Ross Memorial Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ross Memorial Church |
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| Ross Memorial Uniting Church | |
Ross Memorial Church, Perth
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| 31°56′55″S 115°50′33″E / 31.94850°S 115.84255°E | |
| Location | Hay St & Colin St, West Perth, Western Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Uniting |
| Previous denomination | Presbyterian |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | West Perth Presbyterian Church |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 15 July 1916 |
| Founder(s) |
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| Dedication | Rev. Daniel Ross |
| Dedicated | 1917 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | James Hine |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Federation Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1917 |
| Construction cost | A£4,147 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red brick; sandstone |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Uniting Church in the City |
| Synod | Western Australia |
The Ross Memorial Church is a special Uniting church located on Hay Street in West Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It started as a Presbyterian church in 1917. Today, it is home to the Wesley community, who gather there for worship.
Contents
How the Church Began
Before this church was built, the people who went to the Presbyterian church needed more space. Their old hall on Havelock Street was getting too small. So, about five years before the main church, a brick hall was built next to where the church stands now. This new hall was designed by Andrew Oswald Wilson.
The old church site was sold, and the land on Hay Street was bought. The plan was to build a new church, a hall, and a manse (a house for the minister).
Who Was Daniel Ross?
The church is named after Daniel Ross. He was the minister (leader) of the West Perth Presbyterian group. Sadly, he passed away in 1917, the same year the church was finished.
The church was completed in 1917. It cost about £4,147 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
Building the Church
The person who designed the church was an architect named James Hine. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA), which means he was a very skilled architect. The builder who put it all together was R. A. Gamble.
The church was built in a style called Federation Gothic Revival. This style often includes pointed arches and tall windows, like old European churches. Inside, the church has a special room for a pipe organ, with beautiful display pipes.
A famous woman named Senator Agnes Robertson was a longtime member of this church. She taught Bible classes for girls. She was also one of the first women to become a lay preacher, which means she could lead church services even though she wasn't a minister.
Special Plaques
There are plaques on the church walls that tell us about its history.
The Foundation Stone
One plaque tells us about the laying of the foundation stone. This is a special ceremony when a new building begins.
- The stone was laid by Sir John Forrest and Lady Forrest.
- This happened on July 15, 1916.
- Sir John Forrest was a very important person in Western Australia's history.
Heritage Information
Another plaque shares information about the church's history as part of the West Perth Heritage Trail. It explains that the church was built during World War I (1914-1918). It also mentions that Reverend Ross worked very hard to make the church happen before he passed away.
Protecting its History
The Ross Memorial Church building is officially listed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia. This means it's recognized as an important historical place and is protected so it can be preserved for the future. Its special number is Heritage Place No. 2235.
Gallery
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Dedication plaque
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Viewed from Hay Street
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Heritage plaque
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Church hall (east of the church; constructed 1913; now demolished)
