History of Riddells Uniting Church.

After beginning public worship in 1865 as a Presbyterian church, first in the local primary school, then in Mr. Amess' barn, the present brick church was built with public subscription and State grant money, after land was donated by Mr. John Carre-Riddell. It was opened for worship on Sunday 21st June 1867. In a wild wind storm, the south wall was damaged, so buttresses were added for support. In 1903 the walls were replastered and the stain glass windows added.

In the early days the congregation came under the 'charge' of Gisborne, until a separate roll was begun in August 1868. The centenary was celebrated on Sunday June 18th 1967 with the Rev. J.G. Bucknall as preacher.

In 1977 Gisborne Parish (Including Riddells Creek) voted to become part of the Uniting Church of Australia, with one minister for the three congregations. In 1978 Sunday School lessons begun on a Wednesday afternoon. Evening services were begun in March 1980.

In March 1981 the church was reblocked, carpeted and repainted. (A time capsule was put under the floor) Some of the money raised came from volunteers in the Riddells Creek op shop at the old telephone exchange and through a synod interest free loan.

Sunday school was restarted on a Sunday in 1983, using furniture and play equipment donated by our neighbour Don Bailey. Later this was held in a shed donated by the CFA and placed at the rear of the church building. By 1988 there were nearly thirty children on the roll. Play group began in 1985. Baby sitting club commenced in 1986 and by 1995 there were fifty five children involved.

In the 1980's there was a series of church camps held each February over a weekend at Rowallan Scout camp with a church service held in the open air chapel. The Parish paid for the repainting of the church exterior in 1990. In 1995 a bungalow was bought to add to the size of the back meeting room. A covered way linked it to the church. In 1996 the church was made more comfortable with bigger heaters and ceiling fans. By 2000 a craft group had begun at the church, with banners being made for the church.

In 1999 there was initial discussion of Linking with other churches. This was followed by Gisborne congregation deciding to no longer be directly involved with Riddell and Mt. Macedon.

In November 2006, Kidz Unplugged, a program of musical therapy for children under five, was begun with the support of Orana. As well as meeting weekly, there were family fun days. The church became part of the Shire's disaster relief organization.

In 2006 we also formed formal links with Lancefield, Romsey and Mount Macedon as one group with a full time minister looking after all churches. In 2007 the church celebrated its 140th anniversary with the moderator Jason Kioa.