St Aidan’s Anglican Church

In the heart of Annandale stands St Aidan’s Anglican Church. It’s a testament to the community’s enduring faith. The story of St Aidan’s begins in 1891. A commitment was made to purchase land at the corner of Booth and Johnston Streets. The price was £9 per square foot. The chosen builder was Archibald Graham. The church’s name, St Aidan’s, was suggested by Reverend Thomas Holme of Leichhardt. The architect, J.S.E. Ellis, designed the impressive structure we see today. The foundation stone was laid on July 23, 1892, by the Primate of Australia, Archbishop William Saumarez. This followed a slight delay caused by a builder’s miscalculation. St Aidan’s opened its doors for worship on November 5, 1892. In 1893, architect Ellis proposed an addition. A chancel and vestry, divided by folding doors, would allow for both smaller classes and larger gatherings. St Aidan’s has seen many clergymen grace its pulpit. From Reverend Thomas Holme in 1892 to Reverend Dominic Steele more recently, each has contributed to the church’s rich history. St Aidan’s even housed a magnificent organ, a creation of Nicholson & Lord from Walsall, England. This instrument, with its two manuals, 21 speaking stops, and six couplers, served the church for many years. It was later incorporated into a new organ by J.P. Eagles. While that organ is no longer in place, its legacy resonates within the church’s walls. St Aidan’s Anglican Church in Annandale isn’t merely a building. It is a living chronicle of faith, community, and architectural beauty. It stands as a symbol of the dedication and devotion of those who built and nurtured it.