“A church for jockeys?” you might wonder, looking at the stately Ewing Memorial Uniting Church. It might seem unusual, but this house of worship has a fascinating history intertwined with the nearby Caulfield Racecourse. You see, the Ewing Memorial Uniting Church, founded in 1891, owes its existence to a compassionate Presbyterian minister named John Ewing. Before the church was built, Reverend Ewing, originally from the Toorak Church, would visit East Malvern, holding services in parishioners’ homes. He felt a calling to minister to everyone, not just the wealthy, and that included the jockeys, strappers, and stable hands at the racecourse. He saw their need for spiritual guidance and community and didn’t hesitate to extend his hand. He also passionately advocated for the Chinese market gardeners in the area, proving his commitment to serving all members of his community. Originally a small wooden church on Waverly Road Hill, the church was later moved to Burke Road before finally settling at this corner of Burke and Coppin Street in 1911. So next time you picture a church, remember the Ewing Memorial Uniting Church – a place where the love for God and community extended even to the jockeys thundering down the racetrack.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs