1" { , ':: 9l: l:i. er. ..:,1 e'.1 ?, lij'ryi:i:iil:aitrili': '.-.

f;rf

Jurv 1860 - Tur OpENING oF Ktxc SrnrET CHAPEL

Ladies in bonnets, brimmed hats and long dresses hold

onto the hands of little girls in frilly frocks, and little

boys in grey jackets and long trousers. The men are

with top hats and long coats. There is joy and excitement in
dressed in their Sunday best suits, complete

the air

as they move towards

the opening of the new

church on Newtown Road (later called King Street,

7877). Some have travelled by train from the newly

opened Newtown train station, which was then located at Station Street (1855). Others have arrived by horse
carriage, or on horse carts. Many have just walked from

their homes in the new suburb of Newtown. The Sydney Morning Herald, of 21stJuly 1860, described the chapel as "combining thorough suitability
as a Wesleyan place of

Aphoto of
Newtown
Mission's Chapel taken in the 1960's.

worship with considerable

architectural beauty. The first minister appointed to the church was the
Rev Benjamin Chapman.

early Methodists continues to inspire the people of God

In the tradition ofJohn

who meet at Newtown Mission today.

Today the women wear jeans or casual dresses, and

Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Sydney's Newtown

Methodists were famous for their community services. Alongside the regular Sunday Services, the early Newtown Methodists were responsible for the running of
a

the men are dressed in t-shirts,jeans, and jumpers.The

church carries on the tradition of providing meals and
compassionate care for the needy. Volunteers are sent

Wesleyan Day School, a Sunday School, a home

out from the church to many parts of the world, serving the communities in which they work. Today we honour
and cherish the memory of the people who formed the

nursing service, and food and clothing relief. Over the

years these services have adapted to meet the needs

of a changing community. While many things have progressed since 1860, the same spirit that inspired the

history of this church, and we celebrate 150 years of the

current church building.

L84Ol
1840,

The history of Newtown Mission began in

18 6 O I

The opening services for the new church were

with a small group of families gathering in two brick cottages on the corner of Eliza and King street. The services were heid in a room 30 x 12 {eet which was formed by knocking down the dividing wall between the two houses.

held inJuly &August 1860. After the opening

of

the new chapel, the old church was used as a school

house, and the old school building (in between the

two church buildings) was demolished, to leave room for a playground for the children.

L844:

The Sunday School, founded

byMrJohn

L864:
of

Jones, originally met in May street, St Peters. The school was conducted by devoted members

Upstairs gaileries were installed in the new chapel, to improve the acoustics. However the

galleries were not furnished for use untll L892,

the church congregation but later grew to comprise

numerous staff and many students.

with pews from the Centenary Hall, in Newtown.

T877 -7 8t

L848-1851:

In response to the growing nature of the church, a portion of land (51 x 100 ft.) was purchased in 1848 on the corner of King and Erskineville Roads. A small brick chapel, housing 500 people, was opened in May 1850.
The land was later enlarged and a school hall and

The new pipe organ was commissioned from J.W Hill and Son, of London and installed

by Charles James Jackson. The visible part of the organ was displayed in a large archway, with the

majority of the pipes housed in a separate chamber added in 1905. In 1910 the organ was significantly upgraded and the playing action was converted to
a pneumatic action. The pipes were decorated by

in 1851. lnlB49 Mr Dunlop became the master of the Newtown

teacher's residence were erected

Mr

R. R. Christian who gave his valuable services

Wesleyan Day School and the Sunday School.

as a love

gift to the church.

Sadly, the organ is not

1855I
as

functional today.
The church employed several local preachers

well as a Minister. In 1855, the same yeat that the first section of Sydney's railway opened and the gold rush began, Newtown formed its own preaching circuit, which included Glebe, Stanmore, Ashfield, Canterbury, Botany, Camperdown, Peakhurst, Tempe, Rockdale and Burwood. RevJoseph Oram commented that it was a "hard
circuit for one man".

1882I

The beautiful stained glass windows at the east

end of the church were installed in memory of Mrs

Jane Conley, one ofthe organists ofthe church and Mr William Tye, both of whom played important

roles in the life of the church.

1890-91:

A .,.* school hall with

classrooms and

caretaker residences was constructed alongside

the main chapel on King Street. The old church on the corner of King and Erskineville Roads was demolished to make way for the new school, and

1859I

Due to tremendous growth in the

congregation, the decision was made to build a new chapel. Land directly adjacent to the old chapel and school hall was purchased for a sum of 1,050 pounds. The foundation stone was laid by the Hon. George Allen on 30th Sept 1B59.The building, an excellent example ofWesleyan Methodist architecture, was designed by George Allen

the remaining vaiant land was sold to

Mr

Cannon.

19O2t

St. Peter's Tempe church united

with

Newtown Methodist Church.

1971-7912:

1_50 person choirwas a regular

feature at church services, led by the choir master and organist Mr W. Pogson. The choir won the

Mansfield and constructed byThomas Abbott.

The total cost of the building was 6,750 pounds.

Eisteddfod Church Choir first prize tvvo years

running from 7971,-1,9L2.

l9l4-L918:
L9L6t

Dr,ri.,g World War I, 108 members of the congregation served in the war.
The increased noise from traffic on King Street, and the heat during the summer months

school hall was used as a gymnasium, scouts and guides meeting place and a youth club. The church hall was in use every day of the week.

