Built of bluestone St Mark’s Anglican Church stands proudly. It’s a Melbourne landmark a testament to faith and community. For over 160 years Anglicans have worshipped here. They served the Fitzroy community at the corner of George and Moor Streets.
The foundation stone was laid on July 1 1853. The church opened in early 1855. It’s an early English Gothic Revival style building. It was the first bluestone church built outside the central business district. Richard Grice a generous pastoralist and philanthropist funded almost all of its construction.
Many talented architects shaped St Mark’s. James Blackburn was the original architect. Leonard Terry supervised the construction of the bluestone stairs. He also oversaw the distinctive gallery on the eastern side in 1865. Charles Webb added the tower and spire in 1874.
Inside you’ll find exquisite lancet stained glass windows. These beautiful windows showcase the work of Brooks Robinson Ltd and William Montgomery. Many were installed in the late 19th century. One in the narthex or baptistery was added later in the 20th century. The blackwood reredos from 1939 features a mosaic of the Last Supper also by Brooks Robinson.
St Mark’s underwent major renovations in the 1990s. This cost over $1 million. The renovations included installing a magnificent Harrison and Harrison organ in 1998. Daily services began in 1885 under Reverend John Francis Stretch. He later became Bishop of Newcastle.
During the 1920s and 1930s Reverend Reginald Nicholls showed moving pictures as part of the liturgy. Eucharistic vestments were introduced in the 1960s. Daily Mass started in 1973 when Fr Michael King became vicar. He embraced a modern expression of Anglo-Catholic worship. In 1975 he founded the Community of St Mark a religious order for men. The brothers lived in the vicarage helping with parish visits and counseling. They left in 1980 to become St Mark’s Priory a Benedictine monastery in Camperdown.
Today St Mark’s continues its modern Anglo-Catholic form of worship. A fine musical program is integrated with the Mass’s ritual and text. The church’s rich history is palpable a testament to enduring faith. Its community spirit thrives. St Mark’s Anglican Church continues to be a beacon of hope and community.