Section 241 was originally taken up by George Fife Angas and the Section was sold to Duncan Stewart in 1846. In August of 1856 Duncan Stewart sold part of this Section to the Free Presbyterian Church Trustees, of which he was one, the rest being prominent members of the Scottish community in the district. These included Donald and Malcolm McKenzie, Findlay, John and Farquar McRae, Findlay McIver, Archibald McCallum and also Thomas Hodges.
The Church that was constructed was a simple rectangular building with opportunity to extend, and it cost nearly 600 pounds to complete and was intended to seat up to 150 people. The opening service was held on 20 December 1856. The Free Presbyterian Church was based on the Scottish Free Kirk. However, the congregation found it difficult to raise sufficient money to provide a continuous salary for the Minister and by the late 1870's the Church had closed. It has since fallen into disrepair and only the shell of the structure remains.
Photo courtesy of: McDougall and Vines Conservation and Heritage Consultants (1997).
Free Presbyterian Church (ruin) (JPG, 386KB)
Alt 10 Free Lane, Whites Valley 5172 View Map
Alt 10 Free Lane , Whites Valley 5172