Christ Church St Laurence

Loo Yeo a month ago

Christ Church St Laurence began in 1838 with worshippers gathering in an Albion Brewery storeroom because existing parish churches could not accommodate everyone seeking a place. Henry Robertson began the permanent answer in 1840, raising the nave walls and tower base before Sydney’s financial crisis stopped construction. Building resumed in 1844 under Edmund Blacket, who completed the unfinished church and added its stone tracery and timber ceiling before consecration the following year. The investment outlasted its difficult beginnings: the church has remained in religious use for more than 180 years, while its parish developed around worship, music, education and social ministry. What began as temporary provision in borrowed commercial space became an institution generations of Sydneysiders continued to use.

Google Review 3 months ago

Christ Church St Laurence has very Catholic traditions and is very open and inclusive and welcomes everyone. The best Catholic high mass in sydney. The music and ritual are surberb 10/10. They help the disadvantaged through the friday banquet feeding the hungry. Its a pity the Sydney Anglican diocese is so evangelical and has a fundamentalist interpretation of the bible judging and condemning minority groups like gays. Loving our neighbour is the key foundation of our faith. Jesus says judge not and be not judged. Faith without works is useless we must help the poor, marginalised and homeless through practical action. Truly the best Catholic ritual I have ever seen truly surberb 5 stars.

Mark Allerton 4 months ago

Beautiful welcoming church right next to Railway Square and Central Station. Recently repainted, with a wonderful ceiling and modern iconic style art around the sandstone walls.

Rutteren Morgan 6 months ago

I visited Christ Church St Laurence for the first time after hearing the church bells while walking past. I am Hindu and was honestly a little nervous entering alone, as I’m new to Sydney and wasn’t sure what to expect. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt peace. The architecture is beautiful, the atmosphere is reverent, and the presence of prayer filled the space. During the service, I didn’t have a prayer book, and a kind lady was asked to hand one to me so I could follow along such a small gesture, yet it deeply touched me. After the service, a female priest warmly approached me with the most compassionate smile. She introduced herself, blessed me when I asked, and made me feel completely welcomed. I truly felt grace and kindness in that moment. Though I am not Christian, I have deep respect for Jesus and Mother Mary, and this experience made me feel at home. Thank you for the warmth, compassion, and beautiful spiritual atmosphere. I will definitely return. 🤍 A special thank you to Rev Catherine for her warmth and blessing it truly touched my heart.

Sriranjan Chaudhuri 7 months ago

Beautiful church. A place for quiet contemplation and prayer.

Hugh Edgar 11 months ago

Beautiful church and parish. They have been very kind to our family and have conducted the funeral services for both my grandparents. The professionalism and compassion shown by the Rector, assistant Priest and others is greatly appreciated by my family.

Traveller 777 Edited 2 years ago

Hi, I have recently done a wedding photoshoot. Church looks gorgeous and choir team was great! Attached a few photos from the photoshoot. This is Candid chaser photography specialising in weddings, couples, portraits and fashion!

Martlet 7 years ago

A beautiful heritage listed Anglo Catholic Church. It offers Sunday and daily services. Very quiet environment in the busy central business district for a prayer or just a visit in other spiritual and cultural purposes. Staff there was very friendly and would explain briefly what's going on in the Church. To help preserve the historical buildings, they welcome any donations voluntarily.