Anglican Parish of Collingwood History 1 First Anglican Church Building

The first Anglican Church Building in Collingwood was erected in 1855 when it was still part of the Parish of St Mark's Fitzroy. It was a small stone school classroom known as Christ Church Hall "near the Collingwood baths".

This was on the corner of present day Nicholson St and Marine Pde.

The foundation stone was laid on 3rd November 1855, and a schoolmaster was appointed.

Presumably the first classes were held in a temporary building because it had been operating as a non-vested Denominational School from September 1855.

In 1858 its average attendance was 101 pupils.

In 1863 it became common school No 5 and lasted until 1882. Because it was a denominational school, it did not receive Government funding. This meant that it could also be used for religious services. The first such service was held on the 27th June 1858 by a clergyman. In the main though, the services were conducted by a layman.