Many years ago, a weatherboard church occupied the site at Kirk Road. When the Uniting Church came into being in 1977, a decision to build a contemporary church on this site resulted in the building footprint we have today. The original church was shifted back on the site and became the hall, whilst the spacious and light-filled church was built at the front. For many years, a vibrant and active congregation gave life to these facilities with many church-based activities.
By the year 2010, the traditional church activities had diminished in size and in regularity, so in 2012 our Church Council took the step of repurposing the building for more community-based activities, as well as making it a home for a number of spiritual activities and expressions of church. In 2013, the Chapel Space became the Kirks Place Vintage Lounge, with mindfulness and meditation groups meeting, and vintage furniture and selected wares available for sale. Our Friday Lunches and Communion continued to meet, and the Feel Good- Sing group moved later from Queenscliff to gather at Kirks Place. Our own art groups have also been using the building, whilst yoga and other groups have been making use of the hall.
In 2017, the direction taken by the Church Council was boosted by the partnership formed with the Lighthouse Arts Collective, a group of local artists keen to find a space to develop as an Arts Centre. This enthusiastic group of artists brought new life to New Hall, with Concerts, Exhibitions, Community Meals, No Lights No Lycra and many other activities.
Whilst the partnership has since been dissolved, with the LAC pressing “pause” for the time being, the addition of the New Swell Choir and continuing presence of No Lights No Lycra add vibrancy to the place. Other community groups as well as private functions and a Counselling Practitioner have become an ongoing feature of life at Kirks Place.
