aquilareen
Kensington Congregational church
Foundation stone 8 Apr 1848 by William Giles, Manager of South Australian Company, opened 1 Oct 1848 on land donated by John Roberts adjacent to first chapel. Known as Cheetham’s church during time of Red Henry Cheetham 1852-75, became Bible Christian 1877, Methodist after Union 1900, sold 1903 to Seventh Day Adventists, resold 1963, purchased 1982 as studio by stained glass artist Cedar Prest, now private. Adventists raised height of roof, enlarged porch, replaced windows & sent original bell to their mission in Samoa. Breakaway group led by John Roberts 1853 built Beulah Park Congregational chapel. First chapel opened 22 Dec 1844 in High St. Adjacent cemetery consecrated 1849, closed 28 Oct 1864, cleared 1964, now a public park with burials listed on cairn.
“The first stone of the new Independent Chapel, Kensington, was laid on Thursday last, amidst the prayers and congratulations of the villagers, and the chapel will, it is expected, be ready for opening on Christmas Day next. This chapel will add to the beauty of that highly respectable neighbourhood.” [Southern Australian 10 Sep 1844]
“The Independents.- This body have built a handsome chapel at Kensington. It will be opened for public worship next Sunday, December 22nd, on which occasion the Rev. Mr Longbottom will preach in the afternoon, and the Rev. Mr Haining in the evening..” [South Australian 17 Dec 1844]
“the Congregationalists had a gathering at Kensington, to lay the foundation stone of a chapel, of enlarged dimensions, adjoining their present small place of worship. . . The old one adjoining will be set apart for a Sunday School.” [South Australian 7 Apr 1848]
“The new Independent Chapel at the beautiful and populous village of Kensington . . . that it might consist of a very few or the many who had believed on Him, and who assembled together from time to time for His worship in any place, however humble; that it was not the creature of the State, nor did it requite splendid edifices, vaulted roofs, or gilded ceilings, but the presence of Christ in the midst of them to constitute a true Church.” [Register 7 Oct 1848]
“The public meeting, which took place after the tea, was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Way, who called upon the Rev. T. Piper to explain how the building, which formerly be longed to the Congregational body, had passed into the possession of the Bible Christians. Mr. Piper stated that for some time previously the church had been without pulpit supplies, and at a meeting of the congregation held on January 21, it was unanimously resolved, ‘That the Church should become Bible Christian, and be attached to the Adelaide Circuit’.” [Advertiser 14 Jun 1877]
“The Bible Christian body had entered into possession of the Union's place of worship in High-street, Kensington, without the slightest communication with either the Union or the neighbouring Church. A letter had therefore been addressed to them, pointing out that the place was built by Independents for Independents, that the general provisions of the trust deed were applicable to the Congregational Church only, and that it had been occupied for 28 years by a succession of Independent ministers. The letter had been acknowledged.” [Register 17 Oct 1877]
“Even if Kensington High Street Methodist Church is sold, the two other Methodist Churches in Kensington East parade and Norwood parade are not beyond easy reach of the Methodist dwellers in Kensington Park. . . I think the unnecessary multiplication of churches a great evil. Within a distance of half a mile of me are three disused chapels and three places of worship only half-full on Sundays; It is of no personal interest to me whether or not the Methodists build in Kensington Park, but if they do other denominations will probably follow suit, and there will be further addition to the half -empty, badly supported churches.” [Register 21 Nov 1902]
Kensington Congregational church
Foundation stone 8 Apr 1848 by William Giles, Manager of South Australian Company, opened 1 Oct 1848 on land donated by John Roberts adjacent to first chapel. Known as Cheetham’s church during time of Red Henry Cheetham 1852-75, became Bible Christian 1877, Methodist after Union 1900, sold 1903 to Seventh Day Adventists, resold 1963, purchased 1982 as studio by stained glass artist Cedar Prest, now private. Adventists raised height of roof, enlarged porch, replaced windows & sent original bell to their mission in Samoa. Breakaway group led by John Roberts 1853 built Beulah Park Congregational chapel. First chapel opened 22 Dec 1844 in High St. Adjacent cemetery consecrated 1849, closed 28 Oct 1864, cleared 1964, now a public park with burials listed on cairn.
“The first stone of the new Independent Chapel, Kensington, was laid on Thursday last, amidst the prayers and congratulations of the villagers, and the chapel will, it is expected, be ready for opening on Christmas Day next. This chapel will add to the beauty of that highly respectable neighbourhood.” [Southern Australian 10 Sep 1844]
“The Independents.- This body have built a handsome chapel at Kensington. It will be opened for public worship next Sunday, December 22nd, on which occasion the Rev. Mr Longbottom will preach in the afternoon, and the Rev. Mr Haining in the evening..” [South Australian 17 Dec 1844]
“the Congregationalists had a gathering at Kensington, to lay the foundation stone of a chapel, of enlarged dimensions, adjoining their present small place of worship. . . The old one adjoining will be set apart for a Sunday School.” [South Australian 7 Apr 1848]
“The new Independent Chapel at the beautiful and populous village of Kensington . . . that it might consist of a very few or the many who had believed on Him, and who assembled together from time to time for His worship in any place, however humble; that it was not the creature of the State, nor did it requite splendid edifices, vaulted roofs, or gilded ceilings, but the presence of Christ in the midst of them to constitute a true Church.” [Register 7 Oct 1848]
“The public meeting, which took place after the tea, was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Way, who called upon the Rev. T. Piper to explain how the building, which formerly be longed to the Congregational body, had passed into the possession of the Bible Christians. Mr. Piper stated that for some time previously the church had been without pulpit supplies, and at a meeting of the congregation held on January 21, it was unanimously resolved, ‘That the Church should become Bible Christian, and be attached to the Adelaide Circuit’.” [Advertiser 14 Jun 1877]
“The Bible Christian body had entered into possession of the Union's place of worship in High-street, Kensington, without the slightest communication with either the Union or the neighbouring Church. A letter had therefore been addressed to them, pointing out that the place was built by Independents for Independents, that the general provisions of the trust deed were applicable to the Congregational Church only, and that it had been occupied for 28 years by a succession of Independent ministers. The letter had been acknowledged.” [Register 17 Oct 1877]
“Even if Kensington High Street Methodist Church is sold, the two other Methodist Churches in Kensington East parade and Norwood parade are not beyond easy reach of the Methodist dwellers in Kensington Park. . . I think the unnecessary multiplication of churches a great evil. Within a distance of half a mile of me are three disused chapels and three places of worship only half-full on Sundays; It is of no personal interest to me whether or not the Methodists build in Kensington Park, but if they do other denominations will probably follow suit, and there will be further addition to the half -empty, badly supported churches.” [Register 21 Nov 1902]