Architecture of Wesley Church Melbourne
From "Welcome to Wesley Church: A Guide"
Holman Hunt window in Hoban Chapel
Olive tree at rear of Church, believed to date from 1839, transferred to church grounds in 1875.
The building
The Church was opened on 26 August 1858, having been built in nine months. It was designed by architect Joseph Reed, who also designed the Melbourne Town Hall and the Scots and Independent churches. It is in the English Gothic style and takes the shape of a cross.
The building is 50.3 metres (165 feet) long from north to south, most of this being the nave. The width is 23.5 metres (77 feet) at the transepts (the "arms" of the cross). The original seating in the nave, transepts and upstairs gallery was for 1,800. Changes throughout the years have included the addition of a central aisle in the nave and the removal of some seats for a narthex at the entrance of the church. It now seats about 800.
The church has an octagonal spire rising 53.3 meters (175 feet) above ground level. It was for many years the tallest point on the Melbourne skyline.
Inside view of Wesley Church
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Tour of the Church
The Narthex is dedicated to the Rev. Arthur W. Preston (d. 1985), sixth superintendent of Wesley Mission. Under his guidance, the Mission greatly expanded its social services. He also was a campaigner for world peace. The plaque near the entrance to the Hoban Chapel gives details. One the walls of the Narthex are two paintings by Rupert Bunny (1864-1947). "The Prodigal Son" (Luke 15:11-32) and "Abraham's Sacrifice" (Genesis 22:1-14) were given to Wesley Church in 1934. The southwest porch is in memory of Dr. J.F. Wilkinson, a member of Wesley Church. A single window on the west wall shows St Luke, physician and author of the third gospel.
The Hoban Chapel was added to the church in 1933 in memory of the Rev. Samel J. Hoban, third superintendent of the Mission. The Communion table was given in his memory by his friends in Ballarat. Three windows commemorate aspects of his life.
The Gallery Windows. The largest windows are in the upstairs galleries. They are best seen from the lowest rows of seats in the galleries or from the opposite aisle of the nave or the transept.
Rear window: Paul preaching on Mars Hill, Athens
Acts of community service on each side
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In the southern gallery there are four large windows. Two centre windows depict St Paul preaching in Athens to a group of eager listeners. The left window shows the good Samaritan helping the wounded man. The right window depicts Dorcas, an early Christian know for her good works. The lower panes of the window are a memorial to Rev. Alexander Edgar, the founding superintendent of the Central Methodist Mission. He was known for his preaching and for his action on behalf of those who were sick and poor.
The Organ was the first pipe organ in the colony. A generous and musical member of the earlier Collins Street Church ordered it and guaranteed the 500 pound purchase. It was built in Lancashire, England, and arrived in Melbourne in September 1842. A gala concert opened the organ in January 1843 and was attended by a large audience, including the colony's superintendent, C.J. La Trobe. In 1858, the organ was moved to Wesley Church from the church at Collins and Queen Streets. Many changes were made in it, especially during the late 1800's. In 1957, it was largely rebuilt and it was revoiced again in 1987. It became well known throughout Australia during the 44 years from 1924 to 1968 that services were broadcast weekly from Wesley Church.
