Historical information

The Anglican Cheltenham parish was created in 1865 by excising a portion of the parish of St Andrews Brighton. A small brick church was completed in 1867 to serve a rural community stretching from Brighton South (Moorabbin) to Mordialloc.
1867 St Matthew's Church of England was erected in Cheltenham beside the Nepean Highway near Charman Road. The early settlers established a tennis club, cricket team and social groups. A typical social event was the annual Sunday School Picnic held in 1907 at Dandenong Creek.Young members are mentioned Curly Owen,C,Burnett,A Manett

Significance

St Matthew's Church of England Cheltenham was erected in 1867 and was integral to the spiritual well being and social life of the early settlers.

Physical description

Black & White photograph of the St Matthew's Church of England Sunday School Picnic 1907

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten Curly Owen, C, Burnett, A Manett