Mar Thoma Church | RBA Architects + Conservation Consultants
Completed in 1898, College Church originally featured a unique limestone crown and lantern, which was dismantled in the 1980s for safety reasons. Over the next 40 years, the building became known for its apparently precarious condition its heritage values truncated along with the tower.
Reconstruction of the threemeterhigh missing lantern was the most appropriate way to restore the buildings integrity. ?amaru limestone was imported from New Zealand, and handcarved by the stonemason to match the 46 detailed pieces originally making up the lantern, before being carefully hoisted into place. Less visible, but equally important, conservation interventions included seismic upgrades and repairs to the damaged crown buttresses.
The building is assuredly redefined as a wellused Christian Church. To the current custodians the Mar Thoma Church, as to the original Presbyterian congregation, it is a physical and permanent demonstration of their place in the Parkville community, and their commitment to it.
