Who we are
A Short History of St Stephen's Anglican Church Belmont
St Stephen's began in 1906 when Belmont was a scattered village, straggling up from the Barwon River and over the crest of the Belmont hill. The first Church was a simple, small weatherboard building, located about halfway up the High Street hill, near where McDonald's now stands. It was built for about one hundred pounds.
After the First World War, Belmont began to grow, and with considerable foresight, some land, including that on which the current Church stands, was purchased in 1923, and the little weatherboard Church was moved from the High Street site to it's Regent Street location by traction engine. (photographs of the removal by traction engine can be seen in the Photo Gallery). In 1924 a Vicarage and then a tennis court were added.
In 1906, the Belmont priest also had the care of the 'faithful' of Marshall and Mount Duneed. Later, Highton and Freshwater Creek were added. Soon after, Highton was attached to Barrabool and Modewarre, but, as a consolation prize, the Vicar of Belmont won the Hospital and Gaol Chaplaincies until 1931.
In 1945, following the Second World War, Belmont started to grow at a rapid pace and the resulting congregation became too large for the old Church.
Some land in Settlement Road was purchased in the early 50's. Enlargement of the old Church was considered, but in 1956 it was decided that a new Church would be built, so, once again the old Church was moved, this time to the Settlement Road land. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) it was badly damaged by a storm before being re-blocked, consequently a new building was erected. This building is now the Grace McKellar Day Care Centre.
The foundation stone for the current Church building was laid by Archbishop Frank Woods in 1958, and the Church was dedicated in 1959 by Bishop Baker and in November 1968 it was consecrated by Archbishop Woods.
In 1971 the Church Hall was added and in 1983 the current Church House was built, replacing an old rambling weatherboard home which was removed to a new site in the Brisbane Ranges.
In 2006 St Stephen's celebrated its Centenary and in addition to the usual type of celebrations, Reverend Smith invited many of the past Clergy to return to preach at various times throughout the year.
In May 2008, the Church undertook a survey of parishioners, canvassing thoughts as to how the Church buildings and land can be best be used to take St Stephen's forward and meet the challenges of today and the future years. In 2012, we completed an internal wheelchair accessible toilet facility within the hall building. The kitchen was then upgraded in 2022. This facility has also been of great benefit for child safety for our hall hirers.
St Stephen's is an accessible church with wheelchair friendly facilities.
In 2021, during Covid the parish established a labyrinth in the lawn at the entrance to the church and invited the community to utilize the church grounds as a space for prayer or refection.
The Reverend Shirley Littras who was appointed as Priest in Charge of the Parish in May 2021 as well as The Reverend Liz Bufton who is the assistant Minister in the Parish.
It was with much sadness as a parish that we acknowledge the passing of Reverend Liz on 19-06-2024. As a Parish we wish to acknowledge her ministry in the Parish, as a Locum especially during the difficulties of the Covid pandemic, her role as Assistant Minister within the parish, her pastoral care and the developing the healing ministry.