St Columba's Church & Hall (Peppermint Grove) given heritage listing

1/1/96

The first place of worship in the suburb of Peppermint Grove has been listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said St Columba's Church and Hall had been listed on the interim register following a recommendation by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

"Located at the intersection of Venn and Keane Streets, St Columba's is a Peppermint Grove landmark and has important links to the history of the area," he said.

"The church hall is also significant in that it was the site of the original Cottesloe School."

Mr Lewis said the church and hall were built at a time when Peppermint Grove was becoming home to an increasing number of gold boom entrepreneurs and successful colonists.

"The early Peppermint Grove families were predominantly English and Scottish and there was a very high prevalence of Presbyterians," the Minister said.

"In 1893 there were only six families permanently residing in Peppermint Grove and religious services were held in the home of a prominent resident.

"By 1896, St Columba's Church Hall was built and became the first place of worship in the district. St Columba's Church was built in 1909 with local resident Louis Bowser Cumpston appointed to design the church."

In 1990 St Columba's Church became the garrison church for Normandy Veterans and they hold a memorial service there each year.

At the last service, a representative of the French Government presented about 70 veterans of the Normandy landings with special medals.

Built in Federation Gothic style, the church stands in a lawned setting with a paved forecourt. Modest in size, it is timber framed with weatherboard cladding, has exposed corner battens and a high pitched gable roof.

The church hall has been used for a wide variety of purposes including Sunday Schools, meetings of the Ladies Guild, social occasions, a kindergarten, theatre groups and meetings of the Perth Liberal Ladies.

Mr Lewis said St Columba's was closely associated with the religious and educational life of residents of Peppermint Grove and neighbouring suburbs.

"The buildings are in good condition and retain a high degree of integrity and authenticity," he said.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377