Beneath steeply pitched roofs of patterned tiles, the story of St. John’s Uniting Church in Wahroonga begins. This is no ordinary church. It is a heritage-listed treasure with a rich past.
St. John’s started as a Presbyterian church. It transitioned to the Uniting Church in 1977. Before this grand building stood here, Presbyterians met in an Amusement Hall. They purchased the hall and its land in 1898 for A£1,000. This hall became their first church building.
Now look at the architecture. John Shedden Adam designed St. John’s. He also designed St James’s Anglican Church and the Knox Grammar School main building. Construction took place from 1929 to 1930. Sir Dudley de Chair laid the foundation stone in 1929.
Notice the Inter-war Gothic style. Stone string courses and dark brick bands accent the building. A square bell tower stands at the southwestern corner. The windows feature stone tracery. Inside, you will find face brickwork and a timber dado. The ceiling has timber boarding with exposed rafters.
Stained glass windows illuminate the interior. Norman Carter created ten of these windows. They memorialize war dead from both World Wars. Henry W Hiscox, Bill Mahony and David Saunders created the others.
Consider the church’s layout. It includes the church itself and two halls. These buildings surround a central courtyard with arcading. The complex was designed as a whole. It was built in stages during the 1920s.
The Little Hall echoes themes from the church. Stone bands and dark brick panels adorn its western wall. The main hall connects the church to the Little Hall. An arcaded verandah links these buildings.
Pause for a moment in the courtyard. Originally paved with pebblecrete, it provides access to the buildings. A grand flight of stairs leads up from Coonanbarra Road.
St. John’s Uniting Church has been a community hub for over a century. It represents the religious life of the Uniting Church. The Gillespie family were prominent philanthropists and founders of Knox Grammar School.
Today St. John’s Uniting Church stands as a testament to faith and community. Its architectural details and rich history make it a special place. It is a state significant site preserving heritage.