JOHN KNOX'S CHURCH
MELBOURNE
1848

[Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal]

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JOHN KNOX'S CHURCH, MELBOURNE

As some of our readers may wish to have some further information respecting the Free Church now being erected in Melbourne, we subjoin the following description furnished to us by the Architect :-

"The style of architecture is Gothic, of the early English character prevalent during the eleventh century. The Church is in the form of a paralellogram, 62 feet 6 inches in length, 38 feet wide, and 20 feet in height, inside measurement; it is lighted by ten lancet windows, on each side of which are buttresses which serve to strengthen the side walls, and to carry the principal timbers of the roof; the corners of the edifice are finished with angular buttresses. The south end of the building, at which is the principal entrance, is finished with a gable, bold octagonal piers surmounted with finials, and a neat slightly ornamented porch, with two commodious entrances. The Vestry is at the northern end, 18 feet by 13 feet within, with a separate entrance, and communicating with the body of the Church; there is also an entrance at this end of the building into the Church. The bellfry is at the south end of the buildings, of stone, forming a neat terminus to the gable. The Church is calculated to afford accommodation for 420 persons, - is built of brick upon a stone foundation well elevated. The finishing, in general, is plain, but of good effect."

The carpenters', glaziers', and plumbers' work has now been contracted for. The amount is £400, making the whole liabilities now incurred, £958 19s. This will finish the building, externally, but will do nothing towards plastering, pewing, and pulpit, &c. - "Free Presbyterian Messenger."

A GENEROUS OFFER

We beg to make known to the Members of the Free Church in Melbourne, the following liberal offer which has been made by two valued friends :-

"We are prepared to give four shillings for every twenty shillings raised by subscription after this date (28th December, 1847,) during the current Free Church year; this addition to be applicable to subscriptions for all the funds, but not to include collections in the Church; and we also limit the amount on which we will give this addition of four shillings for every twenty shillings to the sum of £500; that is, our additional subscription will, in no case, exceed one hundred pounds."

We hope this kind proposal will act as a stimulus to the exertions and liberality of our friends, and that all will endeavour to render the sum necessary to be borrowed as small as possible, for debt on a Church is like a millstone about its neck. It is only right to add that the parties making the preceding offer have already given a handsome subscription for the current year, as well as for the year expired. Let us all give even as God hath prospered us.

The Free Church year, let it be remenbered, is to terminate on the 30th September. - "Free Presbyterian Messenger."

( "Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal" - Melbourne - 3 January 1848 )

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( Source of Image: National Library of Australia )

Rev. James Forbes

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