Gawler Historic Building: TOD STREET METHODIST CHURCH
The Tod street Methodist Church (now Uniting Church) was erected in 1869, but few people realise that the first Gawler Methodist Church, built in 1850, still stands.
It forms part of the Sunday School building on the southern side of Tod street, and is now used for an opportunity shop
Methodism had its beginnings in Gawler in 1846 when Rev. W. Harcourt spent a short time in the town visiting people.
But the real founder of Methodism in the town was a Wesleyan preacher, John Jones, who began conducting regular services in 1848 at Mrs. Murphy's school on the site of the St. George's tennis courts.
Mr. Jones was born in Lancashire, England, and arrived in Gawler on November 14, 1848. He worked for Mr. James Martin before starting a wheelwright and blacksmith business.
He was the first person to conduct Methodist services in Gawler, and often walked long distances on Sundays for appointments. He was affectionately known as the "pedestrian layman".
The foundation stone of the first church was laid in May, 1850. But when Rev. Thomas Lloyd was appointed the minister in 1857 it was decided to build a new and bigger church.
However, work did not start for about 10 years. By the end of 1866 the growing number of churchgoers made the trustees realise that work should go on.
They purchased land for 150 pounds from Mr. William Duffield, and in February 1867 a committee was appointed to collect funds.
A tender of 775 pounds offered by Messrs. Manifold and Pimlott was accepted for the mason work. On August 19, 1867, the Rev. J. Watsford laid the foundation stone on the south-east corner of the site.
A bottle containing a copy of The Bunyip, The Register and The Advertiser, some current coins of the day, photographs of ministers present and a document containing a brief narration of the laying ceremony was placed next to the foundation stone. The bell was installed for 22 pounds and is still used today.
The Rev. D.L. Binks, president of the Wesleyan Conference, and Rev. Thomas Lloyd, minister of the circuit, officiated at the opening ceremony on Sunday, March 21, 1869. The numbers were so great many people had to remain outside.
At the time the church was the largest place of worship outside Adelaide. Its measurements are 80 feet long, 20 feet wide and 30 feet high.
It's style is essentially Gothic, and the incongruity of the ceiling is greatly redeemed by the panelling and ornamentation adopted. The front is a triple gable of commanding proportions, divided into centre and sides by buttresses which terminate in pinnacles.
Main access to the church is through three doorways, above which double windows are placed in the side bays. A group of four lights form the centre.
The roof is made of 6,000 moderate pitch slated tiles and is finished at the ridge with iron crest tiling. The four principal lights in the large window form a true geometrical pattern.
Each light contains a shield. The first shows a pelican feeding her young from her own bosom - emblematical of the church feeding her flock.
The second contains the initials I.H.S. (In His Service). The third light has the Greek letters representing Alpha and Omega and the fourth shows the Holy Spirit descending from heaven.
During the ministry of the Rev. E.J. Piper the trustees sold the old manse which stands in Scheibener terrace for 510 pounds and purchased a new parsonage (Tortola House).
On Sunday, November 29, 1925, the church took a big step with the opening of the new pipe organ. The opening service was conducted by the minister, Rev. G.I. Pearson. The total cost was 1,600 pounds.
Choirmaster at the time was Mr. Arthur Dawkins and the organist Gladys Schulz.
The organ has 840 speaking tubes. Its complex electrical components have more than five miles of wire.
Thanks to a bequest from Mr. R. Boswell Pearson the sanctuary of the church was re-designed and carpets laid in 1964. The Rev. W.J. Stafford conducted a dedication service on December 6 of that year.
Another big undertaking was the redecorating of the interior in 1955 during the ministry of the Rev. A.R. Broadbent, at a cost of 800 pounds.
The first memorial window was placed in the church in 1915 in memory of Mr. C.H. Annells for his 50 years service to the church.
On April 14, 1946, the Governor of SA, Sir Willoughby Norrie, unveiled memorial windows in honour of those who served in the Second World War. A further four windows were installed in 1966 and another four installed for unveiling during the centenary celebrations in 1969.
The central tower on the church has become an interesting local curiosity known as the "leaning tower of Tod street."
In 1977 the Methodist Church joined with the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches to become the Uniting Church of Australia.
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Historic Building Page
Last modified on: Friday, 5 November 1999