The Methodist Church in Farrell St was established in 1884 and quickly became associated with the predominantly working-class community in the western part of Port Melbourne, as distinct from the wealthier congregation of Graham St church which serviced the eastern areas. The Farrell St church was established by residents of western Port Melbourne, particularly families who lived in the cottages in the area of Clark and Cambridge Streets. The church was constructed with volunteer labour, and members of the congregation provided a library for the local community, and Sunday schooling which was initially run from local homes before the church was completed. Local women were very active in this congregation, particularly due to the class divisions which were felt between wealthier areas of Port Melbourne. When young women from the Farrell St congregation attended services at the wealthier Graham St church, for example, they were criticised by the regular congregation for their lower ‘quality’ of dress. Farrell St services drew heavily on the musical talents of their women congregants in particular, with special events featuring full programmes of choir, violin, and solo vocalists, who also performed at Graham St and local mission events.
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