How about a journey back to 1869? That’s when the story of St Ambrose Church in Brunswick truly began. Before this sacred space stood tall, Catholics in Brunswick faced a trek. They had to journey to Coburg or Melbourne’s CBD for Mass.
Now, imagine Michael Dawson. He was a generous soul who owned this land. He donated it to the Catholic Church. His gift paved the way for St Ambrose. The church’s name? It came from an Italian family from Milan. They suggested naming it after Saint Ambrose, the Archbishop of Milan in the 4th century AD.
In 1869, a crowd of 800 Catholics watched the laying of the first foundation stone. After spending about 6,000 pounds, the bluestone building was completed in 1873. St Ambrose Church officially opened just in time for Christmas.
Let’s fast forward to 1890. St Ambrose became its own parish. Before that, it was part of the Coburg parish. Nine years later, the church grew. Transepts, a sanctuary, chapels, a porch, and a baptistry were added. A memorial stone was placed near the northern transept in 1899.
During World War I, St Ambrose became a hub for the anti-conscription movement. In 2000, the church underwent a restoration. Its Gothic Revival style stands out. The walls are bluestone and the roof is timber. Inside, you will find a 19th-century organ. Stained glass windows add to its beauty.
St Ambrose is more than just a building. It has been listed by Heritage Victoria. This listing protects places of local significance.
In 2023, St Ambrose celebrated its sesquicentenary that means 150 years since its completion. The church is one of Melbourne’s oldest Catholic churches. The late Gothic style makes it one of Melbourne’s finer churches. The bluestone, timber ceiling, and stained-glass windows are remarkable. The Merri-bek council planted an olive garden 20 years ago. It serves as a place of welcome for the community.
St Ambrose sits on Wurundjeri land. Its construction was slow. Catholics needed an alternative to the chapel on the site of St Francis Church. Gold discovery delayed the construction of St Paul’s Church in Coburg.
In 1860, a meeting at the Sarah Sands Hotel led to the decision to build St Ambrose. Father Charles O’Hea supported the proposal. Michael Dawson donated land for the church. In 1870, Dean Fitzpatrick laid the foundation stone.
Today, St Ambrose embraces change. It is part of the Brunswick and Moreland Catholic Community. Four churches work together under one mission. They share one administration and website.
St Ambrose is a multicultural community. It welcomes young families and older Italian migrants. The church offers meals in small groups and Christian meditation. They support asylum seekers and visit the elderly.
The church was named St Ambrose after the first Bishop of Lombardy. Sebastian Danielli suggested the name. His family arrived in Brunswick from Milan in 1869.
In 1888, Brunswick became a town. St Ambrose became an independent parish in 1890. The church expanded in 1899 with transepts, a sanctuary, and chapels. The building reflects a late Gothic style. It is a fine example of Melbourne’s churches.