page_title: Malvern Presbyterian Church
section_title: Current church
hierarchical_section_title: Malvern Presbyterian Church / Current church
caption_attribution_description: English: Designed by Robert J Haddon 1906 for George Fincham Organ at Malvern Presbyterian Church, Melbourne
context_page_description: Malvern Presbyterian Church is located in Victoria, Australia. Opened in 1886, it was the first Presbyterian Church to be founded in the City of Malvern and is now within Stonnington, a metropolitan area of Melbourne.
  The church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. A good example of Post-Federation, Australian Arts & Crafts architecture, it is in stylistic sympathy with the many Federation style houses in the area. The church became a hub of the district and the place of worship for many leading citizens of the area and reflected the self-confidence of Edwardian Melbourne. The Congregation produced three Moderators of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and continues to thrive as a diverse congregation in a busy inner-east suburb.
context_section_description: In 1904, after almost two decades of rapid growth in both the church congregation and the locality, congregation member Robert Haddon was commissioned to design a new building on a larger plot of land at 163 Wattletree Road. As an example of Melbourne land prices between 1886 and 1904, this larger plot was again purchased for £700, but the valuable Glenferrie Road land fetched a handsome £21 per square foot. The church's foundation stone was laid by another congregation member, elder, benefactor and Mayor of the Borough of Caulfield Charles Duplan Lloyd. The old wooden structure was moved to the new site and used as a Sunday school, with the congregation using Malvern Town Hall for worship while their new structure was under construction.
  When finished, the new church seated 520 and was lavishly fitted out as a "total work of art" matching the architect's stylistic philosophy. The generous commission included provision for a fine organ, which was completed by George Fincham & Sons, Richmond and stained glass by the celebrated Auguste Fischer.The Argus newspaper reported in 1905 that the cost was budgeted at £3000 and that Messers Angel & Bros of Malvern would be the contractor and John Sharpe would be responsible for the pews. In reality, the cost was £4738 plus a further £1800 for the organ.
  The church opened on Friday 27 July 1906, and was reported in The Argus in glowing terms: "The building, which cost around £5000, presents both within and without a most attractive appearance. The pulpit and pews are harmonious with the general features of the building and the electric light has been installed. The acoustics are all that can be desired."
caption: Malvern Presbyterian Church in 1906
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