Wesley Church and Manse (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has served the Methodist and Uniting Church communities of Guildford and the region since its construction in 1883 and 1886, as has the Manse since its construction in 1892;

The Manse is a fine example of Victorian Georgian domestic architecture, and of particular significance is the waratah design motif ceiling and cornice to the main bedroom using Australian flora, which is notable for its fine execution;

The place is an important component of the historic fabric of Guildford, a town with a particularly high density of historic places which reflect the early to late nineteenth century development of the Swan River Colony; and

The place exhibits characteristics that contribute to the aesthetic qualities of the streetscape.

The olive trees to the east of the site are important, but it remains unclear as to the title upon which the trees are located.

The 1988-89 additions to the south of the 1886 Sunday School are considered to be intrusive. The majority of plantings on the site are of little significance.

Physical Description

Wesley Chapel and Manse, a single storey brick rendered church with an iron roof in the Victorian Academic style, and a single storey brick and iron manse in the Victorian Georgian style. The chapel is a simple rectangular building of load bearing brick construction with tall lancet windows. The brickwork has been rendered and painted. A flat roofed vestry and meeting room has been added at the rear. The front gable was originally surmounted by a bellcote which has been removed.

The Manse is designed in the tradition of Australian colonial domestic architecture with hipped roof, and verandahs on three sides. The brickwork is of handmade bricks in Flemish bond but the colours of the bricks are the reverse of the usual pattern, the headers in this case being of lighter colour than the stretchers.

History

The existing church replaced an earlier Chapel built in 1856 on Allotment 18. The property was resumed for railway construction in February 1883. The present building was opened in August of the same year.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.