Interior of the first Chapel at Greenacre

Our congregation was named at the time of the opening of the first little weatherboard chapel at 204 Waterloo Road, Greenacre, in August, 1961.  This chapel had 72 theatre seats.  Services commenced at this address in early 1960, in a one-car garage.  Don Baker became full-time pastor in April, 1964, as the congregation began to grow.

Growth made it necessary to build the first brick building in 1966, and then enlarged with a two-storey extension in 1971, in 1978 we purchased a battle-axe block adjoining 204 Waterloo Road, and we completed the new church at the rear of the block in 1979.  At this time we commenced our pre-school and began our Christian school. The growing primary school led us to purchase our existing property in Georges Hall, in 1988. We moved to our current campus in 1991. Our facilities include: a large auditorium, small chapel, multi-purpose hall, office area, a preschool and a primary school.  

Rev. Don and Minta Baker pastored Calvary Chapel from 1960 until they retired in February 2005. Their dedication, commitment and leadership were pivotal in the expansion of the Pentecostal church throughout Australia. They were honoured by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel with a doctorate for their excellence in ministry to the Church in Australia and at large.

Interior of Auditorium at Georges Hall - Now

 

When Ps. Don retired, his Assistant Pastor, Warren Mortomore was given the position as Senior Minister of the church along with his wife, Judith.

Our churches future is being built on the solid foundation of our rich heritage. Our story is still being written. The best is yet to come. There are many lives still to touch, communities to reach and nations to impact.

 

 

THE HOMESTEAD, GEORGES HALL

The Homestead in 1837

“The Homestead”, built in 1837, is the oldest
remaining building in the Bankstown district.  The building being substantially intact, it is a well proportioned and finely detailed Georgian styled colonial homestead, with strong links to important episodes in Australia’s early colonial history through its original owners and occupiers – the Johnston family of Annandale.

 

“The Homestead” was the second home of the Johnston family, built high on a knoll out of reach of the floodwaters that so often inundated the lower ground near the river.

It stands on the rising ground above Henry Lawson Drive in Lionel Street, and was the home of the Johnston family until 1917.

The Homestead - Now

 

While the architect and builder are unknown, “The Homestead” that David Johnston built is typical of many Georgian country homes, with a low pitched all encompassing roof, and a detached return verandah form on an elevated masonry base.

This style owes its genesis to Indian Colonial architecture and vernacular buildings of the south of England, with adaptions to local materials, climate and social customs.

For more information on the Homested building construction
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