Come with me on a leisurely meander up from Sergeant Major’s Row, where the sandstone rocks morph into ridges covered with Forest Red Gums, up the rise where stands the church of St Phillip. Turn and look back from whence we came, and to our left we see the ragged rows of tents, the already crumbling wattle’n’daub huts of the convicts, the soldiers and the few free settlers. Ahead lies the beauty of the cove where ships of many nations already ride at anchor. Survey with me a township barely 22 years in the making.
Now leap 200 years into the future with me, where the second church to bear the name St Phillip stands just across York Street from its namesake burnt to the ground in 1856. We stand on the green of Church Hill, surrounded by the houses of many Christian faiths. The foundation stone of that original St Phillip – ‘the ugliest church in all Christendom’ – rests on the southern wall proudly proclaiming its consecration in 1810.
Church Hill remains as a small handkerchief of park bounded by Grosvenor, York and Lang Streets, now renamed Lang Park to honour the memory of the fiery Presbyterian pastor, John Dunmore Lang. Many churches still grace its perimeter, but in this more godless age, not all performing their original purpose.
Church Hill is a forgotten nook within the city, mown down by the juggernaut of urban renewal.
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38 comments:
What a magnificent sanctuary!
I agree with Lois - it's magnificent.
What a gorgeous cathedral!
Thanks so much for checking about the photo size. I have no idea - I just take the photos and load them! lol
I sure do enjoy these memes tho - you meet such intersting people and see so much of the world.
Take care.
Hi Julie, Thanks for taking us along as you explored this forgotten nook. The photo of the sanctuary is awe-inspiring (or reverence-inspiring...) I see you're a retired teacher, too. Enjoy!
Wow! Absolutely lovely captures. It feels like I am there. Thanks for sharing!
Magnificent captures, Julie! Thanks so much for the tour! The sanctuary is awe-inspiring indeed! Have a great week!
Sylvia
Oh dear, that poor 'ugliest church'!
It is often hard to imagine life 200 years previous as modernity closes in around the old buildings.
The church is gorgeous and the grounds look like a wonderful place to roam around. Thanks for sharing the history - it has a very interesting past!
Great shots Julie. Never been inside though I have passed this place many times by bus.
This is quite a lovely building, and your pictures emphasize its beauty.
The church is beautifully built. Looked so amazing. Thanks for sharing.
What beauty and serenity :)
Wow! Grand interiors!
Wonderful shots of the church. The interiors are awesome.
What an incredible location and history. Your photos are just stunning!
It’s hard to believe that such beauty can be forgotten were it not for folk like you who makes history come alive with a camera. :)
fascinating history! the church is gorgeous and impressive. wonderful post.
great shots here. Love the first three...so warm and earthy in the orange tone.
Beautiful heritage buildings and interiors, shown off to advantage, and as always a thoroughly researched story. Thanks.
I'm not familiar with this church or the story. Terrific interior shots.
The things you learn every day! I always thought Church Hill was a British Prime Minister with a penchant for cigars.
Absolutely fantastic shots. Compliments!
Oh you gave me a chuckle, BB.
Beautiful photoe from this church
well done!
Enjoy your week,
Bram
Seen on My World Tuesday
I have seldom seen such a beautiful church because of its simplicity.
Is it in Australia ? I always get confused because you have often the same names as in the UK only with a "New" in front and sometimes even not and as it is 200 years old I really don't know. To us Europeans in Australia everything looks new, lol !
Beaut interior, I probably pass this every day, thankyou for opening my eyes.
Gattina, yes it is in Australia and yes the area of Church Hill is 200 years old although the church dates from 1856. I agree that in comparison with Europe, everything in Australia appears quite new.
Makes me wonder what the first St. Phillip looks like to be labeled "the ugliest church in Christendom," especially since this second one is magnificent in its (relative) simplicity. I especially like the ceiling and the stained glass window behind the altar.
Thank you for this wonderful tour, Julie. I have a fascination for church architecture.
I think it is totally amazing what "donations" can do if they are used properly. A beautiful church.
I used to walk past that church when I lived down that way and like the look of the front doors ... lovely to see the interior ... so beautifully photographed.
How beautiful the structure of the church, it's well maintained and looks very shiny. How many couples walk in that aisle?it's countless I think. Great photos.
That sanctuary is simply breathtaking. Beautiful shots, thanks for the tour! Kat
This is just a beautiful post -- I love how you integrated the history with your stunning photos. Hope the pocket of history manages to elude the ongoinng urban renewal.
I love finding "secret" places like this.
Thank you for your comment on my blog.
Incredible photography on your blog. I love how you captured the warm colors of the stonework, wood and arches inside the church.
It's a beautiful, beautiful church. So peaceful.
Quite possibly some of the best photos I have ever seen. Looks stunning. Breathtaking even.
Hello Julie. It is great to have discovered your blog. While browsing through all those fantastic picture i got to find out these from one of my favorite phot subjects,,,churchs!! I love them all, romanic, gothic, etc,etc,, i found it always interesting. Of course, it is even better when you can see such wonderful pics like these here, you know, it is always difficult to make good shots from indoors and you have achieved it. Thanks for joining my blog, it is a pleasure and hope you to enjoy my images. Best regards and keep well
=)
Alberto
Thank you, Alberto. YOur kind words are much appreciated. I too like churches even though I am not in the least a religious person. I am working on posts for other churches in my city.
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