Smith’s Hill was the small rise of land at the junction of New Line Road and Castle Hill Road that became the site for our church buildings which was acquired in stages commencing in 1952. The first service on the newly acquired land was held in a tent on 31st May 1953. The church was growing in spite of its lack of a building – the 1954 Easter Day service was attended by 25 adults.

 In 1956 a brick hall, seating 150, was opened following its construction mainly through voluntary labour and materials. By 1962 the Sunday School had grown so much that a new Sunday School building was needed.

   By the end of 1964 when St Matthews became a provisional district, we had a name, a church hall, a Sunday School hall, a rectory and a rapidly developing congregation. However it was not until 4th July 1971 that the church building was completed, and by 1988 the new halls complex was added.

 There is perhaps not a long history of yesterdays but the story of St Matthews is the story of good roots, strong foundations built on the importance of the teaching of God’s word in the community and in the wider world. From the beginning there was an emphasis on looking outward to support missionary work throughout Australia and the world. The first missionaries were sent out in 1973 (Angurugu NT).

So the story of St Matthews is an exciting story of growth and blessing. Through all of the years there has been awareness that the work in this place is God’s work, the blessings have come from Him, and the praise and glory is due to Him.

 …extracts from “A History of St Matthews Anglican Church” Judy Taylor (1996)