How about we delve into the story of Christ Church Anglican Church. Established in 1856 Christ Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It is located on Punt Road in South Yarra. Christ Church is a significant part of Melbourne’s Anglican Diocese.
Major General Edward Macarthur laid its foundation stone in April 1856. By April 1857 the church was ready to hold its first service. The church expanded in 1860. Dr Samuel Thornton Bishop of Ballarat consecrated it in 1875.
The tower and spire came later. Sir Henry Brougham Loch laid the foundation stone for them in 1881. The spire’s design drew inspiration from Salisbury Cathedral. By 1886 the spire and south aisle were complete followed by the north aisle in 1887.
Christ Church holds a special place in Australian religious history. In 1884 Bishop Moorhouse ordained Marion Macfarlane here. She became the first woman deaconess in Australia. Moorhouse used the term ordination explicitly.
The vicarage was built in 1859. It was during Rev William Guinness’s time. This building is also notable as the birthplace of Fr Gerard Tucker. He founded the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Since 2012 the Brotherhood has held an annual Gerard Tucker Oration at Christ Church.
Christ Church Grammar School has a long history linked to the parish. It began as a parish primary school in 1898. The school maintains close ties with the church.
The bluestone structure is a local landmark. Its tall spire marks its presence. Early plans involved architect Charles Vickers. His design featured a central tower and freestone. Lack of funds led to the plan being dropped. A tin tabernacle was suggested but not well-received. Charles Webb and James Taylor’s design was chosen in late 1855. Later Reed Henderson and Smart designed the tower spire and aisles. They used Oamaru stone.
Inside the north transept serves as the Lady Chapel since 1940. The south transept once served Christ Church Grammar School as a chapel. A kauri pine rood screen and pulpit are notable features. G. A. Badger designed them in 1890. In 1937 the high altar was replaced. Hadwen and Houghton designed the new altar. The old one went to St John’s Bungaree in 1939.
An alabaster bust by William Wetmore Story commemorates Lt Alexander Gordon Anderson. General Sir Harry Chauvel’s sword is another significant item.
The Victorian Heritage Register protects Christ Church.
Stained glass windows add to the church’s beauty. Clayton and Bell created three windows in the north transept. They depict the Life of Joseph. These were installed in 1868. They honor William Haines the first Premier of Victoria. The south transept windows are also likely by Clayton and Bell.
Ferguson and Urie created the sanctuary windows above the high altar. These were installed in 1881. The west window shows the Resurrection. John Brown of Brooks Robinson & Co installed it in 1892.
Mathieson Stained Glass created a window of the Blessed Virgin. John Hughes of Hughes and Rogers made the Sacrifice of Isaac window. Both date from 1892. Charles Rogers & Co created a rose window in 1889. It depicts the Agnus Dei. William Montgomery created the Horace Tucker memorial window. He also made windows depicting St Michael St Paul the Ascension and the Baptism of Jesus. A window portrays the first Vicar William Guinness. Napier Waller created it in 1961.
The church has a rich musical history. An 1857 harmonium was replaced by a William Hill & Sons pipe organ in 1871. George Fincham & Sons rebuilt and enlarged it in 1916. Hill Norman & Beard made further additions. In 1998 Kenneth Jones and Associates built a new three-manual instrument.
Charles Edward Horsley a pupil of Mendelssohn was an early organist. He resigned due to disagreements over music. Leonard Fullard served as organist from 1949 to 1987.
Christ Church has hosted many premiere performances. These include John Carmichael’s Piano Concerto No 2 and Daniel Riley’s Bethlehem without a sound.
Christ Church aims to share God’s love. It strives to be a community of hospitality education and outreach. The church invites everyone to experience God’s generosity.
Many notable individuals have served as Vicar. Six went on to become bishops. William Guinness was the first Vicar. Richard Treloar served as the Bishop of Gippsland.
Christ Church Anglican Church continues its mission. It serves its community through faith music and outreach. Its history is etched in its stones and stained glass. It is a landmark of faith in South Yarra.