Our History
Nestled in amongst the Oak Trees of old Berwick, the history of Berwick Anglican Church is a rich one of proclaiming Christ in the midst of a changing and developing area over more than 150 years.
The Church’s Beginnings
The Berwick Township was formally established in 1861 and there has been an Anglican (or Church of England) presence here almost since then. Initially they met in one another’s homes, in the Mechanics Hall and the Presbyterian Church building. It wasn’t until 1877 that they had a building of their own. Formally known as Christ Church Berwick, it was officially opened by Bp. James Moorhouse and enabled Anglicans a place to permanently meet and to proclaim Christ to the surrounding residents.
The Village Church
For over 100 years the parish of Berwick served the surrounding regions in declaring the good news of Jesus. The rural areas of Pakenham, Upper Beaconsfield, Harkaway and Narre Warren North all came under the pastoral oversight of Berwick. The region was dominated by farming, serviced by the Gippsland Railway was a popular holiday destination easily accessible via rail.
The church throughout this time served this community faithfully and there were many ministries that thrived and developed to meet the needs and engage with this community.
From Village to Suburb
From the 1970s Berwick and the surrounding suburbs began to expand in population. The church at the time was considering a building expansion to meet the needs, however the regional Bishop of the time Bp. John Wilson challenged the Parish to consider a bolder project that would provide for the needs of future generations. The Parish responded in agreement, and so it was that by 1995 a new building was constructed that has been a gift for many generations as the area has continued to expand.
The church continued to grow, and by the mid 2010s was considering the need for a new church in the rapidly developing areas south of the Monash Freeway.
Planting a New Church
Throughout the 2010s it was clear that a new Anglican presence was needed to reach the rapid growth in Berwick and beyond. South of the Freeway was developing quickly, the current congregations were bursting at the seams and increasingly new residents were traveling larger distances to get to Berwick Anglican. It was decided that a new Church was needed, and in 2023 Berwick Anglican Church sent out 50 individuals under the leadership of Rev. Reece Kelly to start a new church in Clyde North and southern Berwick called Proclaim Anglican Church.
A Bright Future
Berwick Anglican Church continues to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our surrounding region. We’re passionate to see the surrounding regions won for Christ and look forward to what the Lord will do here in the next chapter of Berwick Anglican’s life.
Historical Documents
Over the years there have been a number of historical documents written about the life of Berwick Anglican Church and the surrounding region. Below are some links to various resources:
150 Years of Worship written by Neil Lucas (2017) – As part of our 150 years celebrations a history book was published. Copies can be purchased from the office at Berwick Anglican Church
One Hundred Years of Christ Church, Berwick written by Fred McCubbin (1977) – As part of our centenary a booklet was produced documenting our history to that point. You can download a digital copy here
History of Windows and Memorials (2012) – you can download a digital copy here
History of Christ Church Berwick Flower Show by Brenda Miller (2005) – you can download a digital copy here
The Great War (WW1) Roll of Honour by the old Boys of Berwick Grammar School, previously located in Christ Church Berwick now located in the Berwick RSL.
On the 30th October 2016 we celebrated 150 years of Anglican Worship in Berwick. You can listen to three testimonies that were shared on the day.
The Parish maintains records of baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals. These documents were in former times the official records for births deaths and marriages and have not yet been digitalised. These can be made available by appointment but please be patient as we try to assist amidst our regular work of the mission of the church here in Berwick.