St Martin’s Chapel

Hidden amongst the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges is St Martin’s Chapel. It whispers a story of community spirit and resilience. This charming 1920s Australian country church may seem unassuming now. But its journey here is nothing short of remarkable. St Martin’s Chapel wasn’t always nestled in this peaceful location. It began its life in 1929 on Hallam Road in Belgrave South. The local community, led by the pioneering Giles family, came together to build this place of worship. Services had previously been held in the Giles family’s Warrawing Hall. But the community yearned for a dedicated space, and St Martin’s Chapel was their answer. The heart of the community beat within St Martin’s Chapel’s walls for decades. However, by the early 1980s, the church was no longer in use. The land and building were sold to the Education Department. The chapel found a new purpose in the hands of Belgrave South Primary School. But its story didn’t end there. In 1994, faced with the prospect of demolition during a school expansion, St Martin’s Chapel was offered a lifeline. The Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society, with the Shire of Sherbrooke, stepped in to save it. Imagine the incredible feat of physically relocating the entire structure. On July 2nd, 1995, St Martin’s Chapel embarked on a journey to its new home in Colby Drive, Belgrave Heights. Today, lovingly restored by the Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society, St Martin’s Chapel stands as a testament to community dedication and the enduring power of history. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of change, the spirit of community can prevail.