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Baptist Church

Location 3 Aberdeen Street,, NEWTOWN VIC 3220 - Property No B6380 File Number B6380 Level State

[1/1] B6380 Baptist Church

Statement of Significance

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" occulus forming a ceiling vent which dominates the upper part of the facade.
The interior is unsusal 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: 14/10/1992