Riddells Creek residents say they are devastated by the decision to sell the town’s historic St John’s Anglican Church, arguing the 100-year-old building is an irreplaceable part of the community’s heritage.
The church, which closed last year amid declining congregation numbers, has been listed for sale by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne with a price guide of $1 million to $1.1 million.
The sale has sparked strong opposition from locals, many of whom believed the building would remain in church ownership after parish representatives indicated in 2025 there were no plans to sell the property.
The Diocese of Melbourne has confirmed the proceeds from the sale will be used to fund upgrades to St Paul’s Anglican Church in Gisborne.
Diocese chief executive officer Matthew Crichton said the future of St John’s had been under consideration since the parishes of Gisborne and Riddells Creek were merged.
“It is not a decision that has been taken lightly,” Mr Crichton said.
“Our commitment is always to the parishioners and not the buildings, and almost all of the parishioners are now worshipping at Gisborne.
“In this instance, the parish of Gisborne and Riddells Creek is looking to expand its op shop ministry and the funds will be reinvested back into the parish.”
But members of the Save St John’s Church committee say the building’s historical significance makes the sale unacceptable.
Committee member John Ball described the church (originally built by locals in 1858 before being later reconstructed) as one of the town’s most important heritage assets.
“Next to the Mechanics Hall, this is the oldest piece of history we have and it was built by the founder of Riddell,” he said.
Fellow committee member Robin Godfrey accused church leaders of abandoning the community.
“Their long-range plan to sell St John’s to provide capital to upgrade and renovate St Paul’s Gisborne was denied last year and no alternative plan to preserve the historic St John’s was ever presented to the public,” Mr Godfrey said.
“There is available church land in Gisborne that could be sold to provide the capital required to undertake the upgrade of St Paul’s.”
Parishioner Rachael Thompson and her neighbour Liz Watts have been campaigning to keep the church in Anglican hands and reopen it for worship.
“We are a fast-growing area, and this dear building would be such a wonderful addition to service the people,” Ms Watts said.
Ms Thompson said she believed there was sufficient local support to resume regular services.
“I believe we can get 20 parishioners, but I’m aiming for 40,” she said.
“Riddells Creek has lots of Anglicans. Even if we had it for once a month and allowed weddings and funerals to operate, we can do it.”
The property is being marketed by RT Edgar Macedon Ranges.