The building was designed by Charles Maplestone of Heidelberg, son-in-law to Anthony Beale of St Helena. Maplestone was a prominent architect who came out to Australia with his family in 1852. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs Isabella Maplestone on 11th November 1867. The bricklayers for the church were George Stebbing, H Limmer, H Spicer and a Mr Timm while Thomas Day was the stonemason. Another three years were to pass before sufficient money could be raised for its completion. It was opened by Bishop Perry on 1st November, 1870. The church bell which hung under a tree for 50 years until it was incorporated in the parish hall was brought out from England and presented by Charles Orme. In 1916, the estate of George Martin Pizzey left sufficient money to build the red brick hall, which still stands today (2023) though in January 1969 the hall and bell tower were badly damaged by bushfire. Coincidentally the former home of benefactor, George Pizzey was destroyed in the same fire. Of particular significance are the interior and exterior of the church, the Sunday school and hall with emphasis on pre-World War I fabric (excluding the 1990s additions) and the three coloured glass windows currently suspended in the 1990s entry foyer. In 2011 further alterations were made to the front of the Church. The church is historically significant because it was the oldest public building in the former Diamond Valley Shire, is amongst the oldest buildings in the Shire of Nillumbik and is associated with the early settlement of the Diamond Creek district. The church is historically, socially and spiritually significant because it has been a place of worship for over 150 years and continues to be, an important meeting place in the Shire. The church is aesthetically significant for the three stained glass windows executed by the noted stained glass manufacturers, Ferguson & Urie, as well as the supporting coloured glass windows in the church. The Sunday school & parish hall is architecturally significant because the hall is a well executed and preserved example of the work of noted church architects, North & Williams. It is historically significant because it is connected with local parishioner and Melbourne industrialist, George Pizzey, who bequeathed funds for its construction. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Estate Ntionl Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local significance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p85 St John’s Anglican Church stands like a beacon on the hill on Main Street, Diamond Creek. Today the church has a large congregation, but its early years were marked by a small congregation struggling to find enough money to survive. It was gold in Diamond Creek that resulted in the building of this National Trust registered property.1 This church is far removed from William Wilson’s humble barn (later the Bowling Green) where the first Anglican church services were conducted – probably the first in the district.2 In the mid 19th century services were infrequent as the Rev Francis Hales, travelling on horseback, also conducted services elsewhere, including at Heidelberg, Coburg, Kinglake, Arthurs Creek, St Andrews and Kangaroo Ground. In 1860 Diamond Creek came under the jurisdiction of the Eltham Parish. Until the mid 1860s the Diamond Creek settlement included only about 20 families who were struggling farmers. But this changed when gold was found in 1862. Then the township grew to 200 families, including miners, civil administration workers and shopkeepers. The resulting growth of Church of England adherents prompted them to petition the Government in 1866 for land to build a church. The area chosen, on which the original building still stands, was at the centre of the proposed township. Today church leaders believe that this conspicuous location is one of the reasons for its exceptional growth. Prominent architect Charles Maplestone designed the building as he did the Presbyterian Church at Kangaroo Ground. St John’s, which is still intact, was built in the Gothic Revival style with the traditional rectangular plan of a central nave and sanctuary at the end. It is typical of small churches built in Victoria at that time, with polychromatic hand-made bricks, a porch, diagonal buttresses and a slate roof.3 The church was officially opened by Lord Bishop Perry on November 1, 1870. But during the next 40 years, due to the varying fortunes of gold mining, the church struggled to remain viable. In 1909 it separated from the Eltham Parish to form a parish with Greensborough. Life became more difficult with the privations of World War One. Then disaster struck in 1915 when fire destroyed the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, wiping out the major livelihood of most parishioners. However the church’s morale was lifted in 1916, when it received a bequest to build the red brick hall, from late parishioner and prominent leather manufacturer, George Pizzey. As prosperity grew, in 1924 the congregation separated from Greensborough, but they rejoined in the 1930s Depression. In the 1950s the wider population soared, impacting on St John’s, and it became a separate parish, becoming responsible for six churches at St Andrews, Hazel Glen, Hurstbridge, St Helena and Yarrambat. As parishioner numbers outgrew the building, extensions were added in 1989 and then in 1993, blending in well with the original building. Church members have made a huge contribution to the local community. John Ryan was a Heidelberg Shire Councillor for 25 years from 1931, Mayor in 1939 and headed several local sporting and other organisations. His son Jock became a clergyman and a local historian heading the Nillumbik Historical Society. Another parishioner, Dr Ted Cordner, came to Diamond Creek in 1920. One of his sons Donald, who was a local doctor, won the Brownlow Medal, was President of the Melbourne Cricket Club and President of the Melbourne Grammar School Council. Roy ‘Monty’ Vale was a state Liberal MP and was related to May Vale, a member of the Heidelberg School of Artists.4 In the early 21st century St John’s Anglican Church is one of the fastest growing congregations in Melbourne. References: St Johns Anglican Church complex, Sunday School and Parish Hall 61 Main Street DIAMOND CREEK, NILLUMBIK SHIRE. (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/64023 Diamond Creek, VIC. – St John’s Anglican (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/diamond-creek-vic-st-johns-anglican This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, st john's anglican church, diamond creek

