BLACKWOOD UNITING CHURCH

On Sunday 3^rd March 1996 we celebrated the foundation of the Methodist Church – now Uniting Church - in Blackwood.

The Church was established in 1896. previously services in Blackwood had been held in the Mechanics Institute. The Church building was the old Barry’s Reef School and this was moved here to form the present Church.

The Trustees at the time were Messrs Barkla, Hall, Derrick (a school teacher and local preacher), W. Hosking, J. Nelson and W. Gribble.

The Blackwood parsonage was built in 1874 and according to information provided by Mr G. W. Trewhella, was continuously occupied up until 1927 when owing to the shift in population a house was bought in Trentham and the Blackwood parsonage sold. at it’s inception the Church formed part of the Kyneton Circuit, but in 1969 it was amalgamated with the Daylesford Circuit.

During its one hundred years the Church has had no structural alterations but fortunately has always been well maintained and cared for mainly due to the work of the members of the congregation, their families and the Ladies Fellowship.

We had a full congregation and perfect day for our celebrations. Pastor Neville Pope conducted the service, Daylesford Choir sang and a Canadian student helped the organ along, with his saxophone. The shared luncheon, with celebration cake was enjoyed by all at “Blackwood House”.