Beneath the serene facade of Christ Church Mortdale lies a story of mergers. It is about faith and community. This church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Anglicanism in Mortdale.
Christ Church Mortdale began with the merging of Holy Trinity, Peakhurst, and St. Peter’s, Mortdale, in 1999. Holy Trinity had been established in 1917. St. Peter’s was even older, dating back to 1897. This union created a stronger foundation for serving the local community.
Before this, in 1843, Thomas Sutcliffe Mort established Mort & Company in Sydney. He held the first wool auction there. This auction marked the start of the wool auction system in Australia. Mort was a prominent Anglican layman. He donated land for St Mark’s Church, Darling Point. Mort also contributed to building St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney. He helped build St Paul’s College, University of Sydney. Mort founded Christ Church School in Pitt Street, Sydney.
The southern Sydney suburb of Mortdale is named after Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. Morts Road, the main road here, also bears his name. Mort played a significant role in the area’s development.
In 2024, Crosslight Anglican Church formed. This happened through another merger. This time, it was between Church@thepeak and Christ Church Mortdale. The goal was to strengthen their collective mission. They wanted to spread the gospel in Peakhurst, Mortdale, and beyond. Church@thepeak had started as a church plant in 2008. It was a congregation of Beverly Hills Anglican Church at Peakhurst South Public School.
Christ Church Mortdale is located at 110 Morts Road, Mortdale. The architect is unknown. The church stands on the traditional lands of the Bidjigal people. Not much is known about its early construction. The foundation stone details are missing.
Let’s talk about some early clergy. Rev James Paul Dryland served from 1924 to 1925. He was with Penshurst and Oatley. Rev George Phillip Birk followed from 1928 to 1929. He was also with Penshurst and Oatley. Rev Kenley Frederick Saunders served from 1929 to 1931. He was also with Penshurst and Oatley. Rev William John Siddens served from 1929 to 1945. He was also with Penshurst and Oatley. Rev Gordon Harvey Smee was a curate from 1936 to 1939.
Today, Crosslight Anglican Church continues the legacy. It strives to transform Peakhurst, Mortdale, and beyond with the good news of Jesus. Their purpose is clear. They want to make and mature disciples of Jesus for God’s glory.
The church values being deep in the Word. They want to know God deeply through His Word. Community is important. They aim to experience deep belonging in God’s family. They are on a mission to see people saved. They want to see them converted into followers of Jesus. Serving others is another key value. They want to serve sacrificially and joyfully in God’s family. Loving God is central. They encourage all of life to be worship of God.
Christ Church Mortdale’s story is one of unity and purpose. It shows how different congregations can come together. They can better serve their community. The church’s journey reflects a commitment to faith. It shows their dedication to spreading the Gospel. It is a beacon of hope in Mortdale.