Pingelly Uniting Church

Statement of Significance

The Church is a demonstration of the development that occurred in Pingelly around the turn-of-the-century as it became the service centre of the district.

Physical Description

The building is sited back from the street alignment of Park Street in a landscaped setting. The nave of the building is conventionally orientated east-west with a porch to the front elevation. The building is of fair-faced brickwork laid in English bond on a rendered base. The entrance porch is approached by a staircase with new metal balustrades. The porch has a gabled rood with wide eaves and a lancet-shaped doorway. The interior of the porch is rendered. The nave has six lancet windows, three either side, which are divided into three lights, and two further lancets that have been replaced by top-hung awning windows with new aluminium frames. A large and decorative bell cote with a pyramidal top was at the roof apex at the front of the church. The bell cote is no longer extant. The date the bell cote was removed is unknown. The interior walls of the building are plastered and painted, and the ceiling is originally or varnished pine. In 1965, an electronic organ was installed in the church, donated by Charles Stewart as a memorial to his late wife In 1969-1970, a brick extension was added to the rear and south elevation to accommodate a new vestry, kitchen and toilets. The brickwork of the extension is in stretcher bond. At the same time, the building underwent renovations including new furnishings. In 1974, the church surrounds were landscaped.

History

The West Australian reported on the opening of the Pingelly Methodist Church: "On Sunday, the 17th inst., a new Methodist Church was opened in Pingelly. The church, which is of brick with stone foundations, is lighted by eight lancet windows of coloured cathedral glass. The walls are plastered and nicely stencilled and kalsomined, and the ceiling is of varnished pine. There are a handsome rail and rostrum at the back of which, on the wall, is painted in silver and gold 'Enter into His Courts with Praise'. The church is fully furnished, with the exception of an organ. The bell was given by a friend, and the pulpit cushion by the unmarried ladies of the congregation. Several other presentations were made, including matting, cushions, and tablecloth. ...The cost of the building, including seats, will be about £450, of which there will remain a debt of £150. The building is 40 ft by 25 ft clear, inside measurement, and has a commodious porch. The brick and plastering contract was carried out by Messrs O'Brien and Sons, of Pingelly; the carpentering and painting by friends. The architect is Mr J. McNeece of Fremantle." The Manse was built in 1907, and was the home of many ministers and their families until 1959, when it was enlarged and remodelled to become quite a prestigious building of 8 rooms. A new vestry, kitchen areas and toilets were built in 1969-70. together with renovations and new furnishings to the Church. The surrounds were landscaped and beautified from 1974.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update