Port Adelaide Uniting Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Adelaide Uniting Church |
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The Port Adelaide Uniting Church in 2005
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| 34°50′49″S 138°30′27″E / 34.846884°S 138.507611°E | |
| Location | Port Adelaide |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Uniting Church in Australia |
| Previous denomination | Congregational Union of Australia |
| History | |
| Founded | 1849 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | State heritage place |
| Designated | 11 June 1998 |
| Architect(s) | James Macgeorge |
| Style | Gothic |
| Years built | 1867-1868 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 500 |
The Port Adelaide Uniting Church is a special building in Port Adelaide, South Australia. It's a place where people gather for worship and prayer every week.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Beginnings in 1849
The church community started in 1849. A group of Christians met in a sail loft in Port Adelaide. They decided to form the 'Congregational Church of Port Adelaide'.
Reverend Matthew Hodge led their first service. He was on his way to Victoria from England. But he was asked to stay in South Australia instead. His first service was on September 30, 1849. It was held in the sail loft. Later that year, a small stone church was built. It was on the corner of St Vincent and Lipson Streets.
Moving to a New Building
The church community met in three different buildings. This was before the current church was built. The current church was built between 1867 and 1868. It was known for being very welcoming. People from different backgrounds, including Jewish people, would attend its meetings.
Becoming the Uniting Church
In 1978, the church became part of the Uniting Church in Australia. It continues to be an active place of worship today.
The Church Building
Design and Construction
The church was designed by James Macgeorge. It is built from Dry Creek sandstone. It has very detailed brickwork. Macgeorge's original design included a tall tower and a spire. However, these parts were never built.
Since 1998, the church has been recognized as a special place. It is listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. This means it is an important historical building.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church can seat 500 people. It has a traditional Christian church design. It features a high ceiling and Gothic style. There is a large balcony at the back of the church. At the front, there is an original pipe organ. This organ has been fixed up and looks like it did when it was new.
Additions to the Building
In 1901, a hall for the Young Men's Christian Society was added. It was built at the back of the church. In 1912, the first Montessori Kindergarten in South Australia was built. This was an extension to the main building. This room is still used today for children's education and play.
Important People
Many important people from Port Adelaide were connected to this church. The church walls have special plaques. These plaques remember people and tell stories about the church's history.
Early Ministers
The first minister was Reverend Matthew Hodge. He served the church from 1849 until he passed away in 1877. He died from typhoid fever. Reverend Michael Dick was the next minister. He served for three years until he also passed away.
Reverend J.C. Kirby
The third and most well-known minister was Reverend J.C. Kirby. He served from 1880 to 1908. Kirby is remembered for his work in the temperance movement. This movement encouraged people to drink less alcohol. He helped close down many hotels in Port Adelaide.
Reverend Kirby was also a great teacher and public figure. He helped start the Young Christians' Union. He also created the Young Men's Christian Society. He was a strong supporter of the Women's Suffrage Movement. This movement worked to give women the right to vote.
See also
- Uniting Church in Australia
