North Perth Chapel

Statement of Significance

The former church has aesthetic value as it demonstrates a simple, intact and late example of the Inter War Romanesque style executed in brick and tile. The place is a landmark on this prominent corner on this main arterial road. The place has historic value for its demonstration of the growth of this area of North Perth in the period following World War Two. The place has historic value for its association with the Brethren Christian community who have made a contribution to the Western Australian community since the 19th century. The place has social value for its ongoing presence in the streetscape and therefore contributes to the community sense of place. The place has been the venue of social and spiritual events since c1956 which have been attended by wide sections of the community. The recent use of the place as a private residence demonstrates a change in approach to the reuse of religious buildings.

Physical Description

This single storey brick and tile building with a simple gable roofs, has an 'L' shaped plan form with the rectangular brick hall slightly proud of the entry wing to the west. The main façade of the hall features 3 slender timber sash windows, divided by two fluted cement rendered elements. A stepped brick detail is located on the corners, at the junction with the roof and wall. Contrasting bricks have been used in the angled sills. The long facades of the hall are divided by evenly spaced brick buttresses and timber sash windows. The entrance to the hall is via the adjoining wing where the entry door is framed by contrasting brick borders. The building is located on a sloping site and a terrace has been constructed across the front of the building and it is separated from the street level by a limestone retaining wall. Slender metal railings form a balustrade on top of the retaining wall. The western side of the building is raised by limestone foundations, and stone steps are located on this side of the terrace.

History

This portion of North Perth was subdivided for residential settlement in 1896 however it was not significantly developed until the Inter War period as the population settled to the north of Perth. This site was undeveloped until transferred to the Brethren Christian Group and plans prepared for the construction of a church hall. These plans were prepared by D. J. Reid, a member of the Association of Building Technicians, and dated 8 October 1956. It is likely this was Donald James Reid, a building supervisor work in Perth at this time. The date of construction is not confirmed however aerial photographs indicate that the church hall was built by 1961. Brethren assemblies have existed in Australia since the 1850s. Holding congregational autonomy as a core principle, they long resisted forming any kind of central organization, preferring to operate as a network bound together by relationships rather than organized bodies. A number of organizations aiming to support the Brethren movement did arise, however, and gained widespread acceptance among the assemblies. These included the Stewards Foundation (established 16 July 1965). A national committee was established in 2006, which was subsequently incorporated as the Christian Community Churches of Australia. Not all Brethren assemblies affiliated to it immediately; the Western Australian Brethren did not join it until 2013. It is not known when the place ceased to function for religious purposes. In recent years, the hall has been used for hire as a dance and function space. It is now used as a private residence. No changes to the form or extent of the building can be seen in the aerial photographs of the place since 1961.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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