Dates

• Existence: November 1862 - September 1978

History

St John's Presbyterian Church was formed when a group of Free Presbyterians, feeling St Andrew's Church was too far away, formed a congregation and called Rev D Fraser of Heidleberg who was inducted in November 1862. Rev Fraser conducted services in the Fire Brigade Hall and later in the Police Court. The congregation raised enough money to purchase land at the corner of Victoria and Princes Streets for £550. The Prince Albert Hotel on the land was altered and renovated and Rev Fraser preached there until January 1869. When Rev J W Inglis was inducted in June 1869 the congregation was too large for the building and servies were held in the Alfred Hall until land at Peel Street South was purchased for £450. The new church was designed by Mr P Oakden and built by Irving, Glover and Lorimer, it was said to be the largest wooden church in the colony, seating one thousand people. Built at a total cost of £2,614, it was dedicated on 13th August 1871 with Rev A Cameron of Melbourne officiating.

In 1969, at the direction of Presbytery, the Sessions of Ebenezer and St John's combined to form the Session of Ballarat South Parish. Their call to Rev C. Harrison was accepted and he was inducted in May of that year. Rev Harrison preached each Sunday in St John's, St David's, and Ebenezer Churches. Approaches had been made to the St John's Church regarding the purchase of their property and, after much debate, the Congregation decided to sell and amalgamate with Ebenezer. Ballarat Presbytery held a special evening service on 28th September 1978 to amalgamate the two congregations, and the first Sunday worship was held on 4th October 1978.

Functions

• Charge

Places

• Ballarat (Other)
  • Note: The church was located in Peel Street South, Ballarat East.

Found in 1 Collection or Record: