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Collins St Baptist Church

Location

Collins Street Baptist Church, Collins Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia

Access

Exterior – Free to view

Interior – Access may be restricted

Architectural History

Designed by the prolific Joseph Reed, architect of the Melbourne Town Hall, the Collins St Baptist Church is the grandest classical church in Victoria. The facade of the building is modelled on a Roman temple and is Reed's finest and purest achievement in the giant Corinthian Order. The steps and lamp standards enhance this grandeur. The portico with its finely detailed dentils and brackets is the oldest reasonably complete surviving example on any non-residential building in the state. The interior is a fine example of a Baptist hall church and the most intact surviving from the early 1860's. The gallery is supported on elegant cast iron columns. The Classical style of the building contrasts with the Gothic designs so popular at the time, reflecting the independence of the Baptist Church. 

Social History

The first Baptist service in the colony had only 16 members and was held in 1838 in a tent on the site where the Regent Theatre now stands. As the congregation expanded along with the city's population, money was secured to build the first proper church across the street, which was completed in 1845. The Baptist Church obtained a grant for their present site in 1845 and work commenced soon after. It is significant as the site of the earliest permanent Baptist Church building in Victoria, and for its continuing function as a Baptist Church today.

Prompts & Activities

  • Why do you think the architect used Greek influences in this building? How does it relate to its purpose, and the people who would have occupied it?

  • In comparison, how is it used today, and is this thinking still relevant? Or does the modern use of the building subvert its history?

  • How many of the mentioned Greek architectural elements can you see? Can you count columns or other design features? Which types of columns are used, and why do you think this is?


  • What is your favourite element of this building? Does it have interesting ornamentation? What part does this element play in the overall design of the building, and why might it have been included? You might like to draw your favourite components! Observational sketching is a great way to get a deeper understanding of something.

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