Snapshot of the past

A photograph of Rev. J Scott speaking to the congregation of Scots Church in Drouin during the dedication service on October 24, 1959.

The building is a distinctive landmark on the south side of Drouin, located at 1 Church St.

The foundation stone for the new Presbyterian church was laid on September 27, 1958, and it was officially opened just over a year later.

The contribution and involvement of the congregation to this project was enormous. Aside from the financial giving, almost all the furniture and fittings were donated.

The 1959 church was designed by noted church architect Keith Reid. It was designed with the dominant design idea of a roof form to express “the ecclesiastical function” of the building.

It is an “A-frame” in appearance, although apparently not a true “A-frame” building, with “bold geometry” modified by the main window detailing.

“The large triangular window is framed in mouldings of concrete, with a strong vertical element to the design in both the framing and the glazing bars that further divide each vertical window element into smaller panes,” reads the Baw Baw Shire heritage citation 2010.

“The metal clad spire is a key element of the composition, set slightly apart from the main building. The shiny texture of the metal facing contrasts with the brickwork and texture of the tiled roof to create a composition of some drama.”

The Presbyterian Church in Drouin was renamed Scots Presbyterian Church in 1968.

Photograph and information courtesy of Stories of Drouin.

Stories of Drouin is a cooperative oral history project between The Committee for Drouin, Drouin History Group and 3BBR-FM to preserve local stories.

Hear the story of Scots Presbyterian Church as told by Robyn Crocker at storiesofdrouin. com.au.