Worship, History and Many Stories
If you have an interest in beautiful stained-glass windows and in hearing the oldest pipe organ in Victoria played, come visit the Uniting Church in Benalla.
The former Methodist Church (now the Uniting Church) in Benalla, opened on September 21st, 1930, succeeded earlier Methodist churches: Primitive (1862), Wesleyan (1876), and a second Primitive (1877). Rev. Dr. Samuel Hoban led a successful appeal, raising £2,500. Architect Alec Eggleston designed the building, and builder Mr. Mould of Camberwell completed it for £3,854. A rare J.E. Dodd pipe organ, transferred from North Adelaide Methodist Church, was installed and later listed by the National Trust in 1966. Visitors are welcome to enjoy its music. The John Cooper Hall, named after a generous donor, was added in the late 1920s and recently suffered damage in a 2023 mini tornado. The church complex now hosts a wide range of community activities, including a Community Garden, free Friday lunches, musical concerts, and meeting spaces for groups such as A.A., the Food Co-op, and the Sustainability Group. Benalla family names like Ride, Witt, Cook, Stolz, and Guppy.