Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former)
34 Electra Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Electra Street Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The former Wesleyan Methodist Manse, designed by Crouch & Wilson and constructed in 1876 and the Kindergarten (Former) constructed by WH Salt in 1914-15, at 34 Electra Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The former Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten at 34 Electra Street, Williamstown are of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, the Manse is significant for its associations with Wesleyan Methodists who were one of the earliest religious congregations to establish in Williamstown. It is now one of the earliest surviving ecclesiastical residences in the municipality and demonstrates the importance of the Wesleyan Methodist church in Williamstown during the nineteenth century. The kindergarten demonstrates the increasing recognition of the educational needs of very young children by the Methodist church at the beginning of the twentieth century and is the oldest surviving kindergarten in the municipality. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)
Aesthetically, the Manse is significant as a Medieval styled ecclesiastical residence built of local bluestone, thus reflecting its locality. It is an integral part of the former Wesleyan church complex, which includes the similarly styled church and contributes to the historic character of Electra Street. The kindergarten is notable as an intact example of its type, which contributes to the historic character of the complex as part of the group of public buildings in Electra Street. (AHC criteria E1)
Note: There is a separate citation for the adjoining Wesleyan Methodist Church (Former)
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Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former) - Physical Description 1
Manse
Set on an asymmetrical plan, built of quarry-faced basalt masonry with quoining in cream brickwork (now painted), this two-storey house possesses a gabled-thrust wing set against a typical hipped-roof main section and a single level, bullnose-roofed verandah. The roof is of slate and the brick quoined windows suitably pointed for their ecclesiastical function. Venetian configured three-light windows provide the main emphasis, set below the finialled gable verge and the centred oculus.
The fence has been replaced and the verandah altered. The brick quoining has been painted.
KindergartenThe Methodist Kindergarten is a red brick building with twin gabled corrugated iron roof over projecting bays at either end that enclose a central porch. The gables have carved bargeboards and timber brackets. Foundation Stones are set into the facade of each bay: On the left is inscribed "Feed My Lambs. This Stone was laid by Rev. Francis Mason Superintendent Minister 19 August 1914", while on the right is "Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me. This Stone was laid by William H Salt Sunday School Superintendent 19 August 1914".
Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former) - Integrity
External Integrity and condition
Integrity - High (Manse and Kindergarten). Condition - Good (Manse and Kindergarten)
Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former) - Physical Description 2
Context
The Manse and Kindergarten are integral parts of the Wesleyan church complex, which contributes to the historic character of Electra Street.
Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
Forming Associations, Worshipping
Wesleyan Methodist Manse and Kindergarten (Former) - Physical Description 3
Associations
John Harcourt, Crouch & Wilson
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
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FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
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'NORWAY'Boroondara City
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1 Mitchell StreetYarra City
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