Anglicans first worshipped on the site of the current church in a small wooden building from 1859. By 1864 a decision was made to replace it with a more substantial bluestone building built in a Gothic architectural style. The church was then added to in stages as funds became available. The first tow
St Mary's, Woodend - a brief history
Anglicans first worshipped on the site of the current church in a small wooden building from 1859. By 1864 a decision was made to replace it with a more substantial bluestone building built in a Gothic architectural style. The church was then added to in stages as funds became available. The first tower was built in 1898 followed by the second taller tower known as the 'Peace Tower' in 1929 and finally the vestry was added in 1903.
St Mary's Woodend is renowned for the magnificent stained glass windows by William Montgomery.
"Walls Two Feet Thick" - Janet Hawkins. ($15.00) This detailed work tells the story of a much-loved building, and of many of the people who have worshipped there over many years. It also records all the monuments and plaques and the changes to the furnishings of the building from 1859 to the present time.
St George’s Trentham – a brief history
The first Church of England service in Trentham was held in 1864, the year the town was surveyed. 150 years later, on St George’s Day, April 23 2014, this was celebrated with an historical pageant at the Quarry Street Reserve.
The church’s first guardians were G.O. Vance (rector of Kyneton) and M.H. Ashe (rector of Blackwood), with local men Joseph Bickley, William Dashwood and Francis Turner. Before 1882 residents worshipped in the school and in the Mechanics Hall. The first church was a wooden building fronting Albert Street: it opened sometime after 1882, though the land had been gazetted for the church on 14 February 1865.
Local businessman J.W.S. Wolff left money in his will in 1910 to build a new (smaller) brick church fronting High Street that opened in 1928. It retains some furniture from the previous building, and until the COVID pandemic was open daily.
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 10.45am in The Norma Richardson Hall*
President
Mrs Carol Barker 5427 2669
Catering enquiries
Sylvia Mathews - 0488 776 645
1. Guild catering for small groups (maximum 30 people). For menus, information and bookings please phone Sylvia Mathews on 0488 776 645.
2. For larger groups who have their own catering ,Guild can offer workers to assist in set up, pack up and serving plus kitchen clean up @ $100 per hour.
Street Stall
2nd Saturday of the month from 9am to 12pm, in High Street Woodend.
Knit and Natter
3rd Wednesday of the month from 11am in the Norma Richardson Hall.
St Mary’s Guild
If you can volunteer for any of Guild events, please let our Guild Secretary Jane know, and the time you are available for.
All newcomers (male and female) are welcome to join St Marys’ Guild.
We would be honoured to baptise you or your child either at St George's Trentham or St Mary's Woodend. A baptism is the same as a christening. It is usually held during the Sunday morning worship because it is a sign of becoming part of God's family, a "christianing".
Please contact Rev Mel for more details and to set a date. There is no financial cost for a baptism, because God's love is free for everyone. The Norma Richardson Hall can be hired for a celebration afterwards.
*Churches are open after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Masks MUST still be worn. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more information.
Weddings*
Funerals*
Funerals*
We love weddings! Both our churches are great settings for your special day.
St George's Trentham holds a maximum of 50 people, and St Mary's Woodend holds a maximum of 100 people.
Please contact Rev Mel as soon as you are able to book a time and place, and note that the minister is required to use Anglican rites in the wedding ceremony. You must have your Notice of Intended Marriage completed with the minister 30 days before the wedding. The minister will also advise on preparation for a long and fruitful marriage.
Please contact Rev'd Melissa Clark on 0411 722 718 to discuss the costs for Church and Minister (and Organist if required).
The Norma Richardson Hall is located on the St Mary's Woodend site and is also available to hire for a reception.
*Churches are open after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Masks MUST still be worn. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more information.
Funerals*
Funerals*
Funerals*
We are honoured to have funerals conducted by Rev Mel in either of our church buildings. The funeral director will have a set fee for this if you are not a regular member of our congregation, and they will arrange the time with the minister.
The Norma Richardson Hall is also available for hire for gatherings and refreshments.
St Mary's Guild has two menu options to cater (max 60 people)
*Churches are open after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Masks MUST still be worn. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more information.
Stay in Touch
Learn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Jaara Jaara people, the custodians of this land where we gather.
We pay our deep respects to elders past, present and emerging, and we pray for true listening that leads to true reconciliation.