general information

On this page:

• Weddings
• Baptisms
• History of the Church

Weddings

In the last year this 136 year old heritage building has been fully restored to its previous glory. It is a setting that is dignified and full of character for your wedding. Here you can have a ceremony as formal or as intimate as you wish.

The church will be prepared for your wedding with pew decorations and floral displays in colours to match those of the bridal party. These arrangements can be varied to meet your special needs.

Music for your ceremony can be played on our historic organ in traditional or modern styles, depending on your choice. If you wish to have your favourite songs on CD or live music played during the service this can be easily arranged.

The church has a chair lift, which provides wheelchair and disabled access.

Your photographer will find the church an easy and accommodating environment in which to work.

Confetti or flower petals can be thrown outside the church at the foot of the steps. Please ask your guests not to throw them inside the church or on the top steps.

There is a large hall under the church with a well-equipped kitchen. It is possible to arrange for light refreshments before or after the wedding.

Your Special Day

We know that it is your special day and that you want to plan it so that it is just right for you. As part of our service we will work with you to prepare a wedding which is as traditional or modern as you wish.

Our service to you is more than just the ceremony. We want to help you to build a marriage that will bring you satisfaction and rewards for years to come.

As a part of our wedding program we provide personalised and confidential pre-marriage sessions, designed to help you to develop the skills and resources to grow a strong and healthy life together. The cost of these is included in our fee; we ask you to set aside two or three evenings to meet with the celebrant.

Baptisms

The Uniting Church offers baptism both to those who wish to affirm their faith and Gods love, and to families wishing to have their children baptised.

Baptism links us to the church community, and for those who prefer, a thanksgiving (or blessing) of a child is also offered as an option.

History of the church

The life of the church congregation began in November 1849, when a group of Christians from various denominations who had been meeting, informally, in a sail loft in the Port formed themselves into the 'Congregational Church of Port Adelaide'.

The church met in three different buildings before the present church was built in 1867-8. In 1978 the church became part of the Uniting Church of Australia. The church celebrated its Jubilee in November 1999. Historic tours of the church building and grounds can be arranged by calling the church on 8240 0200 or by emailing Norm Bennett. The building is built from Dry Creek sandstone with very elaborate brick work.

The window and door arches feature alternating red and black bricks and the cornices are constructed of red and blue bricks. These colours are now faded but in its original condition it must have been a very colourful building. A feature of the church is the magnificent flight of steps at the front which sweep up to the entrance porch with its three wide arches.

The interior seats 500 and is of traditional Christian church design with a high ceiling and Gothic styling. There is a large gallery across the back of the church and the original pipe organ at the front which has been restored to its original colours.

Kirby

Many of the prominent citizens of the Port through the years were associated with the church and the walls of the church are covered with memorial plaques which give a commentary on the life of the church itself. The most famous minister at the church was the legendary Rev. J.C. Kirby (1880 - 1908), pictured on the right. Kirby is best remembered for his activities in the temperance cause but was also an outstanding teacher and public figure who was involved in many causes to improve society.