Forgotten Histories of family and community on the central goldfields.Card cover with B/W photo of a house with wooden fence and four people, one woman and three children.Gold Tailings Forgotten Histories of Family and the Community on the Central Victorian Goldfields. Charles Fahey & Alan Maynestawell

The history of Charles Brandt in the area. Clear plastic cover over white paper with blue print, card back cover, fawn plastic comb spine Charles Brandt Pioneer Blacksmithstawell, family history

George Dickie arrived in the Bacchus Marsh area around 1857. In 1863, he married Ellen Ross Anderson, and after five years of farming in Coimadai, they moved into Bacchus Marsh and established a business. In 1866 he bought the bakery business which had been established by James Boatwood and later conducted by William Watson. This business was in Main Street and is shown in this image during the time it was owned and operated by George Dickie. Ellen and George Dickie had seven children, two sons and five daughters. In his later years he changed the business into a general store and also engaged in grain dealing. He died in 1904 but the business was carried on by his sons until sold in March 1916 to a Charles Medling from Numurkah. The building was later demolished in 1927 to make way for four new shops.Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. The picture shows the business of George Dickie which was located in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. The building is a brick or stone structure with a verandah along the entire frontage of the building. Standing in front of the building is a group of adults and children. On the far left is a man wearing a dress coat and hat. He is possibly Mr. George Dickie the owner of this business. To his left are some younger and older children, and a woman, possibly Mrs DIckie. In the background in the doorway is a young boy with woman behind him. On the right of the picture on the street is a man standing alongside a horse and cart. Some advertising signs are leaning against the shop, footpath and verandah pillar. One of them says 'Chaff, Oats, Bran'. Printed On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, bakeries, shops bacchus marsh, george dickie 1831-1904, dickie family bacchus marsh

Allwood, Hurstbridge, 1905. Hurst/Gray family in the garden in front of the Victorian style Allwood house with lace iron work on the verandah. Left to Right: Whittaker, Mrs. Catherine Hurst, Frederick George Hurst (at rear), Hurst Gray, Mrs. Frances Ellen Gray (nee Hurst), William (Bill) George Gray, Sylvia Gray (later Birch). Frederick and Catherine Hurst relocated this Victorian style weatherboard home from an inner Melbourne suburb to its present site on their Allwood property. Mr Charles Verso, builder and farmer, reassembled and refurbished the home for the Hurst’s. In 1897 Frederick and Catherine’s daughter, Frances Ellen, married William (Bill) George Gray of Cottlesbridge and the newlyweds moved into the new house. Frederick and Catherine Hurst moved into a little cottage, ‘Mia Mia’, on the other side of the Diamond Creek. William and Frances Gray established Allwood Nursery and by 1900 most of the Allwood property was under orchard, largely apples, pears, cherry plums and peaches. They also developed an extensive nursery, growing seedling stock for supply to other local orchardists and the overseas market. Cross Ref: Sepp_1018 Source: Mrs. Ferguson, Hurstbridge This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Print 20 x 25 cm (x2)shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, hurst family, sylvia gray, hurst gray, whittaker, allwood house, allwood, frederick george hurst, gray family, mrs. catherine hurst, mrs. frances ellen gray (nee hurst), william (bill) george gray

