Monday 20 May 2013

Digging the dirt on the church


Once again, St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, corner of Ridge and Miller Streets, North Sydney. From the rear. From the front. And the northern elevation. Yesterday's shot was the southern elevation, meaning I had to open the aperture to shoo away the shade on the south side, meaning that the brilliance of the sky was blown out. Today the sky in all its grandeur.


For a history geek such as moi, the grounds of this church are a godsend [oops], with all its signs and photographs. The grounds are in an immaculate condition, the gardens to die for. This plot of land, the signs tell me, was first granted by the powers that was in 1867, and a church established in a tent. Then a slab timber structure was erected, before a 'freestone church with gothic detailing' was commenced in 1867. This church was enlarged, with more adoration in 1896 enabling a congregation of 600 to be seated. In 1937, a total rebuild was commenced enabling the congregation to swell to 900 parked bodies. The good thing about this new building [ hah ... 'new' ... ], which I very much like the shape and feel of, is that it reused some of the stone, slate, marble, and glass from both the 1896 AND the 1868 churches. And nick-nacks ...

I will take you inside tomorrow.


6 comments:

Allan Lloyd said...

While you're churching in North Sydney, Julie, St Thomas' C of E is not far through the block near where West Street (in which I lived in the late 1960s) meets the Pacific Highway. From memory, well worth a snap or two.

Cloudia said...

Romanesque castle! so solid and nicely photographed.




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Carole M. said...

I enjoyed the round architectural features of this church and delightfully captured Julie

Joe said...

I like the round turrets on this church and the blue in that sky is direct from the heavens.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Clear autumn skies ... though they say rain is on the way this week (something the farmers will be happy about).

Jim said...

Great church shots.