CONFERENCE HALL (Open Brethren)

The former Open Brethren conference hall, 25 Cookson Street, Camberwell, built in 1924 and now operating as Camberwell Antique Market is significant.

How is it significant?

25 Cookson Street is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

The former Open Brethren conference hall at 25 Cookson Street Camberwell, built in 1924, is historically significant for its demonstration of the emergence of minority religious groups that diversified Camberwell's Protestant and Catholic majorities. As an Evangelical Christian group originating in Ireland in the 1820s they share historical roots with the Plymouth Brethren, forming a small fellowship group in Camberwell associated with John McAlpin, founder of the McAlpin flour company.

25 Cookson Street is historically significant for its demonstration of the function of the Brethren conferences that emphasised speaking and teaching rather than the following of Christian rituals. Although the once spacious interior is now modified by a lowered ceiling, the entrance and foyer remain to demonstrate some of the functions of the place. The relatively unadorned facade represents a deliberate design intent to provide non ecclesiastical spaces for Brethren gatherings. The conference hall is historically significant for its demonstration of new Christian denominations that located their buildings onto the street front and as part of commercial streets rather than isolated buildings church buildings, exemplified by the Salvation Army as well as the non-religious traditions of assembly halls and meeting rooms. (Criterion A)

25 Cookson Street, the former Open Brethren conference hall is aesthetically significant for its Interwar Stripped Classical design featuring a combination of face red brick and rendered panels and a central spandrel applied lettering. The facade is enriched through the use of triple arch-headed windows flanked each side by a single semi-circular arched window with the semi-circular theme carried through to the parapet. The place is aesthetically significant for its central entry with steps flanked by brickwork panels with decorative features. Of particular interest is the intact shopfront with blue tiled panels, metal framed shopfront windows and leaded glass highlights. The glazed entry doors and cantilevered verandah with pressed metal soffit are notable features. Now operating as the Camberwell Antique Centre, the place has been modified with a rear and roof top extension and a number of internal changes but still retains a high degree of integrity to the exterior. (Criterion E)

Group

Commercial

Category

Shop