St Martin’s Anglican Church

Standing proudly on Cromwell Road in the heart of Hawksburn, St Martin’s Anglican Church is a beautiful testament to Victorian architecture. The church was designed by Edmund George Ovey and built between 1883 and 1887. It has a distinctive barnlike structure with lovely decorative details – the walls are a mix of polychrome brick and a unique diaper pattern. The large eastern opening of the church features a magnificent stained-glass window. Unveiled at Easter in 1884, it is one of the largest stained-glass windows in Melbourne. Crafted by the famed William Edward Burton of Brooks, Robinson & Co., this window is a truly artistic masterpiece. It showcases the different periods of the Christian Church, a concept devised by the first vicar, the Reverend William Kennedy Brodribb. The window was a gift from Mrs Brodribb, a testament to her devotion and support for this beautiful church. The centerpiece of the window, featuring figures of our Lord on the Cross, the Virgin Mary, and St John, is surrounded by scenes depicting saints like St Martin, St Eanswith, and St Augustine. The design is both intricate and symbolic, a testament to the craftsmanship and religious fervor of the time. St Martin’s Anglican Church is a treasure trove of history and artistry. It provides a serene space for reflection and worship, a tangible link to the city’s past and a reminder of the enduring spirit of faith.