The Francis Greenway designed St Matthews's is one of the finest and earliest Christian precincts in the country: comprising an 1810 burial ground, an exquisite church constructed in 1817 with a famous organ, glebe-land, 1823-1825 rectory and stables together with a later Parish Centre, all within the original setting prescribed by Governor Macquarie. This is a new study of St Matthew's first 200 years, told not just as bricks, sandstone and cedar but of its people in the river valley. It recreates the life and aspirations of the Anglican community which has created and preserved the rare, early church.