Our History
Canterbury Gardens Community Church began as the result of the amalgamation of two churches - Heathmont Gospel Chapel and Sherbrooke Gospel Chapel.
The story of Heathmont Gospel Chapel began in 1962 when a small group of young Christians started a new church above a shop in the Heathmont Shopping Centre. The little church grew in number and strength until it became necessary to purchase their own land and build "Heathmont Gospel Chapel" in Armstrong Road. The church continued to grow, especially with the extensive work among teenagers. The church recognised that the small size of the building was hindering further growth, and in January 1988 agreed to buy a 6.5 acre property in Colchester Rd, Kilsyth South.
The story of Sherbrooke Gospel Chapel, which commenced in Upper Ferntree Gully on Burwood Highway in the mid 1950's, is similar to that of Heathmont. With a growing congregation, an addition on the western side of the Chapel was added in the late 1970s. Then the house adjacent to the Chapel was also purchased. This gave added off street parking and extra rooms. Other challenges were being faced by Sherbrooke about the same time as Heathmont was considering the move to Kilsyth.
The elderships of both churches met in 1987 and 1988 to discuss a possible merger of both churches. It was agreed to unite, to sell both properties and form a new church to be known as Canterbury Gardens Community Church.
For a year, the newly formed group met for worship and outreach at Bayswater High School. During 1989-1990, a new facility was being built mainly by volunteer labour on the property in Kilsyth. Then, in April 1991, the congregation moved to our present site on Colchester Road.
Plans are now being raised for a "Stage 2" building project to expand the building to meet the demands of a growing church family.