"St Andrew's"

Presbyterian Church, Coleraine, Vic, Aus: 1862+

The first Presbyterian preaching in south-west Victoria was carried out by the Rev. Alexander LAURIE who settled in Portland in 1842. He made a missionary tour inland and preached at many of the stations in the Glenelg & Wannon area in 1843.

His successor the Rev. Thomas RICHARDSON (184801851) made some trips into the interior visting stations on the Wannon and Glenelg.

In 1857 the Rev. R SUTHERLAND [MA], arrived at Merino and conducted services at Merino, Coleraine, Casterton, Hotspur and Digby during his short stay.

1861 Committee

The first committee formed in 1861 to establish a new Charge of Coleraine, Casterton, Merino, Digby, Branxholme was composed of the following members:

  • William ROBERTSON, "Gringegalgona"
  • George CARMICHAEL, "Retreat"
  • William SWAN, "Konongwootong"
  • William McPHERSON, "Nangeela"
  • John McKINNON, ?
  • Donald SWAN, "Sprinvale"
  • Alexander DAVIDSON, "Satimer"
  • Robert RALSTON, "Roseneath"
  • Adam TURNBULL (Jnr), "Winninburn"

1862 Signatures

The request to the Presbytery in 1862, to establish a new Charge of Coleraine, Casterton, Merino, Digby, Branxholme was signed by the following:

  • William SWAN
  • Adam TURNBULL (Jnr)
  • Donald SWAN
  • John Hunter KERR
  • James McLEAN
  • Murdoch McCASKILL
  • Malcolm McKINNON
  • Duncan CRAWFORD
  • Wishart ESOLS
  • Miles FLETCHER
  • James DOUGLAS
  • Hugh McCALLUM
  • John BAIRD
  • G. W. SINCLAIR
  • Donald ANNEAR
  • James FERRIER
  • A. ROBERTSON
  • J. W. OSMOND
  • A. C. CAMERON
  • Elizabeth GILLIES

Rev. William GRAHAM

The Rev. William GRAHAM became to first minister of St. Andrews and was inducted 23 November, 1862. Little is known of him and he resigned in 1866.

Sources:

  • "St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Coleraine, A Historical Sketch 1962-1862
    • - Mr Punshon & Mr Templeton
  • "Scott's Church Casterton, A Historical Sketch 1862-1962
    • - Kathleen Munro [BA]