Ashfield Presbyterian Church has been one of the main meeting places for Christians in the inner-west of Sydney for over 125 years.  People first met together for worship here in 1876, and the congregation continues to attract newcomers from different backgrounds; racial, economic, educational etc.

We believe that the Risen Christ is at work in us through the Holy Spirit.  We invite you to join us in knowing Jesus, and to grow in your relationship with Him. 

Brief history

Ashfield Presbyterian Church began its roots in a Home Sunday School at Dobroyd, opened in 1840 by the daughters of David and Sarah Ramsay.  In June 1875, Presbyterians in Ashfield petitioned for their own church.  The Liverpool Road Church, a simple weatherboard building, was built and opened for worship on 12 March 1876.  The first service was conducted by Rev. Dr John Dunmore Lang.  On 10 April 1876, Rev. John Auld M.A. was appointed as the first Minister of the Church.  The congregation worshipped in this building for ten years until the present brick building was erected.

The present Church building, including the Manse and the Goodlet Institute, were constructed from funds raised by the congregation and generous financial support from John Goodlet, an Elder of the first Session and prominent businessman.  On 3 December 1886, Rev. D. S. McEachran of Melbourne opened the new building, which had been described as a “Gothic style church above whose twin front porches was a fine stained glass window that featured elaborate stone tracery”.

On 11 Oct 1907, Rev R. J. H. McGowan was inducted as the second Minister.  He stated four principles on which to base his ministry, viz:
* The Atoning Death of Christ for sin
* The Trustworthiness of the Scriptures
* The Filling of the Holy Spirit
* United Prayer
* Ashfield Presbyterian Church still operates on these four guiding principles to this day.

Our past and present Ministers include:
* Rev. John Auld M.A.  1876-1906
* Rev. Robert John Henry McGowan  1907-1951
* Rev. Ian White Ross  1952-1956
* Rev. William Charles Richard Moore  1956-1960
* Rev. Charles Stewart Petrie B.A., B.D.  1961-1975
* Rev. Robert Riek  1976-1982
* Rev. David Cook  1982-1985
* Rev. Peter Hastie 1987-present

Please refer to the following publications for more detailed accounts of the Church history:
Ashfield Presbyterian Church 1876-1976
Ashfield & District Historical Society Journal No. 10 (1993)