CHURCH (FMR), 12 BAKER STREET

Statement of Significance

Church (fmr), 12 Baker Street, a simple single storey, limestone, brick and iron building constructed in the 1890s is a simple example of the Federation Gothic style of Architecture. It is an example of a simple early church building in the Fremantle area. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area.

Physical Description

Church(fmr), 12 Baker Street, a simple single storey, limestone, brick and iron building was constructed in the 1890s and designed in the Federation Gothic style of Architecture. There is a later added face brick porch centrally located on the front facade on the front boundary line. This is flanked either side by arched Gothic windows with brick quoins. The building consisting of a porch area, church hall, and a rear annex containing a kitchen and storage area. Detached Toilet block. The walls are limestone with brick quoining. The roof is gabled and clad with corrugated iron.

History

Baker Street was originally called Leah Street. The change occurred in the 1908/09 rate period.
The Presbyterian Church had been established in Fremantle in the 1880s and the Scots Church in South Terrace was completed in 1890. This building is first recorded in the Post Office Directories for 1897 as the Presbyterian Church and in 1902 as the Presbyterian Sunday School. The Rev. Robert Hanlin (Presbyterian Minister) built a hall for the church on Baker Street in the early 1900s. In 1908 the building is designated as a ‘Presbyterian Chapel’ on a sewerage plan. It does not have the porch entrance, which is later shown. The only additional structure is a brick closet in the rear of the lot.
In 1974, a photograph of the place shows it was in a relatively poor condition. The stone work is rendered and the surrounding plantings are overgrown. A cyclone mesh fence is evident on the front boundary.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle") A photograph of the place at this time shows the building was substantially unchanged although some additional buildings on the site have been demolished.
In 1994, the building was used as premises for the Jaguar Car Club of WA. It was in good condition with rendered stone walls and a corrugated iron roof. The timber floors and ceiling were still in evidence.
By 1997 the building had been converted to a residence with the addition of kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. In 2000, the building was referred to as ‘Beaconsfield Hall’ but there is no recorded origin for this name.
Plans approved by the City of Fremantle for additions at the rear and replacement of entrance in 2008.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium to high degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining but with some alterations.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.