Methodist Pioneers Memorial - Former Methodist Church - Beechworth, Victoria, Australia
S 36° 21.668 E 146° 41.104
55H E 471745 N 5975949
A Plaque on the front wall of the entry porch of the historic former Methodist Church in the picturesque rural and former gold-mining town of Beechworth.
Waymark Code: WME86E
Location: Victoria, Australia
Date Posted: 04/17/2012
Views: 3
The Memorial Plaque which can be seen below the window in the default photo reads:
IN MEMORY OF
METHODIST PIONEERS
WHO BUILT THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
IN BEECHWORTH ON THIS SITE 1854
18-4-1854
The foundation stone of the former Methodist church, Beechworth, was laid on 1 January 1857 and was completed by Easter of the same year at a cost of 2106 Pounds. Small extensions were made in 1858 and the gallery erected in 1874. The architect and builder are unknown. The Methodists were the first to hold services on the Beechworth gold fields, their initial services being conducted in 1852 in the open air by a lay preacher, Mr C Williams.
The building is now occupied by the Quercus Community Bookshop, a non profit venture based on the Community Enterprise model. All proceeds from the sale of the books will benefit the community through the activities of the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre. All current stock has been donated by the community and the shop is staffed by volunteers.