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Christian Israelite Sanctuary

Location 193 Fitzroy Street,, FITZROY VIC 3065 - Property No B6071 File Number B6071 Level Regional

[1/1] B6071 Christian Israelite

Statement of Significance

A rare example of a Christian Israelite sanctuary, and an early and intact specimen of the Nonconformist classical church type. The building dates from 1861, and a cottage at the rear saw the death in 1863 of the founder of the sect, John Wroe, who was then visiting Australia. The congregation reached a peak of 115 in 1871 and its members were involved in woodworking, timber, cab driving and motor body building in the Fitzroy area. Since a schism at the turn of the century the congregation has declined, but the building is now the world headquarters of this small sect.
Classified: 29/06/1989