“Through sharing the love of Jesus Christ” the mission of St Matthias’ Anglican Church begins. This church in inner-city Melbourne extends a warm invitation to all. It wants you to experience the abundant life.
St Matthias’ Anglican Church serves people of all ages. Its services are available in English Cantonese and Mandarin. This reflects the diverse community it serves. You are welcome to join their Sunday service.
The church is located at 2A William St Abbotsford. It is a vibrant part of the Richmond North community. If you need to contact St Matthias’ Anglican Church you can call 03 9427 9764. The email address is info@stmatthias.org.au.
St Matthias’ Anglican Church is part of the Diocese of Melbourne. The Venerable Yvonne Poon commenced her role as clergy in 2019. St Matthias’ has a rich history within the Anglican community.
The Anglican Church in Victoria has a fascinating past. In the 19th century self-government became a key issue. Bishops sought autonomy from the Crown. They wanted to rely on their members and local laws.
This led to growth and change in both church and state. Today there are four Provinces in Australia. The government of the church rests in various synods. Diocesan Synods manage their own affairs.
The Province of Victoria and the General Synod have limited legislative powers. Their ordinances must be accepted by the Diocesan Synod. A new Constitution aims to grant the General Synod more power. This will make the Church of England in Australia self-governing.
Bishop Field Flowers Goe played a crucial role in Victoria. He completed St Paul’s Cathedral. Goe also divided the Melbourne diocese into five. This created the Bishoprics of Gippsland Wangaratta and Bendigo.
October 3 1901 was a landmark day. The Synod passed the Act creating the new dioceses. This was a unique instance of a mother diocese promoting such extensive sub-division.
Goe was known for his modesty courage and purity. He helped unify the Church in Victoria. He brought the Province and Provincial Synod into being. Goe believed the Church of England was greater than any party within it.
Despite facing financial difficulties Goe shared his income with his clergy. He helped alleviate hardship. His episcopate aimed to consolidate and unite the local church. Bishop Goe was a man of extraordinary spirit. He championed the sober elements of the Church of England.
Under Goe’s leadership the diocese grew. It gained 60 clergy and 97 new churches. There were also 100 new Sunday Schools and 34 vicarages. The number of communicants increased significantly.
In 1888 the Home Mission Fund was established. By 1897 the Church in Victoria proved disestablishment did not mean disintegration. It could put party spirit aside and serve as a church of the nation.
The work of the Church deepened and expanded across Victoria. The four Archbishops of Melbourne contributed to education mission and social work. In 1926 the diocese of Ballarat was sub-divided. St Arnaud was formed. There are now six dioceses in the Province of Victoria. Melbourne is the Metropolitan See.
In 1902 the appointment of Melbourne’s fourth Bishop was not delegated to an English committee. This reflected a growing desire for an Australian Episcopate. Dr Lowther Clarke focused on organizing Victoria as an ecclesiastical Province. He strengthened the church’s organization immensely.
Lowther Clarke also prioritized education. He helped existing grammar schools and established new ones. He founded free kindergartens in industrial areas. His episcopate saw a five-fold increase in scholars in Church of England Grammar Schools.
As you leave St Matthias’ Anglican Church remember its commitment to service and community. Its history reflects the evolving landscape of the Anglican Church in Australia. The doors of St Matthias’ are open to all.