Scots Church, Adelaide facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scots Church |
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Scots Church
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| 34°55′18″S 138°36′19″E / 34.92162°S 138.6052°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Uniting (since 1977) |
| Previous denomination |
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| History | |
| Former name(s) | Chalmers Church |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 3 September 1850 |
| Founder(s) | Reverend John Gardner |
| Dedication | Rev. Thomas Chalmers |
| Dedicated | 6 July 1851 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | English & Brown |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1858 (spire) |
| Construction cost | A£2,572 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 37 metres (120 ft) |
| Materials | Stone; shingles |
| Administration | |
| Synod | South Australia |
Scots Church is a historic church located in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. It stands at the corner of North Terrace and Pulteney Street. This stone church was one of the first churches built in the new city in 1850. It was originally known as Chalmers Church. Today, it is part of the Uniting Church.
Contents
History of Scots Church
How the Church Began
Many people who moved to South Australia from Europe starting in 1836 supported the Free Church of Scotland. This group invited Reverend John Gardner to come from Scotland. They decided to build a church named Chalmers Free Church. It was named after Reverend Thomas Chalmers, who was the first leader of the Free Church of Scotland in 1843.
Reverend Gardner arrived in South Australia in March 1850. He quickly bought land for the church from John Morphett. He hired English & Brown, a company owned by Thomas English and Henry Brown, to design and build the church.
Building the Church
The foundation stone for Chalmers Church was laid on 3 September 1850. The first church service was held in the new building on 6 July 1851. The land and building cost £2,572. This was more than the estimated cost of £1,800. To save money, they used a shingle roof instead of more expensive slate tiles.
In 1858, a tall spire was added to the church. It was about 120 feet (37 m) high and cost an extra £200. A bell was also brought from England and given to the church by Thomas Elder.
Changes Over Time
In 1865, several different Presbyterian churches joined together. These included the Free Presbyterian Church, the United Presbyterian Church, and the Church of Scotland. They formed one large group called the Presbyterian Church of South Australia.
Later, in 1901, when the Australian states united to form a country, the main Presbyterian churches in each state also joined together. This meant Chalmers Church became part of the Presbyterian Church of Australia.
In 1929, Chalmers Church joined with another church called Flinders Street Presbyterian Church. They decided to call their new combined church "Scots Church." The Flinders Street property was sold in 1956. The money from this sale helped build a new section on the western side of Scots Church. Some parts, like the current organ and stained glass windows, were moved from the Flinders Street church.
Joining the Uniting Church
In 1977, most of the Presbyterian Church of Australia joined with the Methodist and Congregational churches. Together, they created the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). Scots Church became part of this new denomination.
The minister of Scots Church at the time, Reverend Ian Tanner, became the first leader of the Uniting Church in South Australia. Later, in 1985, he became the fourth President of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Heritage Listing
The Scots Church building is very important because of its history and design. On 11 September 1986, it was officially listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. This means it is a protected historic place. It is also the second-oldest church building in the city of Adelaide.
Important People
Ministers of Scots Church
Over the years, many ministers have led the congregation at Scots Church. Some of them include:
- John Gardner (who helped start the church)
- John Davidson (1870–1877)
- David Paton (1877–1906)
- Arthur John Wade (1907-1913)
- Thomas Tait (1914–1915)
- James Arthur Seymour (1916–1928)
- Norman L. D. Webster (1929–1939)
- Ian B. Tanner (1963–1980)
Other Notable People
- Roy Mellish was the organist for the church from 1910 to 1919.
- Harriet Miller Davidson was also connected to the church.