Elenor Hinde (1842-1902) was born in Lancashire England. In 1858, Eleanor married Richard Reynold in the Forest St Wesleyn Methodist Church in Sandhurst. They both gave their address as Sailors gully Goldfields. They had seven children together. Richard was a skilled tradesman and after he died in 1872 from lung disease, Eleanor married Arculus Opie. Eleanor owned a property on the corner of gladstone and Stanley Streets which later became an electrical substation. She sold poultry and eggs and preserves. One of Eleanor's sons, William John, married Anna (Annie) Jorgesnsen, and one of her daughters. Amelia, married Anna's brother Thomas Joynes Jorgensen. The Jorgensens founded and managed Jorgensens and Sons foundry and engineering works. Peter Jorgensen (1849-1914), was a mining contractor, he lived at, "Bro," Russell street, Quarry Hill. His firm was Jorgensen and Sons, mining contractors. He was a native of the Island of Alsen, Denmark. He left Denmark in the year1861, embarking at Hamburg in a small saiThe four folders contain family history documents and photos of the descendants of Eleanor Hinde. Amelia Honorah Reynolds (1890-1985) married Charles F Greenaway. Amelia is the granddaughter of Richard Reynolds and Eleanour Hinde. 10891.4b Family history sheet of Charles Albion Reynolds and amelia Ellen Kemp 10891.4c 4d, Amelia H Greenaway (Reynolds) at Templestowe 93 years 10891.4e History Notes on Amelia updated in 2008 10891.4f Wedding photo of Fank and amelia Greenaway Reynolds. 24/11/1917. Father of the bride Chas. Reynolds, Groomsman Hector Reynolds, Bridesmaids Louisa Reynolds and Ivy Greenaway, flower-girl Ivy (Cochrane?) 10891.4g Amelia 10891.4h Amelia Greenaway attending a wedding at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne in 1959 69 years old 10891.4j, 4k, 4l, m Greeting cards 10891.4n Article on Mrs Amelia Greenaway 90 years old 10891.4o Victorian State Government Certificate 1985 10891.4p Wedding Amelia - Mrs Frank Greenaway nee Reynolds 24/11/1917 10891.4q Letter attached to Mandurang State School Prize presented to amelia Reynolds 19 Dec 1898 10891.4r Photo of three young women 10891.4s, 4t Post Card "A refreshing dip" to Amelia from a friend 10891.4u, 4v Post Card Letter to Ameliabendigo, sandhurst, peter jorgensen, eleanor hinde, eleanor reynolds, eleanor opie, reynolds collection, amelia honorah reynolds, charles frank greenaway, charles albion reynolds, amelia greenaway

Elenor Hinde (1842-1902) was born in Lancashire England. In 1858, Eleanor married Richard Reynold in the Forest St Wesleyn Methodist Church in Sandhurst. They both gave their address as Sailors gully Goldfields. They had seven children together. Richard was a skilled tradesman and after he died in 1872 from lung disease, Eleanor married Arculus Opie. Eleanor owned a property on the corner of gladstone and Stanley Streets which later became an electrical substation. She sold poultry and eggs and preserves. One of Eleanor's sons, William John, married Anna (Annie) Jorgesnsen, and one of her daughters. Amelia, married Anna's brother Thomas Joynes Jorgensen. The Jorgensens founded and managed Jorgensens and Sons foundry and engineering works. Peter Jorgensen (1849-1914), was a mining contractor, he lived at, "Bro," Russell street, Quarry Hill. His firm was Jorgensen and Sons, mining contractors. He was a native of the Island of Alsen, Denmark. He left Denmark in the year1861, embarking at Hamburg in a small saiThe four folders contain family history documents and photos of the descendants of Eleanor Hinde. Iris Ellen Greenaway (1922-2009) is the Great Granddaughter of Richard Reynolds and Eleanor Hinde. Iris married William Male 10891.5a Family history sheet of William Donald Male and Iris Ellen Greenaway 10891.5b, 5c Front and Rear of Marriage Photo of Iris Greenaway and William (Don) Male 10891.5d, 5e On rear of photo, Ron Charles Reynold, Iris Ellen Greenaway, Ruth Honorah Greenaway, taken at Auburn c.1943 10891.5f Iris (nee Greenaway) and Thomas Neal Male 10891.5g Iris Greenaway age about 2 years 10891.5h to 5v Photos and information on Iris's childrenbendigo, sandhurst, peter jorgensen, eleanor hinde, eleanor reynolds, eleanor opie, reynolds collection, amelia honorah reynolds, charles frank greenaway, charles albion reynolds, iris ellen greenaway, william donald male

