STAWELL - While undertaking restoration works at Stawell's Church of Christ, members of the congregation unveiled interesting historical artwork painted on the building's wall.
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Restoration work on the whole building at the corner of Sloane and Skene Streets began in early August.
One of the Church of Christ's members, Terry Dunn said the building was originally known as the Lyceum Theatre, which was used during the gold rush days as a meeting place for the Stawell Miners Association.
"As far as we know it is the first time the building has been fully restored," he said.
"We had this special stuff called Peel-Away and it takes up to 16 layers of paint off and thankfully this was the 17th layer and we were able to view it.
"What we are seeing is historically fascinating."
Mr Dunn said the crown and other features resemble a gothic scene, while he believes the bible and religious text may have been added when the church purchased the building sometime in 1908.
"We had the Stawell Historical Society around to have a look and they were fascinated by it too," he said.
"It is too far gone to restore it to keep the original piece, but we've had a Haymes Paint colour consultant talk with us and we are going to paint it in original heritage colours."
Work on the church is due to be completed around Christmas time, with church members conducting working bees and professional renderers helping to give the 150-year-old building a much needed facelift.
If anyone has early photographs or memories of the building please get in touch with Terry Dunn on 0407 547 417.