By Alesha Capone
A large-scale restoration project at the heritage-listed Crossroads Uniting Church in Werribee has been completed.
Formerly known as St Thomas the Apostle, the site opened as a Presbyterian church on September 28, 1884.
The land, church and manse were funded by the Chirnside family, with Thomas Chirnside laying the foundation stone in February 1884.
Last year, restoration work began on the slate roof on the bluestone manse and church. Ken Storey, congregational chair and member of the church’s property control group, which oversaw the restoration project, said stonework was also carried out on the church’s chimney.
“Throughout the project we have been very fortunate to have many skilled people contributing to the tasks of getting the roof of the manse and church completed,” Mr Storey said.
“It was at times difficult, but all stuck to their tasks. “The work on the chimney on the vestry roof is really great and that chimney has a door, or lid if you like, over the opening.
“This was carefully refurbished, then fixed in place as it was a hundred-plus years ago.”
Mr Storey said the church community would like to thank Heritage Victoria’s Living Heritage program and the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, for arranging the funding which made the restoration project possible.
He also thanked the church council, Wyndham council and Port Phillip West Presbytery for supporting the project.
