The following article was published in The Kyneton Observer on Thursday 10 December 1863 and reprinted in the Christ Church Parish News for February 2022.
One of the most interesting events that ever happened in this township, was the opening, on Sunday last, of the Church of England, in Victoria-street.
For Several years the congregation assembled for worship in a small, brick schoolroom, situated on the eastern side of the new edifice. The attendance, however, had long exceeded the accommodation afforded by the small and primitive structure which was used for Divine service, and about twelve months since it was resolved to erect a larger and handsomer building.
Liberal subscriptions for the purpose were at once promised, and it was further resolved to hold a bazaar in December for the same objective. We have already recorded the success which rewarded the exertions of the ladies concerned in this good work, and we may state that the probable proceeds of their labours will exceed even the amount already reported.
Encouraged by the support offered to them, the trustees put themselves in communication, with Mr Terry, of Melbourne, the diocesan architect, and obtained from him a design for a church, which though plain and substantial, was sufficiently ornamental to be worthy of its sacred character and of its denomination. The foundation stone was laid on the 12th of December of last year, by the Archdeacon of Castlemaine, assisted by the Rev. E. G. Pryce, in the presence of a large number of spectators.
After the usual devotional services, the corner stone was lowered into its place, and a bottle containing coins of the realm, copies of the Argus and Express purpose, vis: –
“The foundation stone of this building, intended and erected for the worship of Almighty God, according to the rites and ceremonies of the United Church of England and Ireland, aud to be called Christ Church, was laid on Friday, the 12th day of December, 1862, by the Venue. the Rev. Edward Gifford Bryce, BA, Incumbent of the District of Daylesford.
Trustees: – W.E. Standbridge, J.C. M’Causland, W.G. Hart, George Jan, and William Curry, Esqrs. Architect – Leonard Terry. Esq. Superintending Architect – F. Poeppel, Esq – Contractor – Mr James Bacon.”
