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 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.