Beneath this unassuming facade lies a story of faith. This is the Uniting Church Pascoe Vale South. It stands on Cumberland Road. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century.
In 1911 Presbyterians gathered in rented school rooms. These were located at Cumberland Road and Gaffney Street. They laid the foundation for this church. Imagine those early services. Simple. Humble. Filled with hope.
A temporary church opened in 1930. It was named St Andrew’s Bell Street West Presbyterian Church. This building moved in 1931. It found its home on Cumberland Road and Westgate Street. A permanent brick building replaced it in 1932.
Fast forward to 1959. A significant milestone arrived. Margaret A Simnett and Charles Leslie Rogers laid a foundation stone. This marked the beginning of the current church building. Reed was the architect. K McNamara was the builder.
The doors of the new church opened in 1960. The Uniting Church Pascoe Vale South was ready. Small hall and kindergarten buildings followed in the 60s and 70s. A large hall and gymnasium were added in the late 80s.
Before 1977 the Balmoral Avenue Methodist Church joined St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Together they became the Pascoe Vale South Uniting Church. This union strengthened their community. In 1996 the Munro Street Uniting Church closed. Its members joined Pascoe Vale South.
Today the Uniting Church Pascoe Vale South continues its mission. It holds services every third and fourth Sunday at 10:00 am. These services are traditional. Everyone is welcome.
The Uniting Church Pascoe Vale South is part of a larger network. Glenroy and Pascoe Vale Kent Rd Uniting Churches cooperate. Their vision is to be a welcoming community. They aim to grow in faith. They want to center on Jesus Christ.
Rev Bruce Crowle leads the congregation. He returned in 2023 as minister. Bruce grew up in Oak Park. He attended Kent Road Uniting Church. He brings a wealth of experience.
Consider the love and dedication poured into this place. From humble school rooms to this building the Uniting Church Pascoe Vale South has served its community. It has evolved. It has united. It remains a beacon of faith.
Think about the countless lives touched within these walls. Baptisms. Weddings. Funerals. Each event woven into the fabric of this church. Each a testament to the enduring power of community and belief. The Uniting Church Pascoe Vale South is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith.