The construction did take some time, because the builder, Mr William Buggins, shared the workers with the Perth Town Hall project down the road.  Both buildings were being constructed at the same time, and it seemed like a good idea to exchange the labour.  Mr Richard Jewell, who was responsible for many of Perth's early buildings, including the Town Hall and the Barracks, designed the Wesley Church.  Built at a cost of £4000, the Wesley Church is an example of Gothic Revival style architecture. 

The Wesley Church.

With eight small spires and one large central spire, the church is certainly an inspirational place to worship.  The subtle blending of light and dark bricks, compliments the rendering around the doors and windows.  Today the Wesley Church stands in stark contrast, to the modern city buildings which surround it.

The Wesley Church once dominated the skyline of old Perth.

Securing a seat on one of the church pews was a difficult task.  It was decided to allocate the seating based upon how much cash you threw into the church building fund.  The big dollar donors (£50 and above) got the choice pews up the front, with the cheaper seats being down the back.  Mr George Shenton donated over £1000.  He could tell the Reverend where to sit.  Today you can still see some of the budget pews, which were placed around the exterior of the building. 

The exterior pews are now usually occupied
by non-financial church members, and
lunchtime office workers.

The Wesley Church stands on the corner of Hay and William Streets, and is a tribute to the pioneers of the Wesley Mission.  They arrived in the Colony on February 3rd, 1830 and had assembled three church buildings by 1870.  Today everyone is welcome to the Wesley Church.  (Subject to pew availability. Conditions may apply.)

LOCATION:  75 William Street, Perth.