St John's Soldiers Hill

St. John’s Anglican Church Ballarat has a proud history of serving the Soldiers Hill community. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, our leaders, pastors, and dedicated volunteers are committed to spreading His message of love, hope, and compassion. We strive to be a welcoming faith community, embracing people of all ages and backgrounds. Together, through Word, Sacrament, and Service, we seek to journey with all who join us, nurturing a deeper love of God and a life grounded in faith.
Holy Eucharist

The History and Spirit of St. John’s Anglican Church, Ballarat

In the beginning, there was a goldfield. As miners flocked to the area, prosperity followed, businesses flourished, and families began to settle, transforming Ballarat North and giving rise to residential areas. By 1861, as the population on Soldiers Hill grew, so too did the call for a place of worship. A meeting was held at the Olive Branch Hotel, where talk turned to action, and soon the first church services were held—initially in a tent, and later in an old bar room moved from Bath’s Hotel.

Three years later, in 1865, a permanent brick building was completed, and the first service in the new structure was held on February 19. By 1870, as the congregation grew, the sanctuary and chancel were added to accommodate more worshippers, and in 1891, a Fincham and Hobday organ was installed. This organ, along with our dedicated choir, continues to enrich our worship with beautiful music.

Since these humble beginnings, St. John’s has been led by 21 incumbents, and today we remain a vibrant worshipping community. Our prayer life is deepened by two active prayer groups—one of which combines singing and prayer—and a dedicated 19-member prayer circle. We are supported by four Eucharistic Assistants, a Sacristan, and a dedicated roster of Servers, Lay Readers, and Welcomers.

Our active parish organizations include:

  • Mothers’ Union

  • Girls Friendly Society Townsend Group

  • Anglican Men’s Society

Our church grounds and properties are lovingly maintained by a team of dedicated parishioners. Inside, St. John’s has evolved over the years, with new furnishings, expanded spaces, and beautiful stained-glass windows that illustrate the life of Christ in striking detail and biblical order. Together, they create an atmosphere of warmth and reverence that is unmistakable to all who enter.

So we welcome you: “Come on in, the air is beautiful.”

In all matters, Unity; in non-essential matters, Liberty; in all things, Charity.
Fr Chris Keast

Fr Chris Keast
Rector

Originally from Queensland, Fr. Chris Keast’s journey to ministry has been one of faith, dedication, and a deep readiness to serve. Raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, Fr. Chris discerned an early call to the priesthood, spending several formative years in seminary to explore this vocation. Although his path eventually led him away from studying for the Catholic priesthood, it instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and a strong, enduring faith. Over time, Fr. Chris’ spiritual journey led him to embrace the Anglican Church, where he found a renewed calling.

Fr. Chris’ ministry path also includes a 13-year career in the Royal Australian Navy. Starting his service on the HMAS Ballarat in 2004, he held various operational and leadership roles on several ships and establishments. This experience honed his skills in service, commitment, and teamwork, which he later carried into his ministry.

After leaving the Navy, Fr. Chris, having grown within the Anglican faith, moved with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children to Ballarat to answer the call to Anglican ministry. He began full-time service as a Deacon at the Cathedral and the Parish of Holy Trinity in Sebastopol in 2017 and was ordained as a priest on July 1, 2017.

Fr. Chris has served in several parishes across Ballarat and beyond, including:

  • Assistant Curate – The Cathedral Church of Christ the King (2017–2019)

  • Assistant Curate – Holy Trinity Sebastopol (2017–2019)

  • Priest in Charge – Holy Trinity Sebastopol (2019–2020)

  • Priest in Charge – St John the Baptist, Beaufort, and Christ Church, Skipton (2019–2020)

  • Priest in Charge – St John’s Soldiers Hill (2020–2022)

  • Priest in Charge – Parish of Springmount (2019–2020)

  • Rector – St John’s Soldiers Hill (since 2022)

Beyond his ministry, Fr. Chris is an avid movie enthusiast, with a particular fondness for Star Wars. He enjoys caring for his family’s pets and, above all, treasures spending quality time with his children.
Fr Chris Keast

Thora
Fr Chris' Assistance Dog

Thora is a Labrador Retriever trained as an Assistance Dog.
Like other working animals, such as guide dogs, Thora has been specially trained to assist Fr Chris.
She’s not only a wonderful helper but also a friendly and calming companion to everyone she meets through his work.

When she’s off duty, Thora enjoys her favorite hobbies:
running, sleeping, and, of course, eating!

Parish Groups

Mothers Union

The Mothers’ Union is a worldwide organisation within the Anglican Church which has a special concern for marriage and family life and the vision of “winning the homes of the nations for Christ.” Since 20

th July 1899, members of St Johns’ Soldiers’ Hill Mothers Union Branch have made strong commitments to the life of the parish by strengthening and supporting marriage and family life.

One hundred and eight years later twenty six members regularly attend monthly meetings held on the first Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm. The meetings commence with a service in the Lady Chapel or Parish Centre. Speakers and activities inspire and encourage us to uphold the ideas of Mary Sumner our Founder.

Members participate in weekly Masses as Altar Servers, readers, Welcomers, Choir members and for the Offertory and Offering. Our banner is paraded at our monthly corporate communion and we serve morning tea/coffee after the service. We arrange altar flowers and clean brass and woodwork in the church and assist at the monthly Tea and Transport service. On Mothering Sunday members make floral posies and provide simnel cake for the congregation.

A member sends cards to recently baptised children. Floral Guild members decorate the church for weddings. Each December we invite the ladies of the parish to Mass and a meal and deliver home made biscuits to “shut in” parishioners. Our members conduct cake stalls and lunch stalls at Parish Fairs, cater for Parish dinners and provide refreshments after funerals. Some members visit Hospitals and Geriatric Centres. Anglicare is supported by monthly individual, voluntary donations and with groceries for Christmas Hampers. Some members are trained Anglicare workers.

We maintain links with Mothers’ Union Branches in St Michael and All Angels, Trinidad, West Indies and St Mary at Stoke, England.

Members attend diocesan events and functions at other branches.

New members are always welcome to attend our meetings.

Girls Friendly Society

GFS celebrated its 140 years in the Ballarat Diocese in May 2023. Although we have no branches operating in the Ballarat Diocese mainly due to the fact that young people do not seem to attend church any more, we operate with an Executive Council and a Townsend Group..

 The Executive Council deals with the business of the organization and arranges the four Townsend meetings held each year.  These groups are mainly made up by ladies with a GFS or Anglican background. 

St John’s is well represented in the Townsend Group and also in the Executive Council. The business meetings and some Townsend meetings are held in St. John's Parish Centre

Members provide assistance both practically and financially to many individuals and organizations and are well known for their continual collection of handmade rugs and other items.

New members are always welcome.