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ST. PETER'S ANGLICAN CHURCH (FORMER)

Location 19 BRIDGEWATER FIRE STATION ROAD, CAPE BRIDGEWATER, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/1] 52601 St Peters Church

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
St. Peter's Anglican Church (former) is a small sandstone church, located at the end of Bridgewater Fire Station Road. The church was constructed between 1883-1884, as a result of lobbying by the congregation and the Reverend Allnutt to establish an Anglican Church in the area. The area was predominately Presbyterian and Methodist, so such a fine church was somewhat unusual. There was obviously much community support for the establishment of the church; the land was donated by Kennedy, a nearby landholder, and the stone was quarried for free at Mount Pleasant, owned by the Kittson family. The church was designed gratis by the ecclesiatical architect, Mr. Casselli of Ballarat, who designed many significant buildings throughout Victoria in the nineteenth century. The building contractors were a local firm, Messrs. Benson and Hardie. The church retains a high degree of integrity externally, and is in good condition.

How is it significant?
St. Peters Anglican Church is of historical and architectural significance to the Shire of Glenelg.

Why is it significant?
St. Peters Anglican Church is of architectural significance because it demonstrates the use of the English Gothic style to express specific Anglican values. It acts as a comparison with the churches of other denominations in the Bridgewater area. Of further architectural significance is the association with Ballarat architect Casselli, and the use of the unusual depressed pointed arch openings. It is of historical significance as a representation of the role and position the Anglican Church and its congregation had in the community for nearly one hundred years.