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 church building located in Port Adelaide, South Australia. It's not just an old building; it's still an active church today, holding services and prayers every week. This church has a long history and some interesting features that make it a local landmark.
Contents
A Long History: Starting in 1849
The story of this church began way back in 1849. A group of Christians in Port Adelaide started meeting together. They met in a simple sail loft, which is a room where sails for ships were made.
- This group decided to form their own church, called the 'Congregational Church of Port Adelaide'.
- Their first leader was Reverend Matthew Hodge. He was on his way to another part of Australia but was asked to stay in South Australia instead.
- His first service was held on September 30, 1849.
- Later that same year, a small stone church was built for them.
The church community met in three different buildings before the current church was built. People from different backgrounds, including even some Jewish people, were known to attend their meetings. In 1978, the church became part of the Uniting Church in Australia.
The Church Building: Design and Features
The church building you see today was built between 1867 and 1868. It was designed by an architect named James Macgeorge.
- The church is made from Dry Creek sandstone.
- It has very detailed brickwork.
- Macgeorge's original design included a tall tower and a spire, but these were never built.
- Since 1998, the church has been listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. This means it's an important historical place.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church is designed in a traditional Christian style. It has a high ceiling and Gothic features, which means it has pointed arches and large windows.
- The church can seat up to 500 people.
- There's a large balcony, called a gallery, at the back of the church.
- At the front, there's an original pipe organ. This organ has been carefully fixed up and now looks like it did when it was first built.
Other Buildings
Over the years, other buildings were added to the church.
- In 1901, a hall for the Young Men's Christian Society was built at the back.
- In 1912, the first Montessori Kindergarten in South Australia was built as an extension. This room is still used today for children's learning and play.
Important People from the Church's Past
Many important people from Port Adelaide were connected to this church. The walls inside the church have special plaques that tell stories about the church's history and the people who were part of it.
- The first minister was Reverend Matthew Hodge. He served the church from 1849 until he passed away in 1877.
- Reverend Michael Dick was the next minister, serving for three years until he also passed away.
The third and most well-known minister was Reverend J.C. Kirby. He led the church from 1880 to 1908.
- Kirby was famous for his work in the temperance movement. This movement tried to reduce the amount of alcohol people drank. He even helped close down many hotels in Port Adelaide.
- He was also a great teacher and a public figure.
- He helped start groups like the Young Christians' Union and the Young Men's Christian Society.
- He also supported the Women's Suffrage Movement, which worked to give women the right to vote.
See also
- Uniting Church in Australia
