Unsafe structure or a new life in a new location. This is the story of St James Old Cathedral. It is a tale of faith, resilience and architectural ingenuity. Today we stand before St James Old Cathedral. This Anglican church is not just any church. It is the oldest church in Melbourne.
St James Old Cathedral’s story began in 1837. Governor Richard Bourke granted five acres of land to the Anglican community. This land was located at the corner of William and Little Collins Streets. A simple wooden structure was erected. It served as a church, a school and even a place of worship for Presbyterians.
As Melbourne grew, so did the need for a larger church. In 1838, plans were made to build a bigger church. Architect Robert Russel was commissioned to design it. The foundation stone was laid in 1839 by Charles La Trobe. Though Melbourne was young, 2500 people attended the ceremony.
The initial plan was to build a brick building. This was changed in favour of stone. Stones were sourced from John Falkner’s quarry. Russel faced challenges including lack of funds. His original design was impossible to complete. He was forced to make changes. Russel was blamed for the unfinished state. Another architect was brought in to complete the work of St James Old Cathedral.
The unfinished St James Old Cathedral opened for worship in 1842. It was completed by 1847. The original estimate was 5000 pounds. The final cost was 10415 pounds.
In 1847, the Diocese of Melbourne was founded. Charles Perry became Melbourne’s first Bishop. He was installed at St James. The church became the Cathedral of the new diocese. Melbourne grew rapidly after gold was discovered. St James Cathedral became neglected. It was not sufficient for the growing population.
In the early 1900s, the building was deemed unsafe. Demolition was considered. However, the decision was overturned.
Instead, it was decided to relocate St James Old Cathedral. The building would keep its original design. It was moved to a new location in West Melbourne. The meticulous reconstruction was completed in 1914. Archbishop Lowther Clarke reopened it for worship.
The Marble Baptismal fount has an interesting past. It came from the 14th-century St Katherine’s Abbey church in London. The abbey was pulled down to make way for St Catherine’s Docks. La Trobe presented it to the church.
St James Old Cathedral stands as a testament to Melbourne’s past. It is a link to the city’s early days. The church is the only surviving work of Robert Russell. It is one of the few buildings in the CBD that predate the Gold Rush.
Today, St James Old Cathedral stands proudly. It is a reminder of Melbourne’s rich history. It is a place of worship, a historical landmark and a symbol of resilience. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Melbourne’s heritage. St James Old Cathedral continues to serve its community. Its mission is to spread love, kindness and joy. It has done so for over 170 years.