Who We Are

West Footscray Presbyterian Church has a rich history and a contemporary message. The original church was built in 1927 and then the current building was constructed in 1957 to increase the seating capacity. It was built to proclaim the timeless message of Jesus Christ and today that same great message is still being made known. The construction style and some of the furnishings clearly reflect the history of the church and is in keeping with the history of Melbourne's western suburbs. Yet, as a church, we seek to engage with each other and the local community in ways that are present day and relevant, ensuring there is no compromise to the Good News we seek to make known.

Located on Essex Street, the building itself is clearly ageing, but as you enter, there will be a warm welcome and a worship service that will honour Jesus Christ in all we do.

The service itself has no frills. Yes, we sing, pray together, read the Bible and enjoy each other’s company, but our emphasis is clearly on listening to the Bible being taught and preached. We understand that the Bible is important as it tells us what we must believe about God and what He requires of us.

When meeting with us, please plan to stay afterwards for morning tea. We would love to catch up with you and encourage you in your Christian life. Our desire is to help you live for God’s glory, develop in your understanding of the Christian faith and use your gifts and abilities for His kingdom. Putting this in a few words, our desire is to help you worship, grow and serve.

Eldership

Like all Presbyterian churches, we are under the oversight of Elders. The Elders teach both publicly and privately, rule over the business of the church, care for the needs of individual members, guard against false doctrine and participate in the wider leadership of the denomination. In 2019 the denomination made an intentional decision to revitalise the work and witness of the West Footscray congregation. Pastor Martin de Pyle commenced in 2020 as the teaching elder, and works with the three local ruling elders of the congregation.

Pastor/Teacher: Martin de Pyle

Martin is a graduate of the Presbyterian Theological College in Victoria but also has a degree in Applied Science (ACN) from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences as well as a Master in Ministry from Charles Sturt University, Canberra. Ordained in 1993, he has pastored several congregations as well as serving for 16 years as a full time Chaplain in the Australian Regular Army. During this time, he deployed multiple times on operational service and has spoken internationally on military ethics. Martin also held a number of senior and strategic positions in the Royal Australian Army Chaplains’ Department. Upon discharge, he was selected to represent the Presbyterian Church of Australia on the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services, a position that he currently holds. He has a long-standing interest in Christian ministry to inland Australia having served as a committee member of the Presbyterian Inland Mission between 1993 – 2024, and presently serves in a voluntary capacity.

Martin is married to Sabine. He is also a father and grandfather.

Director – Women’s Discipleship: Sarah Chen

Sarah, an Irish woman who now calls Melbourne home. She is married to Harry, and they have been blessed with a son, Malachi. 

As the Director – Women’s Discipleship, Sarah’s role is to support the elders in the training, discipling, and mentoring of women in the West Footscray Presbyterian Church community. She has a deep passion for studying the word of God and believes that all that is needed to help another person love God and their neighbour as they should, is found in the Bible.

 Sarah has finished her Social Science degree, majoring in Behaviour Studies, and is now completing a Postgraduate Diploma of Divinity at the Presbyterian Theological College.