Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind the serene facade of All Saints Parish in Hunters Hill? All Saints Parish isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a time capsule, holding over a century of stories within its sandstone walls. All Saints Parish opened its doors in 1888, a testament to the vision of architect John Horbury Hunt. Its construction wasn’t without drama. Hunt’s insistence on tile ridge-capping instead of lead led to his dismissal, leaving the church with a temporary wooden west end and a budget overrun. The church we see today wasn’t completed until 1938 when the narthex and tower were finally added.
All Saints Parish houses a remarkable collection of stained glass, considered among the finest in Sydney’s Anglican Diocese. The Manning and Simpson memorials, crafted by William Morris & Co. and designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, are unique treasures. These are the only stained glass windows in Sydney from this prestigious source. The east window, depicting the Te Deum, has its own intriguing tale. During World War II, it was removed and hidden in the cellars of a house in St Ives, ensuring its survival. The narthex windows, commemorating the Rev. Rolfe and his son, were created by Norman Carter, adding to the church’s artistic richness.
But the true jewel of All Saints Parish lies within its walls: the magnificent Bevington & Sons organ. Installed shortly after the church’s opening in 1888, this three-manual instrument is a marvel of craftsmanship. Its Opus 1394 remains virtually unchanged, a rare example of a Bevington organ in such pristine condition. The installation itself was a feat, completed in just twelve days by Charles Jackson. The organ’s rich history includes a colorful array of power sources, from hand-pumping to a water engine, a gas engine, and finally, an electric blower in 1927. It even survived modernization attempts in the 1930s due to a lack of funds.
This organ, tested by Dr. Edward Hopkins, organist of the Temple Church in London, was praised for its “extremely good” tone and “excellent” workmanship. Its unique features include full-length metal 16′ Double Open Diapasons on both the Great and Swell manuals, a hallmark of Bevington organs. The lowest notes of the Great Open Diapason were cut to precise length, with no provision for tuning, showcasing the confidence of its creators. The case, displaying stenciled pipes from the Great Salicional and Open Diapasons, is a sight to behold. All Saints Parish is one of the few parish churches in New South Wales with a 16-foot case.
All Saints Parish in Hunters Hill stands as a testament to perseverance and artistry. Its story, woven with threads of architectural ambition, artistic brilliance, and musical heritage, continues to inspire and resonate within the community.