Historical Uniting Church

Uniting Church Apsley

Any visitors or newcomers to Apsley with an appetite for "the old" will not be disappointed if they take a short stroll to the end of Johnstone St; there nestled midst the gums and wattles they will find a quaint little building fondly known to the locals as "The Church on the Hill".

This year one hundred and forty five years ago in 1864, the bell would have sounded loudly and clearly as the door was opened for the first church service, conducted by Rev Dugald McCalman. Added to this celebration was the baptism of two babies, namely Alexander Johnstone and Margaret Rutherford.

Crafted from local stone and completed for the contract price of £600, generously donated by the parishioners, this building gives great testimony to those faith filled pioneering people who placed so much importance on gathering for worship and placing their trust in God to be with them in all the up and downs of life.

Apart from the addition of a porch and the beautiful stained glass windows donated to the memory of past parishioners, the building stands in its original state. Some renovations were done in 1886: iron rods placed end to end and side to side, masonary and plaster repaired and the floor renewed with 1¼ inch coal backed floor boards, all at the cost of £55/4/6.

Again generous families the Gordons and Laidlaws met the costs.

Since then there have been no major repairs, although a hall was built nearby in 1960 and meetings and functions are conveniently held there.

I think many would agree that this "Little Church on the Hill' is one of Apsley's hidden prize possessions - may it stand serene for many more generations.

Margaret Farrelly