OLDEST - Church Building in Sydney, Australia
S 33° 52.168 E 151° 12.690
56H E 334573 N 6250877
The St. James Church is the oldest church building in Sydney, Australia. It has been in continuous use since 1824.
Waymark Code: WM8CWD
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 03/13/2010
Views: 17
From
Wikipedia:
St James' Church is an Anglican church in King Street in Sydney, Australia, known by Sydneysiders as St James' King Street. It is the oldest church building in Sydney and has been in continuous use from its consecration on 11 February 1824. The building was originally designed to serve as a courthouse - a purpose betrayed by the unusual classical form and central positioning of the northern porch (which also serves as the main entrance) - but was modified prior to construction as a church with the addition of a steeple at the western end.
History
The church was designed by the convict and architect Francis Greenway in the Old Colonial Regency style and consecrated in 1824. Further changes were made in 1894 and from 1904 to 1907. Although not the first Anglican church in the colony, St James' is now the oldest church in the centre of Sydney and has a special role in the city's religious and social life.
From the Heritage Branch website:
St James’ Church is the oldest church building in the City of Sydney and has been in continuous use from its consecration on 11 February 1824 to the present. It is a prime example of the architectural work of the Macquarie period, designed by Francis Greenway and built by convict labour. Subsequent changes to the building and its contents exemplify the development of ecclesiastical thought and practice in the Australian context. The church has always formed a significant element within the city of Sydney, as a spiritual and intellectual stimulus and as a centre of musical excellence and community activity. While this contribution has been realised in various ways over its long history, the reality of its work and its essential characteristics have been maintained. The church has long been regarded as a prime element of Sydney’s built environment and its conservation is an example of a long history of heritage concern in the community.
The church contains a rare collection of 19th century marble memorials, its painted Children’s Chapel is unique in Australia and it includes amongst its collections and contents rare items of movable heritage.
St James’ Church is an integral part of the most extensive surviving group of Macquarie period buildings in Australia, Macquarie's construction of official Sydney in the eastern part of the city, which includes the former Hyde Park Barracks, Supreme Court, General Hospital and Government House stables. The church is the only building of this group that retains its original function.