Evangelical Lutheran Manse (Old)

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Evangelical Lutheran Manse

46 Martin Street

This building has regional significance as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church complex and the earliest building on that site. It has historical significance because of its associations with one of the earliest and most influential religious groups in the region and, until the late 1890s, with the local police force. The building was constructed as a residence in 1880-1881 by William Irwin, publican, ([i]) who built it as an investment, letting it to members of the Hamilton police who had offices nearby. Early tenants included Leontine Burland, Sargeant of Police (1881); William Lamb, Police Inspector (1891); W G Drought, Police Superintendent (1892-3). ([ii]) In the late 1890s it was occupied by John Wright, schoolteacher, ([iii]) and from the turn of the century, it was owned by Mary and then Ruth Arden. ([iv]) During the 1920s it was owned and occupied by Frederick Lack, a local jeweller. ([v]) The building remains substantially intact and in fair condition.