Consider this. A bustling city surrounds a peaceful sanctuary. This is St Andrew’s Anglican Church. It stands as the oldest cathedral in Australia.
St Andrew’s Anglican Church is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies Sydney’s history and faith. Its story began with grand visions. Governor Lachlan Macquarie planned a large cathedral. He envisioned Sydney as a great city. Architect Francis Greenway helped with the design. The original plan was abandoned.
Bishop William Grant Broughton laid a new foundation stone in 1837. Architect James Hume created more modest plans. His design featured a traditional Gothic style. Work stopped in 1842 due to drought and economic issues.
Edmund Blacket stepped in as the architect. People called him the Wren of Sydney. He designed many churches and buildings. Blacket faced a challenge. He had to build an imposing cathedral on small foundations. He chose Perpendicular Gothic style. This style is known for vertical lines and repeated forms.
Blacket enlarged St Andrew’s Anglican Church. He added a central tower. Six bishops were honored with pillars in the nave. Bishop Broughton never saw St Andrew’s Anglican Church completed. He died in England in 1853. Bishop Frederic Barker consecrated the building in 1868. Seven out of nine Australian bishops attended.
The interior reflects Perpendicular Gothic style. The hammerbeam roof has blue and vermillion decoration. Carved stone ribbons bear names of church notables. Sydney sandstone was used throughout. The chancel floor has Cosmati-style tiles. Thomas Earp carved the reredos. It depicts the Transfiguration.
Stained glass windows by Hardman of Birmingham tell stories. They show the life and parables of Jesus. The east window shows scenes with Apostle Andrew. The west window features tiers of Apostles.
Originally, St Andrew’s Anglican Church faced east-west. George Street’s traffic became a problem. Trams disrupted services. In 1941, the interior was reoriented. The sanctuary moved to the west end. In 1999-2000, the cathedral was restored. The sanctuary returned to the eastern end.
The communion table’s placement sparked debate. Leaders wanted it easily portable. This avoided association with a “high altar”. Termites damaged the old table. So, they replaced it.
St Andrew’s Anglican Church treasures a Great Bible from 1539. St Andrew’s Barnwell church in the UK donated it. This gift recognized Australia’s post-war generosity.
The St Andrew’s Anglican Church organ has a rich history. William Hill & Sons installed the first organ in 1866. John Whitely added another in 1932. They combined them in the 1950s.
The Cathedral Choir is Australia’s oldest musical institution. It began in the 1820s. Sir Edmund Barton and Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sang in the choir. St Andrew’s Cathedral School trains the choristers.
Bells have rung at St Andrew’s Anglican Church since 1965. They honor Ernest Samuel Trigg. Ringers practice weekly. St Andrew’s Anglican Church stands as part of the Town Hall Group. This includes historic buildings like Sydney Town Hall.
St Andrew’s Anglican Church has seen many deans. Sandy Grant is the current Dean. St Andrew’s Anglican Church is a state heritage site. It represents colonial aspirations. It embodies Sydney’s life and history.
Today, St Andrew’s Anglican Church is a living church. It holds daily services. It welcomes all. Its doors are open. Come inside. Experience the history. Feel the peace.