By 1882 there were moves to erect a permanent church in Yarrawonga. Land at the corner of Lynch and Piper Streets was purchased by Bishop James Moorhouse from Mr. J. Reilly. The land cost 8 pounds, and the tender price for the church was 100 pounds. Contractor Mr. J. K. Fahey used local bricks made by a Mr. Grenell.

The enthusiastic planning committee for the first St. Cuthbert’s met fortnightly in Hunt’s Hotel.

The memorial stone was laid by the Venerable Archdeacon Tucker on 26th May 1884; the church was constructed and dedicated in that year. By 1897, the church was paid for and consecrated by the Bishop of Melbourne.

In 1902, the Diocese of Wangaratta, together with those of Bendigo and Gippsland, were formed out of the Diocese of Melbourne and at this time some re-formation took place of the parishes that formed part of the new Diocese.

The first Rectory was built in Ely Street on land given by Mr. J. Reilly.

Originally part of the Parish of Benalla, Yarrawonga, became an autonomous parish in the early 1900’s and included St. Alban’s at Tungamah and St. Oswald’s at Boomahnoomoonah.

In 1930, the present rectory was built by Mr. A.M. Chappell adjacent to the church. The keys were handed over on 16th November to the Venerable Archdeacon Potter, who was Administrator of the Diocese in the absence of Bishop Hart. The building was said to “present an air of solidarity and dignity and is a notable addition to the better class residences of the town”.

By the late 1950’s the Vestry, the Rector and parishioners were concerned about safety aspects of the church, and the need for a larger building.

A number of parishioners provided interest free loans, which made a replacement building possible. The Rector, the Reverend Stanley Goldsworthy “wrote an inspired brief for architect John Rosenthal”; the tender of 60,000 pounds by builders L.W. Brown Constructions Ltd. of Wangaratta was accepted; and the foundation stone was laid on 15th May 1966 by the Bishop of Wangaratta, the Right Reverend T. McCall. The Churchwardens at the time were Dr. N J McCarthy and Messrs. H J Judd and R J Wright.

The new church was, for that time, a quite contemporary design and certainly different in style to any other church of the diocese. It remains so today. It portrays an air of the Colonial style of building using simple lines and basic materials. It was an attempt to meet the demands of modern liturgical practice of the time while using architectural planning familiar at the time. Even today, one would have to say that it has met these criteria well.

The interior provides unrestricted view from any point in the church to the Sanctuary area. Its openness of space allows liturgical freedom with the spacious sanctuary providing a wonderful place for music, drama as well as the essential use of worship There is an atmosphere of peace, beauty and holiness as one sits in reflection and prayer. It is certainly a place best not judged from external appearance which, though having beautiful sweeping lines, can present a bland brick appearance. True expression of its beauty is within.

The church, a modern structure with a massive granite altar symbolizing the heart of parish life, was completed and dedicated in November, 1966. A crowd of 600 people, representing all denominations attended the dedication service.

The cross which greets those entering the new St Cuthbert’s was mounted at the highest point of the old church. The prominent cross was a feature of the original church, thus providing continuity.

In 1969, St. Thomas’s at St. James was transferred to Yarrawonga Parish from Wangaratta.

In 1975 the original church building was demolished, having stood for 90 years, however part of the foundation is still visible near the Centenary Rock.

A fire on 30th June 1978, extensively damaged the east end of the new church and valuable vestments, artifacts and records were destroyed.

In the aftermath of the fire the parish realized the truth in St. Paul’s words; ” in all things God works for good with those who love him ” . The insurance company moved quickly; the builder of the church started work within four days; and the parishioners who had provided loan money for the building donated the outstanding balances to clear the debt!

By 17th September, 1978, the building was complete and debt free, and most of the missing articles replaced. The Right Reverend Maxwell Thomas, Bishop of Wangaratta, when performing the consecration, wore a cape made by Miss Lorna Lean, who had made the original vestments destroyed in the fire.

The overflowing congregation shared an uplifting experience when the former Primate, Archbishop Sir Phillip Strong; Bishop Stanley Goldsworthy, who was Rector of St. Cuthbert’s 1959-72; and Bishop Thomas joined to give the blessing.

In 1981 the Church of England in Australia became the Anglican Church of Australia. The abbreviation C of E became redundant, parishioners henceforth known as Anglicans.