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Baptist Church

Other Name Sunday School Location 9 Aberdeen Street,, NEWTOWN VIC 3220 - Property No B0267 File Number B0267 Level State

[1/1] B0267 Baptist Church Newtown

Statement of Significance

An externally pristine church of 1853-4 designed by John Young in Barrabool Hills stone and in a most distinctive combination of styles, being a form of Renaissance style with a low-pitched bracketted gable suggestive of Swiss influence
The new church which replaced the original in usage was designed in 1876 by the architect Thomas Watts in an Italian Romanesque style, the Baptist Church is significant architecturally at a State level as an early example of polychrome brickwork used to spectacular effect. This effect is enhanced by the use of a prominent bluestone base and limestone cappings, string course and moulds with stucco window and door decoration. The street facade is further distinguished by the symmetrical composition of twin gabled bays flanking a central entry with a large "wheel" oculus forming a ceiling vent which dominates the upper part of the facade.
The interior is unusual at this date by having a flat ceiling with large coved junctions with the walls and largely classical details. The only interior elements to hint at the more common forms of Gothic architecture of the time are the shallow pointed arch moulds over the doors and windows and the trefoil capped pews.
Classified: 27/11/1958
Revised: 05/03/1987
File Note: Built as Church 1854, became Sunday school when new Church built 1876