House

Statement of Significance

Residence, 17 Grey Street is significant for associations with Reverend Lowe who was integral to the Methodist Church for four periods of service between 1851 and 1884, retiring to York in 1884. The residence is a fine example of Victorian Georgian architecture in a prominent location, overlooking the Uniting Church, Hall (former chapel) and 1913 Manse, as well as the town, making a significant contribution to the historic townscape of York.

Physical Description

Set in an elevated position with views east to the Uniting Church and Hall, the town and the Avon River beyond to the east, the residence is obscured by a boundary fence and mature plantings. The face brick residence has a simple hipped roof and the surrounding veranda is a separate hipped skillion roof. The veranda has decorative vertical timber balustrades around the perimeter. Two face brick chimneys flank each end of the roof ridge. Views are obscured. There is a record that suggest the place is double storey. Likely there is an undercroft to a single storey that is elevated.

History

Reverend William Lowe moved to Perth in 1851 to take over from John Smithies and his wife Hannah when they moved to York to open the Gerald Mission.
By September 1851, York Suburban Lot D fronting Avon Terrace, comprising 6.925 acres was granted to the Weslyan trustees for the purpose of a church, chapel for worship, Ministers dwelling and for Glebe, but no other purposes. At that time, Reverend Lowe assisted Reverend Smithies in laying the corner stone of the chapel that was built by JH Monger. Smithies continued with his Mission that failed and he left Western Australia in 1854. Reverend Lowe served York on four occasions between 1855 and 1884 (1855-1859, 1864-1867, 1870-1893, and 1878-1884) and retired in the town.
The first Methodist manse was built in 1856 behind the chapel for Reverend Lowe. By 1911, it was no longer tenable a bequest from JH Monger funded the new manse behind the church and immediately against the 1856 building that was later demolished in 1926. The manses on the Church the site from 1856 to present have always been available for the Reverend and family, and private rentals in more recent decades when there was no resident Reverend.
Note:
It is likely that Reverend Lowe actually retired to 17 Grey Street in 1884, as the manse was still available (directly across the road) for the previous and subsequent Reverends.
There is no evidence that 17 Grey Street was the Manse at any time. Given that the building is recorded as being built in 1885, and Reverend Lowe retired in 1884, it is likely that he did have the residence constructed to reside in York for his retirement years.
The Methodist Church formed the Uniting Church in the 1977, when it amalgamated with some Presbyterian and Congregational churches.
There is evidence that the property was known as “The Mound” due to a natural spring at the front of the residence. Also referenced as “Font Hill”.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate/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.