Rechabite Hall (Former)

The Berwick Rechabite Hall (former), constructed in 1886, at 106 High Street, Berwick is significant, specifically the Victorian façade detailing and parapet, eastern fenestration, brick materiality and scale. External paintwork and later additions to the front façade and western side of the hall do not contribute to the building’s significance.

The Rechabite Hall (former) is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Casey.

The former Rechabite Hall is of local historical significance as a temperance and community hall which forms part of a group of important 1880s public buildings on High Street, Berwick, with the Christians Meeting House (former) and Post Office, Postmaster’s Residence & Court House. The Temperance Society’s Rechabite Hall was important in providing a place for people from isolated areas to meet and socialise, playing an instrumental role in the development of the Berwick community. Built in 1886, the hall has had significant connections to notable Berwick residents and community associations including the original Temperance Hall Trustees and the Life Governors of the hall following the building’s acquirement by the Berwick branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia in 1920. (Criterion A)

The Rechabite Hall is of local significance as a representative example of a Victorian era community hall. The original Victorian frontage includes a classical parapet wall featuring relief pilasters, balustrade and a pediment with the date 1886 inscribed. Vermiculated corbel stones and scroll work are elaborate embellishments which contribute to the significance of the place. (Criterion D)