East End in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

The Scots Church

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

1. The Scots Church Marker

Inscription. The first service was held in April 1838.
The Rev. James Forbes officiated in temporary premises on this site from 1838 to 1841 when the first church was erected. In 1873 the foundation of this building was laid.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 37° 48.878′ S, 144° 58.127′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in East End. It is at the intersection of Russell Street and Collins Street, on the left when traveling north on Russell Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 77 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

Australasia,

the Pacific Ocean,

South Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Victorian Scottish Regiment (a few steps from this marker); Former Independent Church (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) (within shouting distance of this marker); Scots' Church and Assembly Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Russell Street Telephone Exchange & Post Office (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Athenaeum Building (about 150 meters away); The Melbourne Athenaeum (about 150 meters away); Town Hall Foundation Stone (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Scots Church History. Scots Church

Let’s start at the beginning – at least from the city of Melbourne’s perspective. In May 1835, John Batman sailed from Tasmania to explore the Yarra River. He settled the area, which soon started to grow. Within a year, Alexander Thomson – a Doctor – was leading Presbyterian services on the banks of the Yarra River. By December 1837 James Clow, recently retired as a Chaplain with the East India Company, was conducting regular services in a small timber building.

In other words, we were the first church in town!

Since then The Scots’ Church has been serving the people of this city in the name of Jesus.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

2. The Scots Church Marker to the lower left of the door
James Forbes soon arrived as a minister from Scotland, working from the building at the west end of Collins Street. When they were granted land on the present site, the congregation built a school, which doubled as a church on Sundays. A stone church was built by January 1841, and seated 500 people.

Remarkably, though, with the growing population and enthusiastic attendance, within 30 years the new church was too small… plus, for some reason the spire was said to be leaning at an alarming angle. By January 1869 the gold-rich congregation had agreed to build a new church designed by the prominent architects Reed & Barnes – the Scots’ Church you see today. Builder David Mitchell – father of famous Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba – took only 20 months to complete the project.

(Submitted on July 14, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

The Scots Church image. Click for full size.

circa 1907

3. The Scots Church

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. 3. submitted on July 15, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.