St Giles Church and

Free Church School (former)

Geelong Historic Buildings

The former St Giles Church (also known as the High Church) and Free Church School occupy a site which was granted to the Free Presbyterian Church congregation in 1853. The church building dates from 1861 and the school and master`s residence from 1854. The foundation stone of St Giles Church was laid in 1861. Nathaniel Billing, noted ecclesiastical architect and student of Sir Gilbert Scott designed the church in the Decorated Gothic style as a competition entry.

St. Giles Church was last used for services in 1977 when the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia made the building redundant. The church property was sold in 1988 and was subsequently redeveloped as an entertainment venue.

It is constructed in basalt with Barrabool sandstone dressings but the spire originally proposed was never built. Joseph Watts, architect, called tenders for alterations and additions to the High Church 1878. This may have been for the small basalt hall at the rear of the church. The schoolmaster`s residence and school house were designed by Geelong architects, Snell and Kawerau in the Tudor Gothic style at a total cost of 4600 [pounds] of which the government contributed 2800 [pounds]. The picturesque double-gable front to Gheringhap Street is the most dominant feature of the master`s residence which is enhanced by exposed brick quoins and window hood moulds.

The school building, also constructed in brick and with similar details, is a considerably larger building. In 1860 an additional classroom was added to the design of little known architect Thomas Fargie. The Free Church School closed in 1874 and it was probably after this date that the school house was converted to a manse.