Elenor Hinde (1842-1902) was born in Lancashire England. In 1858, Eleanor married Richard Reynold in the Forest St Wesleyn Methodist Church in Sandhurst. They both gave their address as Sailors gully Goldfields. They had seven children together. Richard was a skilled tradesman and after he died in 1872 from lung disease, Eleanor married Arculus Opie. Eleanor owned a property on the corner of gladstone and Stanley Streets which later became an electrical substation. She sold poultry and eggs and preserves. One of Eleanor's sons, William John, married Anna (Annie) Jorgesnsen, and one of her daughters. Amelia, married Anna's brother Thomas Joynes Jorgensen. The Jorgensens founded and managed Jorgensens and Sons foundry and engineering works. Peter Jorgensen (1849-1914), was a mining contractor, he lived at, "Bro," Russell street, Quarry Hill. His firm was Jorgensen and Sons, mining contractors. He was a native of the Island of Alsen, Denmark. He left Denmark in the year1861, embarking at Hamburg in a small saiThe four folders contain family history documents and photos of the descendants of Eleanor Hinde. Ruth Honora Greenaway (1930-1985) is the Great Granddaughter of Richard Reynolds and Eleanor Hinde. Ruth married Dirk Pendavingh. 10891.6a Family history sheet of Dirk Joannes Pendavingh and Ruth Honora Greenaway 10891.6b Ruth Greenaway 10891.6c Dirk Pendavingh Graduation 6th Aug 1970 10891.6d Wedding Cake 3/10/1953 Made at Emily McPherson College 10891.6e Dirk and Ruth Pendavingh (nee Greenaway) 3rd Oct 1953, Rathmines Road Methodist Auburn Vic. Flower girl Pamela Haldane, in the background Iris Greenaway. bendigo, sandhurst, peter jorgensen, eleanor hinde, eleanor reynolds, eleanor opie, reynolds collection, amelia honorah reynolds, charles frank greenaway, charles albion reynolds, iris ellen greenaway, william donald male, ruth honora greenaway, dirk pendavingh

John Owens (1831-1892) was a Welshman who spent 1853-1863 in Australia, predominantly on the Bendigo goldfields.He was a miner who also initially set up a horse drawn puddling machine, although he sold this in 1857. He gave first hand insight into life on the goldfields through letters he wrote home to his parents. He returned to Wales in 1863 and in 1864 he married his uncles widow, Jane Davis. Jane died in 1872 and John then married Mary Ellen Jackson.Letters from the Bendigo diggings comprising copies of letters written by John Owens to his family in Wales during the years 1854 - 1863 & Letters from Bendigo written by John Owens, Great Grandfather of Charles Paterson. John Owens was in the goldfields of Victoria during the years 1853 - 1863. . One of two books donated by Charles Paterson. Both books spiral bound and contain coloured prints & maps. Books enclosed in plastic sleeve.John Owensperson, family, john owens, history-bendigo-goldfields-family-owens