19461

The Newtown Methodist Nursing Service

made the unusable.

front classrooms in the school hall

began

with 10 nurses and was ultimately During the ministry of Rev Len

superseded

With the additional

advantage

of

by the Sydney District Nursing Service.

providing income, the front of the school was modified to include several shops. In addition, the land on the corner of King and Erskineville roads
was re-purchased and three shops

196O'Sl

Thompson, the church continued its support of the

needy in the community. Girls and boys hostels

with residences

above were constructed. Electricity was connected

were established to provide accommodation for students, nursing for the elderly continued and

to the church, replacing candles and gas lamps.

L921:The

church employed several sisters to help with the social work in the church. Sister Ruth Hurt

did splendid work in the schools and amongst the

women of the mission from 1921to 7938.

79231

The chapel was renovated and redecorated, with a re-opening ceremony performed by the

Governor of the State, Sir Walter Davidson.

1924:

Rev A.W. Walker was instrumental in leading the social welfare enterprises of the church. During his appointment the church became a mission, and the care for the needy was specifically addressed.

food parceis were always available for those in need. A highlight each year was the Harvest Time Festival. A devoted member of the church, Mr Smart would donate the entire produce from one acre of his farm at Camden.This was then distributed to the needy in the community. The church sponsored an annual spring fair and the hall was transformed into a social venue for indoor bowls. Two choirs met during the week, and on Sunday mornings, a children's choir would sing during services. fhe church was certainly a centre of activity for members of the communityl

L977:

1928!

The church was specifically designated

Mission church. The Depression of the 1930's saw much unemployment, and families were being evicted, as they were unable to pay rent. Newtown had become working class and the gentry had moved to the surrounding suburbs.

The Presbyterian and Congregational church united with the Methodist church to form the Uniting Church. Newtown Methodist Church became Newtown Mission Uniting Church.

I-rAfE 197 O' Sl A group of Charismatic

Catholics met in the church hal1. Along with the

L94Ol

Extensive renovations to the church and

ministry of Rev Don Drury, this paved the way for the charismatic revival of the late BO's and early 90's.

school buildings.

1988- 199O'Sl Under the ministry of Rev

Ron Brookman, the church gained
a

L9 39 -19 531

Superintendent Rev Samuel McKibben led a ministry which was described as 'masculine Christianity in actiori. He even threatened to knock out a bailiffwho tried to evict one of his congregation. During the 40's and 50's, the church was a hub of social activities for the community. A member of the congregation at the time, Mr Bruce Neville Meller remembers the

reputation

as a charismatic place of worship. The gates and

pews were removed to provide easier access to

the church and more freedom in worship. Pastors preached from the same level as the congregation instead of from a pulpit. This informal nature of worship has continued to this day with the congregation being actively involved in the service.

fhe church

was characterized by a strong

2OO7 -2010I

Senior Pastor Doug Clements and

evangelistic focus, emphasis on counseling, rehabilitation, prison ministry, welfare, healing and education. "Messiah College"was founded by Pastor Con Stamos and provided students with a strong foundation in biblical discipleship.

his wife Helen were instrumental in establishing the Annandaie Creative Arts Centre, which is home to avafleq/ of creative collectives. Pastor

2OOO-2OO2I

Senior Pastor Rob Nance saw the

to support the training and equipping of Christian leaders all over the world. Newtown Mission currently supports 33 overseas Doug has
a passion

need for major renovations to the church. Under the

workers, located across the globe. Compassion Pastoq Brian Unterrheiner oversees the welfare ministry of the church. The Drop-In Centre provides meals, counseling, legal advice and support for those applying for Centrelink and housing. Local businesses and members of the community play an active role in supporting the

supervision of Alan Gravolin, Ron Lodewijks and his team worked tirelessly on restoring the church.

2OO1:

Kon Parris was inspired to paint the Revelation ceiling. A fund was established to cover the cost of materials and Kon generously donated his time, inspired by his grand vision and

encouraged by Rev Nance, family and friends.

drop-in centre. Brian and his wife Sue are well

respected members of the Newtown community. Pastor Andy Collins oversees several initiatives

2OO2l

rededication service celebrated the completed restoration of the church. This was a joyous occasion charactenzed by thanksgiving and
a

In August

designed to help people grown in their Christian

renewed vision for the future of the church.

2002-2006l

During the ministry of Rev Phil

Marshall the Cornerstone Caf6 was established, featuring live music and a resident band every
second Saturday night. The Employment lnitiative

faith. Small groups, Christian households, and healing services are all important aspects of Newtown Missioris discipleship program. Pastor Andy is married to Melissa and their young famtly bring a note of optimism and joy to the church.

program helped provide skills and confidence for people preparing to enter the work force. And the
Tongan worship service was established.It eventually moved to Tempe, with
a

While many things have changed over the years, Newtown Mission continues to be a vibrant hub of activity in our community.
The church is characterised by a strong focus

joint worship service held in

Newtown on the first Sunday of the month.

2006-2008

The Newtown Community

Art

on social justice, down to earth relationships, authentic worship and creativity. We would love you to join us!

Exhibition (NCA) provided an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent and form connections with other creative people.

2OO8l

The Revelation Ceiling by Kon Parris opened

on August 30. Featuring 20 panels depicting the book of Revelation, the artwork is one of the largest ceiling paintings in the Southern Hemisphere. Amanda Hallihan organises tours and events that feature the Revelation Ceiling.
Thank You: X4ona Jeffries, Amanda &James Hallihan, Peter Bendey, Richard Luke, Deanna, Gavin, Edmond and Linda from UCA Archives, Rob Nance, Phil Marsha1l, Con Stamos, Stephen Davis, Doug Clements, Andy Collins and Len Thompson. Photography this page by: Rob Harding. Design: Amanda Hallihan.