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WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH (FORMER)

Location 77 Bell Street, PENSHURST VIC 3289 - Property No 0112 File Number 966 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/2] 23325 Wesley Ch Former 77 [2/2] 23325 Wesley Ch Former 77

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?
The former Wesleyan Methodist Church is a small bluestone building in the picturesque gothic style, located on the south side of Bell Street, in the centre of the township of Penshurst. The former church has been converted into a residence, and although the interiors have not been inspected, it is presumed that they are much altered. The former Church was built in 1860, possibly by John Mason, architect, of Belfast (Port Fairy), who designed the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches there. The first resident minister was Rev. J. W. Tuckfield. It became a separate congregation in 1871with Rev. T Adamson as its Superintendent. The church became redundant with the creation of the Uniting Church of Australia in 1977 and has since been converted into a residence. The former church is in good condition, and the exterior retains a high degree of integrity (interiors have not been inspected).

How is it Significant?
The former Wesleyan Methodist Church is of architectural and historical significance to the township of Penshurst and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it Significant?
The former Wesleyan Methodist Church is of historical significance as the focus for the Wesleyan Methodist denomination in the area for over 100 years. The church is of architectural significance for its naïve mixture of Gothic and Classical elements, such as the bellcote above the front gable and the three round arched windows along each side. It is of further architectural significance for the potential link to the architect, John Mason of Belfast (Port Fairy).