Welcome
An historic, welcoming and affirming Anglican Church in inner city Melbourne.
St. John’s welcomes everyone to all services and events, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or background.
We are part of the Anglican Church of Australia and a member of the global Anglican Communion, comprised of 80 million people.
Weekly Services at St. John’s
Sunday 8am & 10am
Wednesday 7pm
Sunday services at 10am are followed by morning tea in the Buxton Hall (directly behind the church).
Wednesday evening service is followed by refreshments and fellowship in the vestry.
This week’s pewsheet
Pastoral Services
Weddings
St. John’s has developed a comprehensive wedding package that arises out of long experience of hosting many weddings, including those of celebrities and prominent Melburnians. St. John’s is privileged to be the church of choice for many.
Baptism & Confirmation
Funerals
Children & Families
Children's Ministry
Children of all ages are always welcome at St. John’s.
Normally every Sunday, there is a children’s talk early in our worship together. We hold Sunday School in a safe designated room on Sundays during the sermon time of the 10am worship (except for school holidays and long weekends). All activities are supervised by adults who hold current Working With Children Checks. Parents are welcome to attend these sessions or to enjoy the service in the Church.
St. John’s is a child-safe church. We have a zero tolerance of any behaviours that may harm children. On this website you will find policies and procedures that inform our practices in child safety. You will find these documents under ‘About Us’. If you wish to make a report, please contact the Director of Professional Standards at Kooyoora.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge that St. John’s Toorak is on the traditional land of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people and offer our respects to elders past and present. We recognise and respect the cultural heritage of this land and the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Stay Connected
Keep informed of news and events delivered to your email, including the pew sheet.
Buxton Hall
The Buxton Memorial Hall at St. John’s Toorak is available for hire as a location for drinks and canapes and finger foods etc. after a wedding and before the reception, for a wake following a funeral, or for after Baptims refreshments.
People
The Revd. Dr. Peter French
Vicar
Peter was appointed to St. John's in 2016. In addition to his role as Vicar, he is also Chair of the Toorak Ecumenical Council, a Charter member of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, a member of the Council of St. Catherine's School, Toorak, the founding Chair of the Hardship Committee of St. Catherine’s and serves as Chaplain to the Toorak sub-branch of the RSL. In the Diocese of Melbourne, Peter has served on Archbishop in Council, the Prevention of Violence Against Women Program, and as Area Dean of Stonnington.
The Venerable Ray McInnes
Associate Priest
Ray was welcomed to St. John's as an Associate Priest in November 2025. Ray has a distinguished clerical career in the Anglican Church, including serving as Dean of Wangaratta Cathedral, leading parishes including Benalla, Albert Park and Port Melbourne and as Archdeacon in various Archdeaconries of the Diocese of Melbourne.
Ray is a keen golfer, painter and picture framer, and Richmond supporter. The Archbishop commissioned Ray as Archdeacon Emeritus after retirement and he is currently Chair of the Bishopscourt Management Trust.
The Revd. Victoria Bakerov
Assistant Curate
Victoria was ordained deacon and priest in February 2025. Victoria has a heart for the church and its life, particularly pastoral care and liturgy. She holds degrees in Midwifery, Christian Education and Theology, and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Divinity at Trinity College. Victoria is also fluent in Ukrainian and Russian.
Mr Zachary Hamilton-Russell
Director of Music & Organist
Zachary is a Melbourne-based musician with a focus in piano accompaniment, choral music, and pipe organ. He studied his Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Previously, he has been Director of Music at St. Martin's, Hawksburn, and the organ scholar at St. Andrew's Church, Brighton under Dr. Calvin Bowman.
Ms Alicia Groves
Parish Administrator
Alicia manages the busy parish office and handles all enquiries of a general nature.
You may also recognise her from the St. John's Church Choir which sings at the 10am service on Sundays!
St. John’s Toorak History
The newly appointed government architect, William Wardell, was contracted to build the new church on its present site in the early English Gothic style. Wardell also designed and built St Patrick’s Roman Catholic cathedral in East Melbourne. In April 1860 the Governor of the colony of Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly, laid the foundation stone and building commenced.
Following a delay caused by some difficulty in separating the new parish of Toorak from the existing parish of South Yarra, St. John’s Toorak was opened for worship, again by Sir Henry Barkly, in July 1862. As the first vicar, the Revd Walter Fellowes, was still in transit from England, the first service was led by Dr Bromby, the first Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School.
Photo Gallery
St John's Anglican Church
Get in touch
Parish Office Hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
Email: enquiries@saintjohnstoorak.org
Phone: (03) 9826 1434
Postal Address: 86 Clendon Road Toorak, Victoria, 3142
The church is open to the public most days for prayer and quiet reflection.
