THE CHRISTIAN MISSION CHURCH - 22 WELLINGTON STREET

BAPTIST CHURCH HALL, WELLINGTON STREET

Henry Reed, an early free settler, whaler, merchant and businessman, was a keen evangelist. (See the entry re: Macquarie House see last week's post) about the health of his horses and used his stables in town, however the story of how the discussion began regarding his buying his Wellington Street hotel involves one of his horses, being exercised by one of his grooms near Reed's house at Mt Pleasant (Prospect), which was spooked by a pig, and bolted, all the way to town. When it was brought under control, it was stabled at Parr's, and it was whilst Henry Reed was retrieving the animal, that the conversation leading to his purchase of the buildings including a skittle alley which adjoined the hotel ( a common addition to hotels of the time), is said to have taken place.

Initial mission work, beginning in 1876, was conducted from the skittle alley (which was described in one account as “an old shed”), but when this proved too small, plans were made to construct the Christian Mission Church, which is currently used as the Baptist hall, on the site. Whilst the church was being built, the stables (see last week's post) were refurbished and used for worship. 

The building had facilities for Sunday School upstairs and a large kitchen for practical ministry to the needs of the poor.  The main chapel was of similar design to a room in Henry Reed's home at Mt Pleasant.  It was opened on June 6th 1880, a few months before his death in October of that year.

 It was not long, however, before even the new church (which could seat 300), despite the addition of an outdoor pavilion, proved too small, for the needs of the growing church and plans were made for a larger building.

Note: Despite the interesting light and shadows, this is a fairly average photo – I'll try to replace it with a better one at some stage in the not too distant future.