In 1952 Roy Goldsworthy a man with a vision and a handful of petrol coupons embarked on a remarkable journey. He sought a new home for his beloved St Matthews Anglican Church in Ashwood. The church wasn’t just bricks and mortar it was a community a family. It had been the spiritual heart of the Ashwood community for decades. He and other devoted members of the congregation dismantled a former medical centre. They transported the pieces to their new location. They painstakingly rebuilt it into the St Matthews we remember today.
For over five decades St Matthews stood as a testament to faith resilience and community spirit. Generations worshipped within its walls. Lives were celebrated joys shared and sorrows comforted in the very place where Roy Goldsworthy had poured his heart and soul. But the story of St Matthews isn’t a simple one of unwavering devotion.
The year 2009 brought unexpected hardship. The Anglican Arch Diocese of Melbourne citing insufficient financial resources and significant deferred maintenance issues decided to close St Matthews. This was a devastating blow to the close-knit congregation many of whom were elderly. The parishioners felt betrayed. They had voted to stay open. They saw the closure as discriminatory against their ageing community.
The closure wasn’t simply a matter of finances. The valuable property that St Matthews occupied on the corner of High Street and Warrigal Road was an undeniable factor. Accusations of a money grab and a blatant disregard for the spiritual needs of a faithful congregation flew. The parishioners fought tirelessly for their church. They took their battle to the Human Rights Commission. They even conducted their own services when their minister was removed.
Their struggle lasted months filled with legal battles and emotional distress. The parishioners’ perseverance paid off resulting in a three-month reprieve. The story of St Matthews Ashwood is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community in the face of adversity. It’s a story of resilience and protest against a perceived injustice. It shows a deep-rooted commitment to a place that was more than just a building. It was home. It was family. It was their beloved St Matthews.