Tucked away in the suburban landscape of Chadstone, the Australian Free Church stands as a testament to a unique chapter in Australian Presbyterianism. The Australian Free Church emerged from a desire to uphold traditional doctrine and worship. It was established in 1979. The catalyst was the removal of Reverend Eric Turnbull from the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia. His dismissal stemmed from his firm belief in the King James Bible as the sole authoritative translation of God’s word. This conviction resonated with a portion of the East St Kilda congregation, who followed Turnbull. After several relocations, they finally found a permanent home in Chadstone in 1988. The Australian Free Church’s dedication to the KJV Bible remains a cornerstone of their faith. Their website explicitly states their preference for this translation. Interestingly, in 1994, the Australian Free Church sought to join the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. However, their application was declined. They maintain fraternal ties with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). The Australian Free Church adheres to the historic Presbyterian confessions. Today, the Australian Free Church maintains a presence not only in Chadstone, but also in Beaufort and Hamilton. At its core, the Australian Free Church represents a small but dedicated group. They are committed to preserving their distinct interpretation of Presbyterianism in Australia.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs