Picture this. You are standing before the Church of St George in Melbourne a majestic red brick Gothic Revival building. Its imposing 33.5-metre octagonal bell tower pierces the sky. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to the faith and resilience of St Kilda’s Presbyterians.
The Church of St George has a rich history. It all began in 1866. One acre of land was set aside for a Presbyterian Church. A public meeting followed in 1876. People were eager to build a place of worship. Sunday services commenced in an Orderly Room. The Reverend Groundwater Fraser was the first to preach.
On April 21 1877 a momentous event occurred. Sir James McCulloch laid the foundation stone. He was a former Premier of Victoria. Albert Purchas designed the church. The building was impressive. It featured cream brickwork and freestone. A double entrance was topped by a beautiful rose window. Robert S Ekins was the contractor. The final cost was a substantial £3000. The Church of St George opened on October 1 1877.
The congregation quickly outgrew the original building. An expansion was completed on October 3 1880. This upgrade accommodated 650 people. The cost soared to £8700. Sir James McCulloch again played a key role. He laid the memorial stone. The church’s design is unique. It features an aisleless nave. It has a raked floor and broad transepts. The stained-glass windows are breathtaking. Some early non-figurative windows are particularly noteworthy. One window was a gift from Lady McCulloch. It’s a tribute to the ‘loved and dead’. Another features the Stars and Stripes. This commemorates John Kane Smyth. He was the Vice-Consul for the United States of America in Melbourne.
The Church of St George’s organ is a treasure. It’s from Lewis & Sons of London dating back to 1881. The National Trust of Victoria classified it in 1989. It’s one of only five Lewis organs exported to Australia. It’s the earliest still in existence. The church also boasts a proud musical tradition. Miss Nicholls formed the first choir. Thomas Brentnall became a professional organist and choirmaster in 1880. He was followed by Julius Herz in 1885. He attracted some of Melbourne’s most talented singers.
The Church of St George played a significant role during World War I. Many parishioners served their country. Twenty sadly died. Among them was the Reverend Andrew Gillison. He was the church’s minister at the time. A memorial tablet commemorates their sacrifices. The 14th Battalion’s colors hang in the Shrine of Remembrance. This is a powerful symbol of the bond between the church and the battalion. The annual memorial service continues. It’s a tribute to those who served.
Tragedy struck in 1973. The communion silver was stolen. This included a small communion cup. Remarkably it was recovered years later. A Vietnam veteran found it during excavations. The 2/14th Battalion Association purchased the cup. It is now held by the Ivanhoe Grammar School.
The Church of St George faced challenges in later years. Attendance dwindled. The church adapted. It partnered with St Michael’s Grammar School. The Centre for Creative Ministries was established. It focuses on the arts and community service. In 1997 it merged with other churches. It is now the East St Kilda Uniting Church parish.
The Church of St George is more than just a building. It is a living testament to faith perseverance and community spirit. It’s a place where history and hope intertwine. It continues to serve the community.