St James' Church, Sydney

Loo Yeo a month ago

St James’ Church stands beside Sydney’s courts with a legal story older than its consecration. Macquarie laid the foundation stone in 1819 for a courthouse project, then Commissioner John Thomas Bigge redirected the plan. Francis Greenway’s design was adapted for worship, and in February 1824 the building was consecrated as St James. Law returned through a dispute over church seating. Rented pews marked status and revenue, and Edward Smith Hall’s exclusion from his pew led to Supreme Court litigation that ended with Hall winning £25 damages from Archdeacon Scott. Today it remains an active Anglican parish, daily place of prayer, cultural venue and church for the surrounding courts, offices and civic institutions.

Sheena Macourt 2 months ago

Breathtaking articture, and led light glass. The open and immense space inside the catheroal is overwhelming surprising. Ive always walked past, but never entered, but its definitely something not tp be missed, weather or not you are religious or follow a different faith. Attending a mass/service would also be a wonderful experience.

Mark Allerton 2 months ago

Brilliant historic Australian church. Beautiful open design, stained glass and organ. Good for concerts and quiet reflection, as well as standard Anglican services.

Peter Luke 5 months ago

A lovely old Anglican church on King Street designed by British architect and convict Francis Greenway and consecrated in 1824. The orchestral masses are fantastic and secular performances at the church are always of a high quality. Especially loved the Gondwana Choirs performance this year!

Town Traveller 5 months ago

Church dating back from colonial times. It is well preserved and I got to see a free performance from the organist.

John karmas 2 years ago

St. James' Anglican Church; St James' Church ( they were toning the organs for some upcoming event) The church remains historically, socially and architecturally significant. The building is the oldest one extant in Sydney's inner city region. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 3 September 2004 and was listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate. The church has maintained its special role in the city's religious, civic and musical life as well as its close associations with the city's legal and medical professions through its proximity to the law courts and Sydney Hospital. Its original ministry was to the convict population of Sydney and it has continued to serve the city's poor and needy in succeeding centuries. Worship at St James' is in a style commonly found in the High Church and moderate Anglo-Catholic traditions of Anglicanism.

Georges Younes 2 years ago

St James Anglican Church is the oldest surviving church in Sydney. Dating back to 1824, the church has been extensively restored and is kept impeccably. It's definitely one of the best churches to visit in the center of Sydney. From some angles, it might get dwarfed by the skyscrapers of the business district, but there's enough sky clearance around it to keep it distinctly visible.

Sororitas 4 years ago

This is the oldest church in Sydney and has a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The staff and clergy here are kind and inclusive, welcoming people into the space. The church has several historical points of interest located throughout including the crypt below which features a stunning children's chapel. The chapel of the Holy Spirit features spectacular stained glass. Well worth visiting, whether you are religious or not.