Welcome to St John’s Anglican Church, Soldiers Hill
A place of prayer, welcome, and hope for more than 150 years.
St John’s is a community shaped by Scripture, Sacrament, and Service.
We gather to hear God’s Word, to be fed at Christ’s table, and to live out the Gospel in the neighbourhood we love.
Our worship draws deeply from the Anglican tradition, where Scripture is read in every service, proclaimed in preaching, sung in hymns, prayed in the liturgy, and embodied in the life we share together.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple:
to know Christ, to make Christ known,
and to serve our community in His name.
We seek to reflect the compassion of Jesus — a love that heals, restores, and brings hope — as revealed in Scripture and lived in the sacramental life of the Church.
Our Story
The story of St John’s begins on the Ballarat goldfields. As miners and families settled on Soldiers Hill, the call for a place of worship grew.
In 1861, a meeting at the Olive Branch Hotel turned that desire into action. Services were first held in a tent, then in a relocated bar room from Bath’s Hotel — humble beginnings for a parish that would endure.
A permanent brick church was completed in 1865, with the first service held on 19 February. As the congregation grew, the sanctuary and chancel were added in 1870, giving St John’s its distinctive shape. In 1891, the parish installed a Fincham & Hobday organ, whose sound still enriches our worship today.
Over the decades, more than 21 incumbents have served this parish. Generations have been baptised, married, confirmed, and farewelled within these walls. The stained-glass windows — depicting scenes from the life of Christ in biblical order — continue to proclaim the story of salvation in colour and light.
The spirit of those early years continues to shape us: faithful worship, strong community, and an open door.
Our Anglican & Scriptural Tradition
St John’s stands in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Anglican Church — a tradition grounded in beauty, reverence, and the sacramental life of God’s people.
Here, Scripture is:
- read publicly in the rhythm of the lectionary,
- proclaimed in preaching that seeks depth and honesty,
- sung through hymns and psalms,
- prayed through the liturgy,
- and lived out as we seek Christ in neighbour and stranger.
Our tradition holds together:
- worship that is prayerful and beautiful
- the Eucharist at the centre of our life
- music that lifts the heart
- visible signs of God’s grace
- a commitment to prayer, community, and service
This heritage anchors us in the richness of the Church’s tradition while opening our hearts to the Spirit’s work among us today.
A Community of Welcome
The Church is meant to be a home for all people. Whether you have worshipped for decades, are returning to faith, or are exploring for the first time, you are welcome here.
At St John’s you will find:
- friendly faces
- pastoral support
- opportunities to serve
- space to pray and reflect
- a community that walks with one another through joy and sorrow
Our parish life is sustained by ministries including Mothers’ Union, the GFS Townsend Group, prayer circles, singers and servers, readers and welcomers, and parishioners who quietly contribute to our shared life.
Our Parish Priest
The Rev’d Chris Keast serves as Rector of St John’s, guiding our parish community in worship, pastoral care, and parish life. He also participates actively in the wider ministry of the Diocese of Ballarat. Learn more about Fr Chris.
Our Church Building
Consecrated in 1874, the church building is a cherished part of Soldiers Hill’s heritage and spiritual landscape.
Historical milestones:
- Goldfields origins (1861)
- First brick church (1865)
- Sanctuary & chancel (1870)
- Organ installed (1891)
Today it remains:
- a visible sign of faith in our neighbourhood,
- a home to generations of families, and
- a sacred space shaped by stained glass, glowing lamps, timber warmth, and quiet beauty.
We hope the atmosphere of history, reverence and welcome is felt the moment you enter.
Looking Forward with Hope
As we honour our history, we look to the future with expectation and trust.
We seek to grow as a community of prayer, hospitality, and service — open to what God is calling us to be today.
Whether you live locally, are seeking a church home, or are simply curious, we invite you to join us.
You are welcome. You are valued. You belong.