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swanparish@swan.perth.anglican.org

Phone 9274 2661

Fax     9250 6744

St Mary's Church.

St. Mary's Church is nestled between the Swan River and Jane Brook in Middle Swan, alongside Swanleigh Hostel, on land originally granted in 1836 for a mission. It was built in 1869 to replace the original rammed earth octagonal church, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1839.

Much of the history of St. Mary's is reflected in its unique stained glass windows. Its links to the times of the orphanage are depicted in the tripartite window "Suffer the Little Children"; the faith of its worshipping community in the images of the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Resurrection, Pentecost, St. Francis and the Good Shepherd; and its place in the Swan Valley by the use grape and grain sheaf motifs. These links are further reflected in the furnishings still in use inside the Church: the numbered pews, the three cartwheel caronas, the many plaques and font which was installed in 1882.

St. Mary's graveyard was first used in 1828. About 400 names have been recorded from existing headstones and include many of the pioneers of the Swan Valley and outlying districts. With the closure of the graveyard in 1963, a Memorial Rose Garden has been established for the interment of ashes and a Memorial Wall built.