Building on …. From a strong past

RAFT is an Anglican Church and not-for-profit community of the evangelical tradition situated in Rowville. We are one church made up of several congregations who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. As a church our mission is to be building passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

Historically we come from two different parishes. Now we meet as one in Rowville. Please read on to find out a little bit more about where RAFT has come from and then have a look at our vision to see where we believe God is leading us.

St Bartholomew’s Parish History

The Parish of St. Bartholomew’s was established in 1885 in the then rural town of Ferntree Gully. It has had three locations since that time. It was located on the corner of Burke Rd and Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully from 1972-2009. During the last thirty years Ferntree Gully has changed from an area of predominantly fruit orchards to a fully developed suburban sprawl. The socio-economics of Ferntree Gully range from working class people to middle management professionals with blue collar workers being the predominant groupage.

St Bart’s has had a vibrant ministry over the past decade, and the challenge has been how to creatively engage the Knox community with the good news of Jesus. 

St Andrew’s Rowville Parish History. 

Rowville's first Anglican church service was held on 20 th April 1986 at the pre-school on Eildon Parade. This ceased in 1987 and did not resume until Palm Sunday 1992, when a classroom at the Rowville Secondary College was used and later the gymnasium at Park Ridge Primary School.

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne purchased the present site, at the corner of Kellett’s Road and Taylor’s Lane in 1994 and Rowville came under the oversight of St Paul's, Glen Waverley. In February 1998 Rowville became a parish in its own right and was given the official name of Rowville Anglican Church of St Andrew. Building work commenced on the worship centre which was consecrated on 5 September 1997 by Archbishop Rayner.

Amalgamation

In 2003 dialogue between the parishes of Rowville and Ferntree Gully commenced, looking at ways to work together. These preliminary discussions led to a decision to amalgamate both parishes in September 2004. On Advent Sunday ( 28 November 2004 ) the first combined service of the two parishes was held.

The parish has been renamed the Anglican Parish of Rowville and Ferntree Gully and has become affectionately known as RAFT (Rowville And FernTree.

The first year of amalgamation meant that the congregations worshiped in separate centres and this, at times, created confusion for some people who didn't know where church was held.

Many hopes and prayers have been answered and we began worshipping together as a parish under one roof in May 2009. The church complex is now a purposeful centre where gospel ministry can take place and RAFT members can proactively be involved in the mission of the parish to be ‘building passionate followers of Jesus Christ.’ It is a great place to worship, a well equipped facility and a amazing community to be part of. Since the amalgamation it has been fantastic to see how God has grown us as a community.

We extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to be part of what God is doing at RAFT.