Synod Archives

Victorian Archives

The Archives were established by the Uniting Church Records and Historical Society in 1979. The records were mostly from the Methodist Historical Society Collection with the later addition of some Presbyterian Church materials. Most primary material from Congregational churches was deposited in the Manuscripts section of the State Library of Victoria.

The collection dates back to the earliest years of the Colony of Victoria, featuring many topics of public interest and social relevance.

Historians of most disciplines, secondary, tertiary and post graduate students, genealogists and family history enthusiasts will find useful resources.

Our main collections

Wesleyan Methodist / Methodist

This collection includes manuscript and printed minutes of conferences, districts, circuits, missions, departments, commissions, series of correspondence, building files, plans and photographs. There are holdings of denominational journals, serials and newspapers for Victoria. A wide range of educational materials relates to ministerial training, Denominational Board Schools, Sunday Schools and youth work.

Minor Methodist Denominations, Congregational and Presbyterian

Comprising printed and manuscript minutes, parish records, financial and building records.

Organisations

There are a variety of collections relating to the many denominational and parish organisations created for fellowship, missions, church-aid and moral welfare. Many of these were women’s groups located throughout Victoria.

Ministers

Some personal records are held for ministers of the Independent, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, including their appointments and stations.

Uniting Church

• Parish and congregational histories, registers, minute books.
• Paintings, prints and photographs.
• Liturgical: Bibles, hymnals.
• Architects plans, specifications for churches, schools, halls and ministers residences.
• Memorabilia and artefacts.

Artefacts – online images collection

This digital resource is used by dozens of other museums and archives across Victoria as a way of sharing photographs and contextual information.

To view the collection, simply click here.

The Victorian Archives Centre is at 54 Serrell St, Malvern East. It is open every Thursday (except holidays) from 9am-4pm. Fridays by arrangement only.

For bookings or to volunteer, phone 03 9964 4080 (Mon, Thurs, Fri only) or email [email protected]

Uniting Church Historical Society

The Uniting Church has an exceptionally rich heritage courtesy of its three legacy denominations (Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian) and life since 1977.

The society encourages the study of all aspects of church history, from its buildings and people to the story of its theology through the preservation of materials.

It publishes regular newsletters and its meetings feature guest speakers and church tours.

Membership is $45 ($35 concession) and includes subscription to newsletters and the Proceedings journal.

For more information, contact Ken Barelli (president) on 0418 317 942.

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