Where are we?
Located in South Gippsland, Yarram has a strong historical heritage. The oldest church in Gippsland is Christ Church, Tarraville. Port Albert was originally planned to be the port for Victoria before Melbourne was chosen. Yarram was the rail head for the train to Melbourne.
Although the newest, Holy Trinity is the main church of the parish. Fund raising began during the first world war. The Foundation stone was laid in February 1918. The church was opened in July that year.
Port Albert was established in 1841 and served as the major port for Gippsland. By 1851 nearly ¾ of the population of eastern Victoria lived within four miles of the port.
The first Anglican service in Port Albert was held in June 1856 in the Customs House. The church was opened with a service on 8th March 1863.
On 14th January 1884 a bushfire impacted the town destroying the church. Fortunately, the furnishings were saved by the efforts of residents. (I think I heard it was the women because the men were fighting the fire).
Fund raising for the new church began immediately. The new church was completed, and a special service held on Sunday 26th July 1885.
A handsome memorial window was presented by Mr G Griffith of Foster in memory of his son Foster Griffith. The communion rail is part of the Clonmel that sank off the Port Albert coast in …..
In recent years, due to the efforts of The Friends of St. John’s and local residents, the church has been restored and repainted.
Christ Church, Tarraville is the oldest wooden church in Victoria. It was opened on Sunday June 8th 1856 with a service at 11.30am. The church was designed to seat 180 people. For some years it was the only church in Gippsland!
The church is built of sawn timber 5cm x 23cm. The upright beams were slotted so the cross beams could be dropped into place and therefore no nails were used. There was a shingle roof, which was then replaced with galvanised iron in the 1900s. Christ church has been completely renovated on at least two occasions and now stands as a living testament to the early settlement of this area.
Services are now held on the 5thSundays of the month at 10:30am. An ecumenical Good Friday is held at the church every year.