The Presbyterian Church

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Many of the earliest settlers in the district were Scots, it is hardly surprising therefore, to note that the earliest form of Christian worship in the valley, was that of the Scots Church. In 1847 George Russell and the Learmonth brothers obtained the services of Thomas Hastie, Minister of the Presbyterian Church. His parish ran from Buninyong to Shelford, and he preached in each centre on alternate Sundays. The Learmonth's provided him with a house in Buninyong. Archibald Simpson was appointed minister of the Leigh in 1854, and after his arrival the first services were conducted in Inverleigh at Robert Hope's house. George Russell supplied Mr Simpson with a house and soon after his arrival began collecting subscriptions from the people to build a wooden structure in Shelford, which could be used as both a church and school. For the first year the Inverleigh services were held every 6 weeks at Barwonleigh, however by the end of 1855 a wooden building had been erected in the town, which was used for the same purposes as the building in Shelford.

From 1856 onwards there were services every two weeks. By the end of 1859 there were sufficient families in the district to consider building a church in Inverleigh. For some years the two towns shared the responsibility of running the church between them.

Elders of the Presbyterian Church Dec. 1856

Deacon's Court of 1856 (George Russell treasurer) authorized the following persons to collect for the church.

In October 1858, the Deacon's court decided that a suitable church and manse should be built in Leigh -Shelford. November 1859 James Kininmonth's journal records "A new church has been built at the Leigh at a cost of 1500 Pounds. It accommodates about 200 people and is built of bluestone, with a tower and a steeple in which hangs a very fine bell presented by the Rev. Simpson's friends in Scotland." The church was opened for public worship on Thursday 8th December 1859.

By 1860 Inverleigh was also in need of a church. The following were added to the Committee and asked to make donations.

A combined Inverleigh Church and School Committee was formed on 23rd April 1860 and consisted of Hugh Campbell, James Elliot, John Fyfe and Daniel Stockman.

At the first meeting they proposed to ask the following for donations - R. Hope, J. Fleming and J. Bell.

By 29th August 1861 the following tenders had been accepted for the building of the church.

The total cost of building was 443 Pounds. The church was opened on 13th Jan. 1862. by Rev. A.J. Campbell of St Georges' Geelong.

On 23rd July 1879, Rev Archibald Simpson completed 25 years of service to the community. His congregation gave him a beautiful purse with 100 sovereigns in it. He retired in 1882 due to ill health and died on 18th December 1883 at Queenscliff.

The following is a table showing the clergyman of the church.

Clergy Serving the Church

75th Anniversary

The Preacher was the Rev. Burns, Minister of the Leigh 1888-1901. Mr J.D. McCallum Chairman and Elder of the Church recounted the history, after which musical items were presented by Miss Nan Venters, Mrs E. D. Field, Mrs Earl and Miss Johnson. Mr C. H. Peel, Superintendent of the Sunday School was presented with a long service award -23 years. Miss A. Venters made the cake.

Centenary

January 1962 saw 100 years of Presbyterianism in Inverleigh. The church was filled to capacity for the occasion. Rev. V.J. Murrell conducted the service and was assisted by former minister of the Leigh, Rev. Marshall Campbell. Afternoon tea was served and a cake with l00 candles was cut by Miss M. Smyth.

Rededication

November 1969 saw the rededication of the church after extensive renovations had been carried out. Rev. Richard Hume conducted the service. Mention was made of the outstanding service given by Mr E.T. Peel and Mr D. Hamilton.