Consider the year 1859. The air buzzes with anticipation. We are standing before Newtown Mission. This church has stood as a beacon of faith and community in the Inner West of Sydney.
Newtown Mission began its journey long before this grand structure. Early Methodist services were held in humble brick cottages. These gatherings took place at the corner of King and Eliza Streets around 1840. The community grew and a proper chapel was needed.
In 1850 a chapel was built at King Street and Erskineville Road. But even that space soon became insufficient. The Methodist population in Newtown was rapidly expanding. A new, larger church was essential.
The current Newtown Mission was constructed in 1859. It was initially known as Newtown Methodist Church. The land was secured. The vision of a grander place of worship was becoming a reality.
On August 30, 1859, a significant event took place. The foundation stone was laid. The honorable George Allen performed the ceremony. Allen used a mallet that the Allens firm still holds. He was an active member of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. He served as its treasurer for fifty years.
Beneath the foundation stone, a time capsule was placed. It contained copies of the Sydney Morning Herald and Empire newspapers. Also included was the Wesley Record. A document outlined the day’s proceedings. It listed attendees and details of the parish.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on George Allen’s words. He said, “I lay this stone as the foundation stone of a temple for the worship of the Triune God”. The opening services of Newtown Mission were held in July and August 1860.
The church’s design followed specific guidelines. These guidelines came from the Wesleyan Model Chapel. The Bristol Wesleyan Methodist Conference of 1846 created these guidelines. George Allan Mansfield was the architect. Thomas Abbot was the builder.
In 1864, a western gallery was added. The interior was extensively altered in 1875. Thomas Rowe was the architect for these renovations. The eastern stained glass windows were installed in 1882. An organ loft was added in 1910. Further renovations took place in 1923 and 1940.
In 1977, the Methodist Church amalgamated. It became part of the Uniting Church of Australia. The church adopted its current name, Newtown Mission Uniting Church.
Today, Newtown Mission continues to serve the community. It offers worship services. They are held on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. The church also provides community meals. These meals take place on Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch. Thursday also sees a dinner.
Inside Newtown Mission, you can find a remarkable organ. Hill and Sons, a London firm, built it in 1878. George Finchman and Son rebuilt the organ case in 1910. The pipes were stenciled in blue, red, green, buff, and gold. It is one of only three organs in NSW with a fully stenciled 16ft pipefront.
Newtown Mission stands as a testament to faith. It shows community spirit. Its history is rich. Its doors are open to all. As we leave this place, remember its legacy. It is a legacy of service, worship, and community.