UNITING CHURCH & MANSE

Child Places

• 16865 Uniting Church Manse
• 00292 Uniting Church, Broome

Statement of Significance

Uniting Church and Manse are of considerable significance for the continuous associations with the Presbyterian and subsequent Uniting Church since 1910, and with Reverend Brady, Australian Inland Mission (AIM) organisation and its founder, John Flynn. The design and aesthetic of the church are significant for the AIM associations, response to the tropical climate and unique design of rollback walls. The church makes a considerable contribution to the heritage character and townscape of Broome.

Physical Description

A cohesive pair of buildings in Broome vernacular style, associated with the beginnings of the Presbyterian Church in Broome. The church is a single storey timber framed fibro clad building with a hipped corrugated iron roof. Double clerestory with high-pitched roofs. Raised from the ground on concrete stumps, the walls can be rolled back to facilitate cross ventilation. Manse: The symmetrical front with central gable entry detail faces the church. Single storey timber framed fibro clad building with a hipped corrugated iron roof. Hinged shutters above the lattice dado verandahs.

History

The Manse was built in 1910 for the Rev J. C. Fordyce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in WA who volunteered to establish a mission in Broome to alleviate the ‘appalling neglect and degradation’ believed to be prevalent there at the time. The Manse cost £600 to build and services were held on the wide latticed verandahs, earning the place the name ‘Verandah Church’. In 1912, the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) Board of the National Presbyterian Church was created and took responsibility for the northwest. Broome was the base for AIM’s pastoral patrol to Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek and Wyndham. When the congregation outgrew the latticed verandahs, a hall was rented from the Broome Council for church services. Construction of the Uniting Church commenced in 1925, funded by public subscription as a memorial following the death from malaria of Rev F. G. H. Brady, who had administered to the Kimberley 1913-1917 and returned in 1925. The building was called the Brady Memorial Hall. The design of the Church, with special consideration for the Broome climate, suggests it was the work of the Rev John Flynn, Superintendent of AIM. It is similar to his design for Adelaide House in Alice Springs. As well as use as a place of worship, the Church has also been used as a meeting place, social club, youth centre, and day care centre and opportunity shop. The Church celebrated it Golden Jubilee in 1975 and renovations were carried out to the Manse the following year. In 1977, the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches joined to form the Uniting Church of Australia. In 1983, Broome became the regional centre for the Uniting Church Kimberley Presbytery and an office and residence were built in Herbert Street.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate degree
Moderate degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.