St Marys

What if these walls could talk? What stories would St Mary’s tell? Here, nestled in North Melbourne, stands St Mary’s. This church has witnessed Melbourne’s transformation from a quiet settlement to the bustling metropolis we know today. St Mary’s story begins in 1853, just 18 years after Melbourne’s founding. The gold rush of 1852 brought a wave of adventurers. The area north of Melbourne quickly became a hub for those supporting the goldfields. The first services for this community were held outdoors. Soon, a prefabricated zinc structure, affectionately nicknamed “The Dutch Oven” due to its summer heat, served as both a church and a schoolhouse. In 1856, a larger timber structure was built. At its opening, the parish was officially named St Mary’s, the first in the colony dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Construction of the current stone St Mary’s began in 1858, opening for worship in 1860. The architect, Lloyd Tayler, embraced the Gothic revival style. Its cruciform design, transepts, and clerestory windows reflected the era’s optimism. The grand vision proved challenging for the working-class population of North Melbourne. The church’s interior was described as “cavernous.” Canon Robert Potter, an intellectual and prolific writer, served as priest from 1863 to 1893. He even penned one of Australia’s first science fiction works. The early 20th century saw a shift in St Mary’s under the leadership of evangelical ministers. Open-air preaching and lantern slide lectures became common. One minister claimed to have preached on every street in the parish. By the 1920s, North Melbourne faced economic hardship. St Mary’s Parish Hall became a vital center for food relief and community events. During the Great Depression and World War II, the Reverend Eric Hankinson provided not only spiritual guidance but also social advocacy. He fought against exploitation and founded a Tenants Union. Sadly, by 1947, the parish dwindled, but St Mary’s was saved by rental income from 14 parish-owned properties. These properties were originally intended as the start of a “village” surrounding the church. In 1949, St Mary’s shifted its focus to supporting inner-city ministries. It underwent a revival under Geoffrey Sambell, but traditional organizations declined in later decades. Today, St Mary’s stands amidst a diverse community. Professionals, students, and long-term residents coexist in revitalized North Melbourne. The church welcomes all, offering a traditional yet relaxed atmosphere. St Mary’s journey reflects the resilience and ever-changing nature of this vibrant city.