St. Andrews Church and Stone Pines

St Andrew's Church of England and former non-vested school No 470 is sited on a hill overlooking the Barwon River valley at Murgheboluc and faces the Hamilton Highway. It is a small rendered brick building of one room although a timber porch at the front and a timber vestry at the rear are now missing. The building, the second of its type on the site, was built in 1856 and is now the oldest surviving church in the Shire. It was used as a school until 1875 when that function was transferred to its newly built neighbour, State School No 1570. The land and trustees were not formalized until 1864 when four local men were appointed including Edward and Richard Harvey. The Harvey family of The Poplars nearby were active members of the congregation and eventually purchased the land and the building. The chapel has not been used for religious purposes since 1946. It remains relatively intact with fair integrity but in poor condition.

How is it Significant?

St Andrew's Church of England, Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical, social and architectural significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it Significant?

St Andrew's Church of England, Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical significance for its early date and its typical dual function of church and school. It is the oldest surviving church in the Shire. It is representative of the modest places of worship established in the Shire from the 1850s and can be compared with the small churches built by the Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic settlers. The building is of architectural significance for the simplicity of its form, detailing and materials. Its deliberately elevated situation and grove of Pinus pinea (Stone Pines) add to the significance of the place.

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Tree