Church History
The foundation stone of the first church building was laid on Monday 9th October 1854 in the presence of a large assembly of settlers. The church was built on the Southern corner of Park St and North Rd (Main North Rd). It opened on Sunday 25th February 1855.
One of the many contributors to the building of the first church was Charles Folland. His family moved to Pine Forest (Enfield) in 1842. Around this time they were troubled by aboriginies and Mr. Folland was speared in the leg. He recovered from his wound and lived to 97 years of age.
The first preacher at the church was Mr. William Short. Before the church was built, Mr. Short conducted services for the Wesleyan Methodist Church in his home at California Street, Nailsworth.
Construction on a second church building began in 1881. This church is located on the Northern corner of Park St and Main North Rd. and is still standing today. The second church was opened 1886.
Between 1886 and 1926 not much work was done on the buildings beyond the additions of a vestry and kindergarten.
On Saturday 1st December 1926 the first stone of a Sunday School Hall was laid. At that time the Sunday school consisted of 247 students and 32 teachers.
In 1931 the Reverend L.G. Menadue was appointed as the first ordained minister whose sole responsibility was for Enfield.
The depression during the 1930’s and World War II in the 1940’s where tough times financially for the church. At the end of this period the church trust was deep in debt.
After the war many young people returned to the area. Numerous fund raising activities were conducted very successfully. One group, The Enfield Merrymakers raised funds to build tennis courts. A Gala function called The Enfield Christmas Fiesta was attended by over 2000 people.
In 1955 a new kindergarten was built and a pipe organ purchased. At this time Sunday school was attended by 530 scholars. Additions to the Sunday school hall were begun in 1958 and finalized in 1959.
By 1968 almost all of the church’s debt was eliminated. The period after World War II to the 70’s has been called the golden era. There were many groups of people performing a variety of activities e.g.
· music: choirs, drama, instrumentalists and the pipe organ
· welfare: visiting the sick and helping the poor
· fundraising: events and financial stewardship
· sports: cricket, football and tennis
The church office was established in 1969.
In December 1978 an announcement was made that land around the second church was to be sold to make way for a shopping complex.
Reference: Shirley Hartley, Our Church at Enfield, 125 Years of History of the Enfield Uniting Church, 1979 Shirley Hartley