The Presbyterian Church

9 Campbell Street, 1868. Organ built by Charles Richardson, 1893.

The largest of the three churches on this walk, the Campbell Street church was designed by the Balmain architect James McDonald in the Early English Gothic Revival style. In spite of the plainness of the Early English style, with its simple lancet windows, minimal buttresses and unadorned pinnacles, the church has a relatively complex structure, in contrast to the barnlike simplicity of St Mary’s (Stop 8). From the street you can observe the complex roofline, clearly defining the nave and two side aisles. The octagonal spire springs from a rectangular base above the main entrance, which is buttressed by two porches entered by smaller doors.

The size of the church and the adjacent church hall and manse (number 11 Campbell Street) suggest the importance of colonial Balmain to the Presbyterian Church. Inside, the organ takes pride of place at the East end, its charmingly decorated pipes displayed in a fine cedar case.