Back Row (L-R): Mr Thomas, Mr Trethewy, Mr Edwards, Mrs Hermans, Mr Sinclair, Mr Rintoul, Mr Smythe Middle Row (L-R):, Mr Philips, Mr Johnson, Mr Tong, Miss Charles, Miss Hiatt, Mrs Berriman, Mrs Cox, Mr Collinson, Mr Robertson, Mr Eddy Front Row (L-R): Mrs Menkins, Mr Ronan, Miss Williams, Mr Shine, Mr Myer (Headmaster), Miss Service, Mr O’Connor, Mrs Burt, Mr Berge, Miss Maxwell Local Eltham resident Joan Castledine attended Macleod High School in 1957. Miss Maxwell (end of front row) lived at 82 Bible Street, Eltham at the top of the hill in 1980. This was the former Taylor family residence , Sunnybrook, built c.1895."Macleod High School Staff 1957" in ink at top edge of photo. Names of staff written in ink on reverse of photo1957, groups, joan castledine collection, macleod high school, miss charles, miss hiatt, miss maxwell, miss service, miss williams, mr berge, mr collinson, mr eddy, mr edwards, mr johnson, mr myer, mr o’connor, mr philips, mr rintoul, mr robertson, mr ronan, mr shine, mr sinclair, mr smythe, mr thomas, mr tong, mr trethewy, mrs berriman, mrs burt, mrs cox, mrs hermans, mrs menkins, staff

Charles Symons Wingrove, J.P. (1829-1905) arrived in Victorian in 1851. He had trained as an engineer, but tried his luck on the goldfields. In 1857 he was appointed as Secretary to the Eltham District Roads Board only one year after its foundation. He was to hold the position with the Board and later the Eltham Shire Council for total of 47 years. He also held the position of engineer for a large part of this period. During part of this time he was also secretary to the Heidelberg Shire Council. Over this period he was responsibly for an area stretching from Clifton Hill to Healesville, along the northern bank of the Yarra River. Other positions included Secretary to the Victorian Agricultural Society over along period.Wingrove was a main figure in the Municipal Association of Victoria. By the time he retired he was recognized as the “Grand Old Man” of Victorian local government. In 1858 Wingrove had a brick cottage built in Main Road near the State School and he lived here until his death. One room was uded as the Board and Council office. His descendants owned the house until 1974. It was later used as a psychiatric clinic. The park opposite the cottage has been named Wingrove Park in his honour. He is buried at St Helena with other members of his family. Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Tuesday 18 July 1905, page 5 ABOUT PEOPLE. A conspicuous figure in northern municpal history, Mr. Charles Symons Wingrove, has passed away. He was for many years secretary and engineer for the shire of Eltham, and prior to the formation of the shire held the position under the old road board, his official connection with the district dating from beyond 1857. For about twelve years he also filled the position of shire engineer for Heidelberg council while retaining his other post, and the immense territory under his professional control, reaching from the boundary of Collingwood up to Healesville, was a matter of fatherly pride and interest to him. He arrived in Victoria in 1851, and was 76 years of age at his death. Mr. Wingrove retired from the position in the Eltham council only about a year ago. The interment will take place in St. Helena Cemetery, near Eltham township, today. Secretary, Eltham District Road Board 1858-1871 Secretary for the Shire of Eltham 1871-1904. Nearly 50 years service to the local community. For about twelve years he also filled the position of shire engineer for Heidelberg council. Reproduced Page 137 "Pioneers & Painters" This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image Print 25 x 20 cmc.s.wingrove, charles symons wingrove, eltham district road board, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire secretary, wingrove cottage, pioneers and painters, shire of eltham, councilor, municipal officer

Elizabeth Bennett (b. 1858), married William Todd (b. 1855) in 1882 and they had nine children. They were actively involved in the Linton community, particularly with the Church of England, where Mrs. Todd was organist for many years. They celebrated their Golden Wedding at Linton in 1932, by which time they were living in Ballarat.Scanned/modified copy of a photograph of the Todd family, believed to have been taken in Ballarat around 1905/1906. Members of the family are identified by names and dates, which have been printed across the photo.todd family, elizabeth todd, elizabeth bennett, william todd snr., arthur (paddy) todd, john (jack) todd, william j. (billy) todd, milton todd, susie (lucy agnes) todd, charles (charlie) todd, violet todd, millicent todd, stella todd