The journey so far

St Matthew’s Windsor was established on the frontier with a dual purpose: to bring the civilizing order of the Church of England to a struggling colony, and, in the hearts of its early ministers, to bring the light of the gospel to a challenging environment. Since its foundations, reaching the people of the Hawkesbury with the good news of Jesus has demanded creativity, sacrifice, and passion.

Tenure Rector Notable Contributions
1794–1810 Rev. Samuel Marsden 1st Chaplain of the Hawkesbury
1810–1819 Rev. Robert Cartwright Served the Windsor district prior to and during the church's initial construction.
1819–1828 Rev. John Cross The first to live in the rectory built by William Cox; oversaw the church's consecration.
1828–1829 Rev. Elijah Smith  
1829–1833 Rev. Joseph Docker  
1833 Rev. M. D. Meares Officiated pro tem (temporarily).
1833–1867 Rev. Henry Tarlton Stiles The longest-serving 19th-century rector.
1867–1877 Rev. Charles F. Garnsey  
1877–1878 Rev. Henry A. Langley  
1878–1885 Rev. F. W. Stretton Established the Vineyard Mission School Church during his tenure.
1885–1890 Rev. A. R. Blacket  
1890–1893 Rev. G. D'Arcy Irvine  
1893–1904 Rev. S. G. Fielding  
1904–1906 Rev. P. W. Dowe  
1906–1936 Rev. Norman L. J. Jenkyn Also served as Mayor of Windsor (1931–1932).
1936–1940 Rev. G.P Birk  
1940–1947 Rev. C.L Williams  
1947–1951 Rev. R.T Hallahan  
1951–1954 Rev. D.G McGraw  
1954–1960 Rev. W.F Carter  
1961–1980 Rev. Canon H Rawson  
1980–1988 Rev. Canon L.M Abbott  
1988–1999 Rev. Canon John Butler  
1999–2007 Rev. Canon Chris Burgess  
2008–2015 Rev. Aleks Pinter  
2015–2025 Rev. Chris Jones Officiated during the Bicentenary of the Church and Rectory
2026– Rev. Shane Dirks