Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church

Have you ever heard of a church that started with a hotel meeting? That’s the story of Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church in Eltham. In 1860, at the Fountain Hotel, local Anglicans gathered. They were tired of traveling to St John’s Heidelberg for services. They decided Eltham needed its own Church of England. A prominent figure in this endeavor was Henry Dendy, often called the founder of Brighton. He actually spent more time in Eltham and even donated the land for Saint Margaret’s, just as he did for St Andrew’s Brighton. The parsonage, Dendy House, stands on that same land, a testament to his contribution. Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church itself was designed by Nathaniel Billing, an architect known for his use of polychrome brickwork. The church was built by George Stebbings. The foundation stone was laid in 1861, with a message tucked beneath it, naming the church Saint Margaret’s. The church building officially opened and was dedicated on December 12, 1861. Originally called Christ Church, it wasn’t consecrated as Saint Margaret’s until 1876. There’s been some debate about which Saint Margaret is the patron, but the church currently recognizes Saint Margaret of Scotland. Inside, there’s a Ferguson & Urie stained glass window behind the altar. During renovations in 2000, this window was rediscovered. Experts believe it’s one of the first windows made by the company in Australia, dating back to 1861. It originally cost just one pound! Another treasure is the crucifix above the altar, a commissioned piece by Matcham Skipper, a renowned Australian sculptor. Over the years, Saint Margaret’s has seen its parish boundaries shift and neighboring churches come and go. It has been a constant presence in Eltham, witnessing the changing times. Today, Saint Margaret’s stands as a testament to the dedication of those early Eltham residents. They built more than just a building. They established a community of faith.