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UNITING CHURCH

Other Name SCOTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Location 554 WINNAP-NELSON ROAD, DRIK DRIK, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/2] 52676 Uniting Pres Ch Drik [2/2] 52676 Uniting Pres Ch Drik

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?
The Uniting Church, Drik Drik was built in 1903 as the second Scots Presbyterian Church, replacing a simpler, smaller building dating from the late 1860s which was sold for removal. It is a simple but dignified example of the Gothic Revival style expressing the values and aspirations of the small congregation. The new church was designed by C. P. Wilson, the Shire Engineer at Portland. It was built by James Hardy and Robert Kent, stonemasons from Portland. The carpenter was a local, James Lightbody, the son of the Rev. Lightbody and Rebecca Kittson who were pioneers at Cape Bridgewater. The community, including members of other denominations contributed their volunteer labour, especially with the quarrying and transporting of local bluestone and limestone and with the supply and fixing of joinery. The foundation stone was laid by the Minister, Mr. McGowan in early 1903 and the Rev. Caldwell opened the church in late 1903. A vestry was added in 1932, the same year that the organist, Mrs Rose Kennedy, died bequeathing money for the present organ. Others contributed in the administration and fellowship of the congregation over many years, particularly the Emerson family as church secretaries. The interior architecture is typical of early Presbyterian Churches, and in many ways is as important as the exterior. Internally, there are also a range of fixtures, such as pews, an altar and a range of memorials. The building remains in excellent condition and retains an excellent degree of integrity. It is surrounded by many substantial exotic trees, including two flanking Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island) palms, which are important for the character of the place. The church continues to be used on a limited basis.

How is it Significant?
The Drik Drik Uniting Church is of historical and architectural significance to the community of Drik Drik and the Glenelg Shire.

Why is it Significant?
The Drik Drik Uniting Church is of historical significance as an example of the consolidation of Presbyterian faith in the Drik Drik area from the 1900s. The church is of social significance to the community of the Bridgewater area as the focus for Presbyterians who settled in the area in the 1960s. It is of architectural significance for both its exterior and interior architecture as a good example of the simple Gothic Revival style, used to express religious values. It is of further significance for the range of memorials, and as a comparison with the former Methodist Church at Drik Drik. The architecture and setting of the building are enhanced by the mature exotic trees.