Built in 1851 Christ Church Kensington stands proudly. It’s a testament to faith and community. Its design echoes English village churches. This charming church was once surrounded by fields. Now it sits in the heart of a bustling Melbourne suburb. The congregation of Christ Church Kensington is a unique blend of traditions. It’s an Anglican and Uniting Church joint congregation. Sunday services combine Anglican and Uniting Church prayers.
Christ Church Kensington has witnessed Melbourne’s growth. From rural fields to a vibrant city. The church has remained a constant presence. A place of solace and worship for generations. The neighborhood has seen changes. Princes prime ministers artists entrepreneurs and explorers have called Kensington home. Even eccentrics. Today Christ Church continues to serve its community. It is a home for Christians from across Melbourne and international workers. Students from nearby colleges and universities find solace there too.
Locals tell a story about the church’s construction. They say it was to alleviate overcrowding at St Mary Abbots. The truth is more nuanced. Christ Church was planned as part of Kensington New Town’s development. This area was once rural. Large houses lined Kensington Road. Behind them lay fields and market gardens. Over 50 years the area transformed. Landowners joined London’s building boom. Christ Church’s land came from a bequest. The vicar of St Mary Abbots likely played a part. The architect Benjamin Ferrey designed the church. He was highly regarded for his church projects.
The first stone was laid in 1850. A year later the church was consecrated. The Illustrated London News praised its design. It noted the diaper pattern of the east window. The window copied a design from York Minster. The church’s consecration was well-attended. A sermon was preached. A collection for the building fund raised £120. The communion plate came from J J Merriman. He was a doctor and apothecary to Queen Victoria. The altar chairs were a gift from W F Wolley. He lived in one of Kensington’s grand houses.
Christ Church Kensington remained largely unchanged for 160 years. Repairs were carried out. At the centenary celebrations in 1951. Rev Robert Watson noted the high cost of repairs. More had been spent on gutter repairs than on the original construction. During WWII the spire was damaged. It was taken down in 1941. It remained in the church garden until after the war. Rev Watson recounted inspecting the damage. He saw daylight through the stones at the top. The church’s weathercock even showed apparent bullet holes. One through its neck the other through its tail. Despite such challenges the church remained open. The tireless work of its members ensured its survival. Christ Church Kensington stands as a symbol of resilience faith and the enduring spirit of its community.