Welcome to St Stephen's

St Stephen's Church celebrated its centenary on September 1988

A brief history

On 19th October 1886 the inaugural meeting concerning the erection of a brick Church was held at Mr Fox's vineyard. The foundation stone was laid Thursday September 15th 1888 by the Ven. Archdeacon MacCullagh from St Paul's Bendigo. (Read more below the photos)

Revd Keith Cole and congregation at the Centenary Service 1988

Canon John Geldart and congregation

Read some history from the Centenary 1888- 1988 booklet complied by Frank Miles

Names of People at St Stephen's 1888- 1988 (from Centenary Booklet)

Some surnames you might recognize as ancestors still living in Strathfieldsaye, Emu Creek and surrounding areas today. Some roads and locations bear these names today.

Fredrick John Schultz parishoner

Fredrick John Schultz was a German immagrant who settled in the Emu Creek Area. Even though he was Lutheran it was easier to attend St Stephen's Church of England just up the road from his vineyard. His son William was a Sunday School Superintendent and his wife Marie (Collins) was the organist. They later moved to Lockwood South on the south western  side of Bendigo. Great grandfather of Phillip Ellis

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