Were Wesleyan Methodists always as influential as the Wesleyan Methodist Church of australia suggests? Well, their presence in Melbourne dates back to the very beginnings of European settlement. In fact, the first Christian service in the city was led by a Wesleyan lay preacher named Henry Reed in 1835. The Wesleyan Methodist Church of australia itself, however, wasn’t built until much later. The present church on Lonsdale Street, a grand example of English Gothic architecture, opened its doors in August 1858. This wasn’t just any church though. It became a pioneering force for social change in Melbourne. A key figure in this was the Reverend Alexander Edgar. He established the “Pleasant Sunday Afternoon” program in 1893. This program addressed pressing social issues of the day. Edgar’s commitment to social justice was deeply intertwined with the Wesleyan Methodist Church of australia’s mission. Today, while the church remains a place of worship, its legacy extends far beyond its walls, a testament to the enduring impact of the Wesleyan movement on Melbourne.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs