Arise Shine for thy light has come. These words from Isaiah greeted the first congregation of St James Anglican Church. They echoed in this very building on 6 January 1822. Imagine the scene. The church was unfinished. Yet the light of hope had arrived.
St James Anglican Church stands before you. A testament to convict labour and Georgian architecture. It’s the oldest surviving building in Sydney’s inner city. Consecrated in February 1824 it’s a stunning example of Francis Greenway’s genius. Greenway a transported convict designed this magnificent church. He worked under Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
The church was initially intended as a courthouse. Commissioner John Bigge however changed its purpose. He advocated for its conversion into a church. This decision may have been influenced by the appointment of his brother-in-law as Archdeacon. The original design was modified. A steeple was added. Adjacent school buildings became the courthouse. St James quickly became the center of Sydney’s religious life. It held more people than St Philip’s Church.
St James played a key role in Sydney’s social life. It served the convict population. The church’s ministry extended to the city’s poor and needy. The church has been the setting for significant events. Royal weddings and state funerals have taken place within these walls. Even Edmund Barton Australia’s first Prime Minister was baptised here.
The interior of St James has evolved over time. Originally it focused on preaching. A large triple-decker pulpit dominated the east end. Changes occurred. The focus shifted to the altar. Galleries were added. Stained-glass windows were installed. Today the altar is the focal point. It’s flanked by a pulpit reading desks and lectern. Beautiful mosaic floors and ornate brasswork adorn the chancel. The magnificent pipe organ one of Sydney’s largest is also located nearby.
This church has witnessed controversies scandals and celebrations. It survived threats of demolition. It has adapted and endured. St James Anglican Church stands proudly. It’s a living monument to Sydney’s history. A beacon of faith community and enduring beauty. A place where the past present and future intertwine. A true symbol of Sydney’s spirit.