Paradise, SA - St Martin's Anglican

History and Architecture:

The site on which the present church was built was selected in 1856 and foundations were laid, although building work on the church was not started until 1861, due to a shortage of funds. The foundation stone was laid on 1 August 1859 and the completed church was opened on 20 January 1861. For a time the St Martin's church was associated with St George's at Magill, the latter providing rectors for St Martin's. A donation of an additional two acres of land by David Murray of 'Lochiel Park' was made in 1896 and in 1924 the church was finally completed. A hall was built on the property and was used as a schoolroom on weekdays. The chancel and sanctuary of the church were added in 1925 as a First World War Memorial. In 1970 a new church was built on the property. .

A plaque reads, " 1854 - 2004 This plaque was unveiled by Dr Robert Steele and dedicated by The Most Revd Ian George AO Archbishop of Adelaide to the Glory of God and in thanksgiving for 150 years of Anglican worship and service in the Parish of St Martin Campbelltown 16 May 2004". A further plaque reads, " Mounting Stone This stone left over when the first stage of the church was completed in 1860 was positioned at the base of a large pine tree and used by worshipper's as a step for horse mounting".