History

Rev W L Fenton was the first Minister in charge of the Presbyterian church in Myrtleford coming from Bright. Prior to the erection of the church his fortnightly services were conducted in the Church of England premises.

The Myrtleford congregation were the Trustees for land purchased in 1886 for a church and manse. Thomas Robertson, who built and owned the Myrtleford Hotel, donated the site in a desirable part of the town as the original land they secured was thought to be required for the extension of the Railway to Bright.He also supplied bricks for the church building at cost price and donated an organ.

It was not until 1916 that Myrtleford became a full charge including Buffalo River, Eurobin, Mudgegong and Gapsted with the consent of the Beechworh Presbytery. Rev S D Hood from Warragul was the first Minister.

The parish of Myrtleford/Bright began around 1951 after early beginnings as a Home Mission with preaching places Myrtleford, Bright and Porepunkah. Also included were Buffalo River, Whorouly South, Gapstead, Eurobin and Happy Valley.

In 1963, records show Myrtleford/Bright were in the Presbytery of North East after earlier being part of the Presbytery of Beechworth. Rev John Hill was inducted in the Myrtleford Church on 14 March 1969.

There is a gap in the records and it is unclear when the congregation of Myrtleford ceased but services were recommenced in 1986 at various locations before permission was granted by the Uniting Church to use the old St Andrews Church in Smith Street. This continued until the sale of the church and the final Presbyterian service was held at Smith Street conducted by Dr Graeme Miller on 4 August 1991. The congregation commenced worshipping at the Senior Citizens' Centre, Smith Street from 8 August 1991 until 29 December 1996. They moved to the new St Andrews after having purchased the Salvation Army Hall from the Salvation Army for $65,000.

The first service held at the new St Andrews was on 5 January 1997.

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