Presbyterian Residence, now Geneva House

Previously B Listed - Regional Significance

Historically, as the former Presbyterian manse, it has had a near continuous link with the other civic/ecclesiastical uses in the precinct as well as performing a quasi public building role as the home of an influential clergyman and his equally influential wife. This is particularly so given the greater devotion to the church in that era.

As the YWCA. hostel, it has performed a further civic role for some 60 years. Much of the early work at the hostel was funded by Geelong community groups and individuals, and as such it possessed a high public profile. Similarly many women in the Geelong community old girls of the hostel will remember it for its role in their lives.

Architecturally, the house is a near complete example of a rare building type in Geelong, with its use of cast iron details friezes, columns and the polychrome Italianate form but, judged in the State context, it is a good partly altered example among a much larger group of largely privately owned villas from that period.

REFERENCES

GA 1.9.88

RB 18889.273; RB 1890,277; RB 1900, 377 cites Ryrie Street Presybetrian Church as owners

RB 1900, 387.

Investigator 3, 1975 1st YWCA meeting 1.10.75

D 1890-1961; RB 1909, 377 cites Ryrie Street Presbyterian Church as the owners: RB1920.383

GA 13/8/15

IBID

Jones, p29, 31,, 43, 38, 39, 109, 115

GA 26/8/29, p5.

DWB DRP 438

Op.cit. p35, 39, 127

See GCC BA 725/84 specification by Essam & Lowe job 808

Ibid Letters Barrawinga P/L

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence