Saint Thomas Beckett

Gazing upon Saint Thomas Beckett, a quiet strength emanates from its stones. This unassuming church holds a captivating story. It whispers tales of early Sydney, a time when the city was still finding its feet. Saint Thomas Beckett, originally Saint Thomas of Canterbury, began its journey in 1851. The village of Canterbury, later known as Lewisham, housed this first Catholic church. The name, a tribute to the martyred Saint Thomas Becket of Canterbury Cathedral, resonated through the small community. Sydney was merely 65 years old then. The foundation stone of Saint Thomas Beckett was laid by Bishop Charles Henry Davis. The design, possibly inspired by Pugin or Hansom, reflected the popular Gothic Revival style. The Freeman’s Journal documented the event. They envisioned “a simple but strictly correct architecture in the Early English style.” The church possessed a nave, a separate chancel, and a two-room sacristy. A unique twin-gabled bellcote graced its western facade, housing two bells. The original plans mentioned a tower and spire, but they never materialized. Saint Thomas Beckett served the community for 37 years. Its graveyard became the resting place for around 4,000 Catholics. Even Australia’s first Catholic bishop, John Bede Polding, was interred there in 1877. Sadly, time and progress led to the demolition of Saint Thomas Beckett in 1939. However, its legacy lives on. The stone, salvaged from the demolition, formed the substantial fences surrounding the grounds. If you look closely, you can still see remnants of the past whispering stories of faith and resilience.