Did you know St Matthew’s Manly has a history as rich as the waves that crash on the nearby beach? St Matthew’s stands as a testament to faith and community in Manly. Let’s journey back to the origins of St Matthew’s.
The story of St Matthew’s begins in 1857. Henry Gilbert Smith gave land for a timber church. The Darley family also donated land on The Corso for a new church. This early church served as both a place of worship and a schoolroom.
In 1864, the Darleys gifted an acre of land to the Bishop of Sydney. The land was specifically for a Church of England, a parsonage and a schoolroom. Architect Edmund Blacket designed the new St Matthew’s. Blacket also designed St John’s at Camden.
The foundation stone for St Matthew’s was laid in 1864. The church was consecrated in 1865. The original St Matthew’s was built in the form of a cross. However only the nave was initially constructed. The 75-foot bell tower became a landmark.
The Sydney Morning Herald described the consecration. The Bishop of Sydney conducted the service. The church was a neat and attractive structure. It was in the early English style. Stained glass windows were designed by John Falconer. One window honored Captain Darley. Another honored Lieutenant William Henry Bayley.
By the mid-1920s, Manly Council wanted St Matthew’s to align with other Corso structures. The last service in the old church was on July 1, 1928. It was then demolished to make way for a new building.
The new St Matthew’s foundation stone was laid on April 20, 1929. Significant pieces from the old church were moved to the new one. St Matthew’s was opened on September 20, 1930.
Rev Arthur Ebbs oversaw these changes. He was the rector of St Matthew’s from 1924 to 1948. During the Depression, Rev Ebbs founded St Matthew’s Training Farm. It helped young men find employment.
During World War II, St Matthew’s Parish Hall offered hospitality to servicemen. About 48000 men were given beds. Rev Ebbs was appointed a Member of the British Empire for his service.
In recent years, St Matthew’s dedicated the Darley Smith Building. It honors Henry Gilbert Smith and Captain Benjamin Darley. The building includes a 200-seat auditorium. It serves both the church and the community.
Today, St Matthew’s continues to be a vital part of Manly. It focuses on worship, the next generation, mission, care and growth. It offers various services. These include baptism, weddings, funerals, a soup kitchen and ESL classes.
So as you stand before St Matthew’s, remember its long history. Think of the people who built it, the clergy who served it and the community it supports. St Matthew’s Manly is more than just a building. It is a living story of faith and community.