Glebe Congregational Church (former site)

Glebe Congregational Church: worship, learning and a workingmen’s library

A single site in St Johns Road served several generations of community life. The Glebe Congregational Church was formed in September 1871, and a small brick church-school followed around 1873. As the congregation grew, architect David McBeath designed a larger church, formally opened on 31 October 1880.

Under the Reverend James Rickard, church activities included education and organisations for working-class young people. Later ministers supported literary and temperance societies. Financial difficulties eventually overtook the congregation, and mortgagees exercised their power of sale in 1902.

The building then acquired another public role. From November 1902, the Glebe Workingmen’s Institute leased it as a meeting place and library, continuing there until 1918. The Methodist Church purchased the church and adjoining parsonage in July 1920 and used the church until 1967. Demolition followed in March 1970. The vanished building’s history preserves a record of worship, reading, recreation and mutual support on St Johns Road.

• Max Solling, “The Glebe Congregational Church”, Leichhardt Historical Journal 5, pp. 19–22.