The Katamatite Uniting Church was built in 1961 and is known for its unusual architecture.
Photo by
Valerie Lee
Katamatite is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and with such a significant milestone comes a lot of reflecting on the town’s history.
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Former Cobram local and member of the Uniting Church in Australia, Peter Sutton, said religion had been an important part of the Katamatite community for many years.
“Churches of several denominations including Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist have served the local community over that 150 years,” he said.
“Within the Moira Shire 38 churches were listed as being significant, these include three churches within Katamatite.”
Mr Sutton specially mentioned the Katamatite Uniting Church.
The interior of the Katamatite Uniting Church.
Photo by
Valerie Lee
“This church stands out, particularly in country Victoria, for its striking and unusual architecture,” he said.
“Typically, many churches located within rural and regional locations have very similar designs and were constructed in timber weatherboards, or of red brick construction.
“Newer churches dating from the mid to later 20th century saw some evolution in design with flatter roofs and other materials including cream brick.
“Situated at the northern end of Katamatite, the former Methodist now Uniting Church is of a much different design.
The Katamatite Uniting Church was designed by architects Arthur Shepherd and John Muir.
Photo by
Valerie Lee
“Ultra-modern, it stands starkly contrasted against other more traditional church designs within Katamatite and the wider Moira Shire.”
The church was designed by architects Arthur Shepherd and John Muir; constructed in 1961, it features triangular roof forms built using prefabricated steel A-frames.
Mr Sutton said the design was “interesting because it is highly symbolic”.
“Growing up in the district, I was always told it was to symbolise a man praying,” he said.
A sketch by German artist Albrecht Durer from 1508 that inspired the design of the Katamatite Uniting Church.
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Contributed
“This information is correct as German artist Albrecht Durer in 1508 completed a drawing of hands held in prayer, and the idea to base the building on Durer’s depiction is believed to have come from the architects.”
Mr Sutton said the original Methodist Church opened in 1882 and following union with the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches to form the Uniting Church in Australia, it became the Katamatite Uniting Church.
Mr Sutton said the Katamatite Historical Society was a great resource.
“They operate a museum in Katamatite and have a number of publications including Katamatite District Churches,” he said.
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