This time we learn about the Inman Valley Church, still standing within the township. In the early days there were two Methodist denominations active within the Inman Valley area, the Wesleyans, and Bible Christians. Prior to a permanent place of worship, the sermons were held in homes or outside when possible.
There was rivalry between the two congregations to be the first place of worship in the growing area. With both deciding to build on Bald Hills to the West of town. The Bible Christian church opened in June 1859, in such a hurry that it did so with no ceiling or plaster on the walls. To commemorate a stone was placed in the walls that declared “Bible Christian chapel 1859 - The first Chapel built on these hills”. In 1859 both the Wesleyans and Bible Christians built churches a mere 180 meters apart, it is said that the congregations could hear the each other singing.
10 to 11 years later the Bible Christian building was demolished, the stones and foundations carted to the site of the current Uniting Church in Inman Valley. The land donated by Mr. Isaac Hurrell, with the opening taking place in 1871 with Miss Thorne preaching. A violent thunderstorm the day prior to opening and it was rumoured to have been caused by the appointment of the valleys first female preacher.
In 1906 a “T” section was added to the existing church, this was completed and opened in February 1907. Stone for the extension was transported from “Stone Hill” quarry and carried to location via bullock. This new space was used as the community hall until the construction on the Memorial Hall in 1954, activities included the yearly Christmas performance, community meetings and Sunday School.
In 1937 the porch entry was added to the front of the building, during construction the original naming stone from the 1870 demolition of the Bible Christian Chapel, was placed in the wall. This is also the home of a memorial stained-glass window dedicated to local service men. Which can also be seen through its record on Monument Australia at http://monumentaustralia.org.au/australian_monument/display/112529
To learn more about Inman Valley History be sure to read our other posts. Or to help contribute to the story contact us at ivmemorialhall@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and our Website.
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