The beautiful door of Kermode Street Chapel (Verco's Chapel) built 1883. North Adelaide
In 1883 this was the first Church of Christ chapel built in North Adelaide. However, Kermode Street had accommodated Church of Christ worshippers virtually since the denomination was founded in South Australia. Members of the original ‘Scotch Baptists’ worshipped at the Queen's Head Hotel between 1848 and 1851 while a related, but more liberal group of Baptists, met at that time in a schoolroom on the south side of Kermode Street, known as 'Salem Chapel'. Pioneering members of the South Australian Churches of Christ included the families of the brothers James and Richard Verco who were builders and masons. James Verco was the mason responsible for the original Church of Christ chapel in Franklin Street, as well as being a deacon and one of the nucleus group of the reformed church of 1848. James' son Joseph Cooke Verco was responsible for the erection of the new chapel in Kermode Street, working together with another group started by the Grote Street church under the leadership of Alexander Thomas Magarey who played a leading role in Church of Christ affairs generally: Within a few years a strong church developed. Dr (afterwards Sir Joseph C Verco), an outstanding city physician and University lecturer, worshipped at North Adelaide until his death. The neat chapel was built by him, rented to the church during his lifetime, and given to the church at his death. For many years the church was commonly known as Verco's Chapel. Other members of the Verco family were also involved; Richard Verco advertised tenders for the chapel in June 1883 and the building appears to have been even designed by James who had some training as a draughtsman.
This building in the Gothic style is prominently located in Kermode Street which is otherwise distinguished by residential development. The elevated position is set off by the fence with cast-iron railings. The principal elevation is of severe design, constructed of squared sandstone with cement dressings. A plaque is set over the main entrance. The entrance is flanked by columns with foliated capitals. Side windows are similarly detailed with curious capitals and panelled pilasters of classical origin. The external integrity of the building is high. The interior has been modified as a residence but this has been done without damage to the basic structure and is of interest as a reflection of the decline in congregations.
Ref: Heritage of the City of Adelaide.
The beautiful door of Kermode Street Chapel (Verco's Chapel) built 1883. North Adelaide
In 1883 this was the first Church of Christ chapel built in North Adelaide. However, Kermode Street had accommodated Church of Christ worshippers virtually since the denomination was founded in South Australia. Members of the original ‘Scotch Baptists’ worshipped at the Queen's Head Hotel between 1848 and 1851 while a related, but more liberal group of Baptists, met at that time in a schoolroom on the south side of Kermode Street, known as 'Salem Chapel'. Pioneering members of the South Australian Churches of Christ included the families of the brothers James and Richard Verco who were builders and masons. James Verco was the mason responsible for the original Church of Christ chapel in Franklin Street, as well as being a deacon and one of the nucleus group of the reformed church of 1848. James' son Joseph Cooke Verco was responsible for the erection of the new chapel in Kermode Street, working together with another group started by the Grote Street church under the leadership of Alexander Thomas Magarey who played a leading role in Church of Christ affairs generally: Within a few years a strong church developed. Dr (afterwards Sir Joseph C Verco), an outstanding city physician and University lecturer, worshipped at North Adelaide until his death. The neat chapel was built by him, rented to the church during his lifetime, and given to the church at his death. For many years the church was commonly known as Verco's Chapel. Other members of the Verco family were also involved; Richard Verco advertised tenders for the chapel in June 1883 and the building appears to have been even designed by James who had some training as a draughtsman.
This building in the Gothic style is prominently located in Kermode Street which is otherwise distinguished by residential development. The elevated position is set off by the fence with cast-iron railings. The principal elevation is of severe design, constructed of squared sandstone with cement dressings. A plaque is set over the main entrance. The entrance is flanked by columns with foliated capitals. Side windows are similarly detailed with curious capitals and panelled pilasters of classical origin. The external integrity of the building is high. The interior has been modified as a residence but this has been done without damage to the basic structure and is of interest as a reflection of the decline in congregations.
Ref: Heritage of the City of Adelaide.