Rokewood Median PriceSurrounding suburbsRokewood Median Rent| House | $245  |
| | Map | Street view | Nearby property price | | Planning History: | | | Registered as Victorian heritage | What is Significant?
The Rokewood Presbyterian Church, 60 Ferrars Road, Rokewood, has outstanding significance as a predominantly intact example of an unusual and distinguished Victorian Decorated Gothic-styled Presbyterian Church in a rural setting. Built in 1865-66, it represents the first major design by the prolific and notable architect, Alexander Davidson, who had been enticed to emigrate from Scotland to Rokewood by his uncle, Rev. John Cooper, the Presbyterian Minister at Rokewood between 1859 and 1866. A landmark in the small township of Rokewood, the contextually large scale and elaborate building is a legacy of the wealthy benefactors of the Presbyterian Church in the Rokewood district, notably the Russell family of 'Wurrock' and the Elder families of the Kuruc-a-ruc Estate and 'The Meadows'. The significance of the church is embodied in its design and construction, the coursed bluestone Victorian Decorative Gothic Revival styled building being characterised by a distinctive articulation of steeply-pitched and parapeted gable roof forms clad in slate (comprising a cruciform layout) and a landmark tower with broach spire added in 1905. In addition to the tower and spire, the decorative tracery windows and freestone dressings - and particularly the stylised trefoil and half-trefoil motifs in the gable apexes, ends to the parapet corbels and the Italian-pointed ventilators - became common design details in Davidson's subsequent work. Internally, the church is especially notable for its elegant timber collar and tie roof trusses having curved ribs supported by plaster consoles, timber-lined ceiling and original timber pews and surviving timber liturgical furniture also designed by Davidson. Four memorial plaques adorn the walls in memory of members of the Russell and Elder families. The rear Victorian Carpenter Gothic-styled hall was built in c.1862 as the Church of England church at Smythesdale. It was relocated to the Rokewood Church site in 1951, having been funded by Miss Gladys Bell, a wealthy benefactor associated with the nearby Wurrook South Estate. Opened in 1952, it was named after Miss Bell's late brother, Alan Bell. The hall contributes to the significance of the Rokewood Presbyterian Church.
How is it Significant?
The Rokewood Presbyterian Church is architecturally, historically and socially significant at a state level.
Why is it Significant?
The Rokewood Presbyterian Church, Rokewood, is historically significant (Practice Note Criteria A & H) for its associations with the development and witness of the Presbyterian Church in the Rokewood district since its construction in 1865-66 (the vestry being added in 1874 and the tower and spire in 1905). The Church also has associations with the initial establishment of Presbyterianism as early as 1847 when the Rev John Gow was inducted to the pastoral Charge of Colac and Woady |
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