Each stained glass window tells a story. This is St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Box Hill. But its tale begins much further afield in West Melbourne. Imagine a bustling city church vibrant with life. That was the original St Andrew’s. Then in 1935 demolition began. The congregation faced a challenge. They needed a new home.
The old West Melbourne church was carefully dismantled. The bluestone blocks were saved. They were the building blocks of a new future. These same stones would form the foundation of a new St Andrew’s. The relocation wasn’t easy. Fundraising was critical. The sale of tiny pieces of stone from the original building helped. So did the re-dedication of the Ferguson & Urie stained glass windows. Each window sold for £50. A remarkable sum back then.
The cornerstone of the new church was laid on April 27 1935. It officially opened on December 14 1935. The original West Melbourne character was retained. Though the new building was shortened by ten feet. That’s one entire window bay on each side.
St Andrew’s is unique. Every stained glass window was made by Ferguson & Urie. They were Melbourne artisans renowned for their skill. Eleven original nave windows found their way to Box Hill. One window now resides in Trinity Church in Camberwell. The remaining windows were repurposed. They now grace the foyer tower room vestries and porches.
The main Apostle window deserves special attention. It originally had two rows of four full-length apostle figures. An additional apostle’s head sat above each. When it moved to St Andrew’s in Box Hill it was remodeled. The upper four apostles are in one window. The lower four are in two flanking windows. Truly a testament to adaptation and resilience.
The original Ferguson & Urie stained glass windows now comprise twenty-one sets. They tell a story of faith perseverance and community. They are a stunning display of craftsmanship. Each tells a unique story. Each reflects the enduring spirit of St Andrew’s.
Today as you stand before St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Box Hill you are witnessing a legacy. This is not merely a building. It is a living testament to a congregation’s faith and resilience. It’s a story etched in stone and painted in glass a vibrant reminder of a community that moved mountains. Or rather moved buildings.