A)

The 1889 church and 1925 brick extension is of significance as an example of a Gothic Revival church of Hawthorn and red brick. Elements of the architecture include the large gothic arch-headed window to the front elevation, red brick banding, label moulds and lancet windows. The extensions to the church are complementary to the original style.The interior of the church is significant for its ornate hammer beam roof trusses. (Criterion D & E)

The former Spring Road Methodist church complex is associated with two notable architects, Alfred Dunn for the design of the church in 1891, and Alec Eggleston for its extension in 1925. The contribution made by Alec Eggleston to the church is respectful of the Dunn design and has seamlessly integrated with it. Dunn was 24 years of age when he designed the Spring Road Church which is an early and relatively conventional work from an architect at the beginning of a short but prolific career that subsequently was characterized by a flamboyance and freedom in church design. Themes from Stonnington Thematic Environmental History

10.2.2 Churches as a reflection of social and economic status of suburbs

10.2.3 Churches as an illustration of key phases of suburban development

10.2.4 Churches as a reflection of changing demographics

Recommended for a Heritage Overlay.

Grading: A2

Group

Religion

Category

Church