A good example of Post-Federation, Australian Arts & Crafts architecture, it is in stylistic sympathy with the many Federation style houses in the area.

Originally, the area was called the Gardiner Road district and developed from the 1860s as a place for wealthy Melburnians to establish large houses in a semi-rural environment.

Commenting on this in 1925, the Rev Graham Balfour – who grew up in Toorak in the 1870s – described it as the "vice-regal" district, adding: "grouped around....beautiful undulating land, studded with magnificent redgum trees, were the homes, generally in wide domain, of the men who by industry, foresight and character, had attained wealth and honour in this young country.

This took place on 29 December 1873, with the aim to petition for the establishment of a nearby congregation, and comprised: "about 30 persons, Toorak and Malvern being about equally represented".

Large estates were subdivided to make way for suburban plots, and orchards and horse paddocks were developed into what was becoming a fashionable locale of spacious villas.

[6] The church's foundation stone was laid by another congregation member, elder, benefactor and Mayor of the Borough of Caulfield Charles Duplan Lloyd.

When finished, the new church seated 520 and was lavishly fitted out as a "total work of art" matching the architect's stylistic philosophy.

The generous commission included provision for a fine organ, which was completed by George Fincham & Sons, Richmond and stained glass by the celebrated Auguste Fischer.

[10]The Argus newspaper reported in 1905 that the cost was budgeted at £3000 and that Messers Angel & Bros of Malvern would be the contractor and John Sharpe would be responsible for the pews.

The church opened on Friday 27 July 1906, and was reported in The Argus in glowing terms: "The building, which cost around £5000, presents both within and without a most attractive appearance.

While restrained, Art Nouveau elements are also evident and include tracery in the windows and vine motifs in corbels and other ornaments.

[citation needed] 2nd Lt. Bruce Sloss 10th Machine Gun Company, First A.I.F, Promising VFL Footballer with Essendon and South Melbourne was a bible class teacher at Malvern.

[citation needed] In 1921, architect Robert Haddon was again asked to assist the church and designed a war memorial to members of the congregation.