eHive Object Details

Name/TitleWesleyan Church [Wesleyan Chapel], corner of Collins and Queen streets, Melbourne, c. 1855

About this objectThis photograph includes a much reproduced image of the second Wesleyan Church to be built in Melbourne, located on the north-west corner of Collins and Queen streets. The image looks to be taken from a church notice handed out to the congregation at the later Wesleyan Church built in Lonsdale Street.

The foundation stone of the Wesleyan Chapel, designed by John James Peers, was laid in May 1840, although the building was not completed until 1847. The site was sold in 1857, and, as explained in the notes at the bottom of the image, became the location of the Bank of Australasia. The Sands & McDougall Directory of 1860 records the bank at 396 Collins St (north side). According to the notes, the Parsonage became the Australian Alliance Insurance Company, which, according to the 1860 directory, was next to the bank at 402 Collins Street, and seen to the left of the chapel.

The picket fence around the chapel, and the entry arch with a central lamp, can also be seen in S. T. Gill's "Gt. Collins St. looking East from Wesleyan Chapel, Melbourne" of 1857.

The image includes many of the chapel's congregation on their way to a service, wearing bonnets and top hats.

The church notices are separated from the image by an elaborate band that includes the printer's name and address. Unfortunately, when the glass slide was made some end letters of the written lines were lost.

One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria

MakerClarke, William

Maker RolePrinter

MakerRedaway & Sons (engraver)

Maker RoleEngraver

Inscription and Marks[P]rayer Leaders are expected to attend to their appointments punctually, or, if prevented, t p
from some one whose name is on the Plan.

QUARTERLY FAST, JUNE 28.--QUARTERLY MEETING, JULY 9.

The Wesleyan Hymn Books, Prayer Books,&c., may be obtained at the Minister's residence.

W. Clarke, Printer, Herald Office, Melbourne.

WESLEYAN CHURCH AND PREMISES, COLLINS AND QUEEN STREETS.

[Sto]ne laid 11th May, 1840; Opened 24th June, 1841; Enlarged 1849. Land sold 30th J[?]
[?]als of the Church taken down and used in part in the North Melbourne (Hotham) Chu[rch.]
[?]now Bank of Australasia, Parsonage now Australian Alliance Insurance Company, [?]

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1850-1860

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsWesleyan Church

Subject and Association KeywordsCollins Street (Melbourne, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsPeers, John James

Subject and Association KeywordsChurches

Subject and Association KeywordsWomen

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-BCS-47

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved