“The Moorhouse Spire pierces the Melbourne sky a testament to faith and ambition.” St Paul’s Cathedral stands before you a majestic presence on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets. This isn’t just any church. It’s the cathedral church of the Diocese of Melbourne. It’s also the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne the metropolitan archbishop of the Province of Victoria.
Designed by the English architect William Butterfield St Paul’s is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Construction began in 1880. It wasn’t completed until 1891. The spires however a different story. They weren’t added until much later between 1926 and 1932. They followed a design by John Barr a Sydney architect. Butterfield’s original plans were deemed too ambitious. The central spire the Moorhouse Spire is remarkably tall. It reached a height of 312 feet making it the tallest structure in central Melbourne for a time.
This hallowed ground has a rich history. The very spot where St Paul’s now stands hosted Melbourne’s first public Christian service back in 1835. Imagine that a simple corn market giving way to such grandeur. Before the current cathedral a bluestone St Paul’s Parish Church stood here. It served the community until 1885. Then it was demolished.
The construction of St Paul’s wasn’t without its challenges. Disputes arose between Butterfield and church authorities. Butterfield eventually resigned in 1884. Local architect Joseph Reed stepped in completing the building largely faithful to Butterfield’s vision. He also designed the adjacent chapter house.
St Paul’s boasts impressive features. The stonework a blend of Barrabool Hills sandstone and Waurn Ponds limestone creates a warm inviting hue unlike the lighter sandstone of other 19th-century buildings. The interior explodes with color. Butterfield’s signature polychromy is evident in the stunning high altar reredos and floor tiles. These exquisite encaustic tiles were imported from Maw & Co. in England.
The cathedral’s organ a magnificent instrument built by T C Lewis & Co deserves special mention. It underwent a major restoration in 1990. Today it features four manuals and pedals and 53 stops. The organ’s sound fills the cathedral during services including the unique daily Evensong a tradition maintained at St Paul’s.
In 1986 Pope John Paul II visited St Paul’s. This was a significant interfaith event. A memorial chapel now commemorates this historic occasion. St Paul’s has hosted numerous significant occasions. State funerals for prime ministers premiers and other important figures have been held within these walls.
St Paul’s Cathedral is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a living testament to faith community and the enduring spirit of Melbourne. It’s a place where history echoes in the stone and the present unfolds in the sacred space. It continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a symbol of spiritual strength in the heart of the city. Take a moment. Breathe in the atmosphere. Absorb the stories. Let the grandeur of St Paul’s resonate within you.