The Anglican Parish of Swan has had a most interesting history since its beginnings in 1836, probably more so than any other parish in the Diocese of Perth. Although never a very affluent Parish, its achievements over the years have been quite remarkable. It is a proud Heritage. In 1835 a Swan District resident was responsible for the formation of The WA Missionary Society in London. From 1836 missionaries were sent, first to WA, and later to other states. This Society exists today as The Intercontinental Church Society. The first Anglican Mission in Australia was established at Middle Swan WA in 1836.

 

The first recognised Anglican church building in WA was built by Swan Parish, also in 1836. This was St Matthews "Woodbridge" East Guildford which was part of Swan Parish until 1854. The first church at Middle Swan was St Mary's, an octagonal church built in 1840 and replaced by the present building in 1869. All Saint's Church, built a t Henley Brook 1841, is the oldest, still used, Anglican Church in WA. When Bishop Augustus Short visited in 1848 there were only nine Anglican churches in WA. Three of these were in Swan Parish.

 

An orphanage, Swan Boys Orphanage, was established on part of the Rector of Swan's glebe land at Middle Swan in 1875. Later, other church institutions were established on extensive church land holdings which at one time stretched from Middle Swan to Mt Helena. In addition to its historical churches and graveyards there have been twenty-three Rectors, four with 20 years or more service. Also, there have been seven rectories used in Swan Parish.

 

Initially the Parish boundaries were enormous, north to Gingin, east to Toodyay and East Hills area to Chidlow, and south to Midland and Guildford. Extensive outreach was made to these areas, when the transport of the day was by horseback, horse and buggy or bicycle. Several new churches were built by Swan Parish or with Swan Parish support. Sadly, some no longer exist or have been sold.