Heritage listing for Claremont's Congregational Hall and Church

15/3/96

Claremont's historic Congregational Hall and Church, designed by Perth's first Australian-born architect, is to have its heritage values protected.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the church and hall would be placed on the State Government's permanent Register of Heritage Places.

Mr Lewis said the heritage protection for the buildings recognised the important role they had played in the development for the Claremont community.

"The Congregational Hall and Church are major landmarks in the area," he said.

"Both buildings are closely linked with the development and growth of Claremont as a prestigious and wealthy suburb of the 1890s and early years of the 20th century."

The Minister said until the 1880s, Claremont was a fragmented village settlement. New residents arrived in large numbers following a major subdivision of land in the 1890s.

"By the time of the construction of the Congregational Hall in 1896, Claremont had become a fashionable suburb," he said.

"The suburb's amenities and social image attracted a growing number of civil servants and other prominent members of the community who could readily commute to Perth.

"Around this time there was considerable building activity and residents wanted substantial buildings in which to worship."

The land for Congregational Hall on Stirling Highway was donated by Congregationalist George Randell MLC, and a memorial stone was laid in September 1895.

Built in the Federation Romanesque style, using dressed limestone blocks with brick quoins, it has a steeply pitched roof and decorative timber gablet with three Romanesque arches above the entrance.

The hall was designed by Henry Stirling Trigg, Perth's first Australian-born architect and the grandson of the founder of Perth's Trinity Church congregation.

Trigg also designed the Trinity Church in St Georges Terrace and the Leederville Congregational Church.

Mr Lewis said that by 1906, the congregation had grown to such an extent that a church was built next door.

Designed by former Melbourne architect Edgar Henderson and built of brick and stucco in the Federation Gothic style, it expresses Art Nouveau influences in its stained glass windows.

The hall continued as a place of worship until 1977, when the Congregational Church combined with the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches to become the Uniting Church of Australia. The hall was sold and is currently used as offices for a resort chain.

The Congregational Church is now used as a venue for secular weddings.

"The Congregational Hall and Church are an important reminder of the past development of the suburb," Mr Lewis said.

"Both buildings are landmarks in the area, particularly with the tower of Congregational Hall being visible for some distance along Stirling Highway.

"They are also in very good condition with the exteriors of the buildings remaining essentially intact."

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 or 221 1377