Wesley Church, Perth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wesley Church |
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Wesley Church
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| 31°57′12″S 115°51′24″E / 31.9533°S 115.8568°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Uniting (since 1977) |
| Previous denomination | Methodist (1867 – 1977) |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 25 October 1867 |
| Founder(s) | Governor John Stephen Hampton |
| Dedicated | 10 April 1870 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Richard Roach Jewell |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Construction cost | c. £3,000, equivalent to A$Error when using : |start_year=1,870 (parameter 3) is lower than the earliest available year (1,901) in index "AU". in 2018 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Materials | Flemish bond brick; jarrah |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Uniting Church in the City, Perth |
| Synod | Western Australia |
Wesley Church is a special church building in Perth, Western Australia. You can find it at the corner of William Street and Hay Street. It's part of the Uniting Church in Australia. This church is one of the oldest buildings in Perth, built way back in the 1800s. It's a cool piece of history still standing today!
Contents
Exploring Wesley Church's Design
Wesley Church is built with strong bricks laid in a pattern called Flemish bond. This means the bricks create a cool checkerboard look on the walls. The church is designed in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in the Victorian era. It looks a bit like old castles or cathedrals.
Key Features of the Church
The church has a tall, pointy spire that reaches 35 meters (about 115 feet) high. On top of the spire is a weathercock, which shows wind direction. Around the main spire, there are four smaller spires. The roofs are very steep, and the walls have special supports called buttresses.
The windows are tall and narrow, known as lancet windows. They let in lots of light. The inside of the roof is made from hand-sawn timber. Originally, the roof was covered with wooden shingles, but now it has clay tiles.
The Story of Wesley Church
The first Methodists, a type of Christian group, arrived in Western Australia in 1830. They came on a ship called Tranby and started a small community near the Swan River.
Building the Church
The land for Wesley Church was bought for £400. This new church was the third Methodist church built in the area. A man named George Shenton suggested the name "Wesley Church" and promised £1,000 to help build it. Joseph Hardey also gave £500.
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The church was designed by Richard Roach Jewell, who was an architect and also a member of the church. He designed many important buildings in Perth. Jewell planned the church with a main hall (called the nave), a special area for the altar (the chancel), and a bell tower with a tall spire.
Laying the Foundation Stone
The first stone of the church was laid on October 25, 1867, by Governor John Stephen Hampton. The church officially opened on April 10, 1870. The total cost was about £3,000, which was a lot of money back then! The bricks were made from local clay, and the floor is made of jarrah wood. The church bell came from the Tranby ship, which brought the first Methodists to the colony.
In 1875, the church got the first pipe organ in the colony. Later, in 1880, more rooms were added for the clergy and choir, costing £385. In 1896, more changes were made, including adding side galleries and a new ceiling. These updates cost £1,150.
Earthquake and Repairs
In 1968, a big earthquake in Meckering caused damage to the church's steeple. They decided to take down the damaged part. After removing about 30 feet, the rest of the steeple seemed strong enough. So, a copper cone was placed on top to finish it. The bell was also moved from the tower and put on display outside on Hay Street, as the tower was too weak to hold it.
In the 1970s, new buildings like the Wesley Arcade and Tower were built next to the church. During this time, a small chapel was also added. In 1977, the Methodist church joined with other churches to become the Uniting Church in Australia. In 1985, a special fund was started to restore the church's outside walls and tower. The restoration work was finished in 1987.
What Happens at Wesley Church Today?
Today, Wesley Church is still an active place of worship. It is home to the Wesley community of the Uniting Church in the city. People gather there for services and other community activities.
Why Wesley Church is Important
Wesley Church is a very important historical building. It was added to the Register of the National Estate in 1985 and the State Heritage Register in 1995. This means it's recognized as a special place that needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy and learn from. It helps us remember the history of Perth and the early settlers.
