St. Peter

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, St. Peter’s Church stands as a testament to time and faith. It’s the oldest Anglican church on its original site in the city. Right here, where we stand, history unfolded. In 1848, Melbourne’s first bishop, Charles Perry, was received at St. Peter’s. He carried letters patent from Queen Victoria, proclaiming Melbourne a city. This declaration was a direct result of Melbourne being the center of Perry’s newly created diocese. St. Peter’s wasn’t just a church. It was the symbolic heart of a burgeoning metropolis. The church building itself is a blend of architectural styles. The original structure, designed by Charles Laing, was built between 1846 and 1848. Later, extensions were added by Charles Vickers in 1854 and Terry & Oakden in 1876. In 1912, a beautiful arts-and-crafts Gothic brick hall and school, designed by Alexander North, were added to the complex. St. Peter’s has a rich Anglo-Catholic tradition, particularly prominent during the tenure of Ernest Selwyn Hughes from 1900 to 1926. This tradition combined strong liturgical and musical practices with a deep concern for social justice. This social activism continued under Hughes’ successor, Canon Farnham Edward Maynard. Maynard’s invitation to the Brotherhood of St Laurence to work at St Mary’s Mission in Fitzroy had a lasting impact on social welfare in Victoria. St. Peter’s has always been a place of inclusivity, welcoming diverse communities. From the Chinese community in the early 20th century to the celebration of Greek, Russian, and Syrian Orthodox liturgies, St. Peter’s embraced a wide range of cultures and faiths. Inside, the church is adorned with beautiful artwork. Bronzes by Andor Meszaros, carvings by Robert Prenzell and Ola Cohn, and stained glass by Napier Waller embellish the interior. The parish hall even served as the home of Gertrude Johnson’s National Theatre from 1938 to 1961. It also provided a rehearsal space for the Elizabethan Trust Orchestra and its successors. St. Peter’s Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living story of faith, community, and social change in the heart of Melbourne.