In 1905 a new church was planned. This was Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell. The original plans proved too expensive. Modified plans were created. Mr Machin won the contract. The budget was £5150. This included money for unexpected expenses. Senator Simon Fraser laid the memorial stone.
Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell officially opened on April 27th 1906. Dr Cairns the State Moderator from Ballarat officiated. The opening was a grand affair. Many ministers preached. Revs P J Murdoch John Gray and Dr Marshall spoke on the first Sunday. Revs S Pearce Carey J F Macrae and Dr Sugden preached the following Sunday.
Before this grand opening Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell had a humble beginning. The first Presbyterian service in Camberwell was held in the Shire Hall. This was way back on September 6th 1885. The land for the church cost £375. The first church building was simple. It was made of weatherboards. It could seat about 200 people. This first structure opened on June 6th 1886.
Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell wasn’t just about the church building. A church hall was built nearby in 1925. It was demolished in 1965. A new hall was constructed on the same site. The manse at 20 Waterloo Street was purchased in 1934. This manse provided housing for the church ministers.
The church organ is another story. It was originally built in 1885. It was created by George Fincham for Chalmers Presbyterian Church in East Melbourne. The organ was installed in Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell in 1906. It was rebuilt multiple times. George Fincham & Son handled a major rebuild in 1915. It was electrified in 1954. A new console was added in 1969 by Hill Norman & Beard. Further modifications followed. The organ has two manuals 32 speaking stops and 8 couplers. It boasts electro-pneumatic and electro-magnetic actions. The organ remains a significant feature of Trinity Presbyterian Church Camberwell. Its history mirrors the church’s own evolution. It has served generations of worshippers.