Naraling Church Hall

Statement of Significance

The Naraling Church Hall has considerable historic significance for its important role in the social and religious life of
the local community. The building is the most visual reminder of the Naraling townsite and presents as a solid and
decorative structure in an otherwise rural setting. The combination of stone buttressing and decorative mouldings
to the openings give the place aesthetic appeal. Although only occasionally used, the place is held in high esteem by
the Chapman Valley community.

Physical Description

Located on a sweeping bend of the Chapman Valley Road, the Naraling Church Hall is the most visible remnant
reminder of the old Naraling Townsite. The Hall presents as a picturesque building with a high degree of integrity. It
has stone buttressed corners and walls, pointed stonework to the front facade, Gothic arch windows and doors and
detailed rendered weather mouldings complete with boss around arched windows and the main double timber
doors which address the front. Original timber window frames have been replaced with aluminium windows. A
framed rear extension, which accommodates a kitchen/tea room, is clad with asbestos wall sheeting. Above the
framed addition the top half of a large gothic arch can be seen (filled with framing and CGI) apparently to have
opened into a future extension not built according to local anecdotes. There are concrete block ablutions to the
rear.

History

Naraling was declared a townsite in 1910 when the Wokarena-Naraling branch railway line opened. Indeed, the
railway was officially opened at Naraling on 8 October 1910, and was extended to Yuna in 1913. The railway
encouraged settlement in the area and with the increased population there emerged shops, a school, a blacksmith’s
shop and a RSL Hall. Naraling also boasted tennis courts and a sports oval.
It was decided in 1923 that in the interests of the area a church hall should be built at Naraling to cater for church
services and social events. This stone building, 40ft by 20ft, was built opposite the Government School and on the
site of the blacksmith's shop, which has been sold and carted away. The Hall was constructed by local stonemason,
Bob Salmon, using local stone carted from Joe Pascoe’s property at Nolba. Bob Salmon was responsible for the
construction of numerous buildings in the district including the Nolba Post Office and Exchange buildings as well as a
number of private residences such as Annan and Roskams Farmhouses. The foundation stone was laid by James
Criddle on 21 August 1926, and the Hall was declared open on 27 November 1926, by Mr Neil Calder, with a large
gathering of residents present for the occasion. The Hall is still in use for occasional church services, meetings and
social functions.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Original Fabric: Totally intact except for minor
alterations
Modifications: Aluminium window frames

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.