About us
The Uniting Church (Vic/Tas) Historical Society
The society has its origins in what was called The Australian Methodist Historical Society (Vic) that produced its first publication in 1949 – that of an annual lecture delivered to the Methodist Conference.
The first lecture was given by the Rev Dr C Irving Benson “Methodist Crusades that swept Australia”. The editor was the Rev Pearce Barber.
That Society was replaced in 1956 by the Methodist Historical Society of Victoria which published a twice-yearly journal “Heritage.” The inaugural editor was Geoffrey Blainey who hoped that the Society would “help Methodists rediscover and prize their heritage.” In 1971, Tasmania was added to the Society’s title. Later editors included Rev Pearce Barber and Dr Owen Parnaby.
In 1983, the present Uniting Church Vic/Tas Historical Society was formed through the instigation of Rev Professor Ian Breward and Rev T M O’Connor to replace the Methodist Society and was recognised by Synod in 1993. Max O’Connor was the first President, Rev Ian Higgins the Secretary and Rev Robert Renton the Treasurer, a position he still holds. Max O’Connor was the honorary Archivist of the Methodist and then Uniting Church first based in 130 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, then Elsternwick and currently East Malvern. Robert Renton is the current editor of the Society’s journal Proceedings.
The purpose of Proceedings is to publish material of historical interest related to the Uniting Church and its three predecessors, and to act as a “voice” for the Uniting Church’s Archives. Perhaps echoing Blainey, it was formed in recognition that a study of the church’s history has continuing importance and relevance for its future.
Purpose
The aim of the Society is to stimulate interest in and study of the history and heritage of the Church and its antecedent churches: Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian.
Activities
The Society’s principal activity is the publication of a biannual journal with material of historical interest and contributes to the accumulated knowledge of the Church. Contributions are from members, and others interested, in church history.
Second to this is a series of lectures or presentations on topics related to church history. Generally held four times a year, these include a tour of churches in a suburb or regional centre. Most presentations are accessible by Zoom.
There are also occasional newsletters and other publications when warranted.
The Society supports the Synod Archive with its remarkable and valuable collection of historical and contemporary material, including artefacts, relating to the Church and its antecedents. Volunteers assist public inquiries and genealogical research.
The Victorian and Tasmanian Society is affiliated with the Uniting Church National History Society and supports its activities.