History

The Presbyterians of Echuca first began worshipping together in 1858 and the Methodists began meetings probably in the same year.

In time they each built churches, the Presbyterians initially in Dickson Street and the Methodists near the new bridge. The Presbyterians acquired a more central block on the site of the local market and built their new church opening in 1901. The architect was a local man, Mr A E Castles who also designed St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at the other end of the main shopping area, providing a nice balance to the town layout with the two spires. Our current building is heritage listed and has the unusual feature of the worship space being built up the steps and the main hall area being underneath.

With the wonderful initiative of the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia the Presbyterians and Methodists (together with the Congregational Church as well) in Echuca and Moama formed one parish. After much hard work and with many hopes and regrets, decisions were made to close the Wesley building and combine the wonderful heritage of the two congregations into a new and vibrant congregation on the St Andrew’s site. Substantial renovations were undertaken, increasing the usefulness of the buildings and especially adding The Wesley Chapel as a new feature. Thus combined on the site of Echuca’s old market we call ourselves “The Church in the Market Place”.

In 2008 the congregation celebrated 150 years of worship, service and witness in these communities. In thanksgiving we planted 150 trees near the Campaspe River as a thankyou to the community for its support.

A comprehensive record of aspects of the church’s history is available in a book entitled “From Market to Marketplace”.