Wesley Church, Perth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wesley Church
31°57′12″S 115°51′24″E / 31.9533°S 115.8568°E / -31.9533; 115.8568
Location	Corner of William Street and Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia
Country	Australia
History
Founded	1867
Architecture
Architect(s)	Richard Roach Jewell
Style	Gothic Revival architecture
Completed	1870

Wesley Church is a historic building in Perth, Western Australia. It is a Uniting Church located at the corner of William Street and Hay Street. This church is one of the oldest church buildings in Perth. It is also one of the few 19th-century buildings left in the city.

Church Design and Look

Wesley Church is made from strong bricks. These bricks are laid in a special pattern called Flemish bond. The church is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style was popular a long time ago.

Key Features of the Church

The church has a very tall spire that stands out. It also has steep roofs and pointed gables. The walls have strong supports called buttresses. These help the building stand tall. The church has tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. They let in lots of light. The bricks are different shades of color. This makes a cool checkerboard pattern on the walls.

The Spire and Roof

The spire is about 35 meters (115 feet) high. It has a weathercock on top. This is like a weather vane. Four smaller spires surround the main spire at its base. The roof was first covered with wooden shingles. Later, it was changed to clay tiles.

A Look Back: History of Wesley Church

The first Methodists arrived in Western Australia in 1830. They came on a ship called the Tranby. They wanted to start a religious community. They settled near the Swan River.

Buying the Land and Building

The land for Wesley Church was bought for £400. This was a lot of money back then. It was the third Methodist church built in the area. The first church became a caretaker's house. The second was used for Sunday School. George Shenton, a leader in the community, suggested the name Wesley Church. He also promised £1,000 to help build it. Joseph Hardey gave another £500.

The Architect and His Plan

Richard Roach Jewell designed Wesley Church. He was a skilled architect. He also designed other famous buildings in Perth. These include The Cloisters and the Pensioner Barracks. Jewell designed Wesley Church in the popular Gothic Revival style. His plan included the main hall (nave), the altar area (chancel), and a bell tower. The bell tower was moved from one side to another.

Building and Opening the Church

The first stone was laid on October 25, 1867. Governor John Stephen Hampton did the honors. The church officially opened on April 10, 1870. The total cost was about £3,000. This was a huge amount for the small church group. The original bricks were made from local clay. The floor is made of jarrah wood. The church bell came from the ship Tranby. This was the ship that brought the first members to the colony.

Changes Over the Years

In 1875, the church got its first organ. It was a big instrument with many sounds. In 1880, new rooms were added for the clergy and choir. An organ loft was also built. More changes happened in 1896. A new tower was built on the north-east side. Side galleries and a new ceiling were added. These changes cost £1,150.

Earthquake Damage and Repairs

In 1968, an earthquake hit the area. It damaged the church's steeple. Workers decided to take down the steeple. But after removing part of it, the rest seemed safe. So, a copper cone was put on top. The church bell was also taken down. It was too heavy for the damaged tower. The bell is now displayed outside on Hay Street.

Modern Updates and Restoration

In 1974, new buildings were constructed next to the church. These included the Wesley Arcade and Tower. A small chapel was also built. In 1977, the Methodist church joined the Uniting Church in Australia. In 1985, a fund was started to restore the church. The outside brick walls and tower were repaired. The restoration finished in 1987.

What Wesley Church is Used For Today

Today, Wesley Church is still an active place of worship. It is home to the Wesley worshipping community. This community is part of the Uniting Church in Australia.

Protecting Our Heritage

Wesley Church is a very important historical building. It was added to the Register of the National Estate in 1985. It was also recognized by the National Trust of Australia (WA) in 1973. In 1995, it was placed on the permanent State Heritage Register. This means it is officially protected.

Images for kids

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  William St. (Camels on Street), Perth, W Australia (Tucks Oilette 1911/1912)

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  The church nave