Trinity Church Group on Saint Georges Terrace has been recognised

4/10/96

The heritage value of Trinity Church Group on St George's Terrace has been recognised.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the Trinity Church Group comprising Trinity Hall, the Schoolroom, Trinity Church and the southern extension of Trinity Arcade, had been permanently entered on the State Register of Heritage Places by the Heritage Council of WA.

Mr Lewis said the church was a landmark in the city, as it occupied a strategic position and made a major contribution to the streetscape of central Perth.

"The church is closely associated with the establishment and growth of religious activity in the State and with the Congregational Church," he said.

"It is representative of the development of religious and architectural practice in WA.

"The original church, constructed in 1865 and the schoolroom built in 1872, are some of the few remaining buildings by Richard Roach Jewell, an important colonial architect also responsible for the Perth Gaol and Courthouse, Pensioner Barracks and The Cloisters."

In 1892, the proposal was put that a new church, in front of the existing one, should be built at a proposed cost of £5,100 and the erection of an adjoining suite of offices, to fund the building of the church was proposed for £2,000. This was accepted and Trinity Church was dedicated in December 1893 and opened in 1894.

The ceremony was attended by Sir John and Lady Forrest, Sir James Lee Steere, the Mayor of Perth (Mr A. Forrest) and the leading citizens of Perth and Fremantle. Sir John Forrest proclaimed that such '...a magnificent building would be an ornament to the principal of the city.'

The former church became known as Trinity Hall and was renovated in 1900.

The Trinity Church congregation was established by Henry Trigg, a practising Congregationalist from England who arrived in the Swan River Colony in 1829.

He conducted all the services for six years and is memorialised in the central rose stained glass window, donated by his grandson, in the Trinity Church.

"In 1981, the funds received for leasing the site permitted restoration of Trinity Hall, the Schoolroom and Trinity Church. Trinity Hall is used as a church hall and school for senior citizens. The Schoolroom is used as the Trinity lunch room," Mr Lewis said.

"Trinity Church has been used as an active centre of worship for more than 100 years. In 1977, the Congregational Church combined with the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches to become the Uniting Church of Australia. Trinity Church is now owned by the Uniting Church."

Pedestrian access from St George's Terrace to Hay Street was re-established in 1981 as part of the refurbishment of Trinity Arcade and the Trinity Church.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 221 1377