Whispers of history surround St James’ Old Cathedral. Its story begins not here but on a different Melbourne corner. This magnificent church you see before you is the oldest in Melbourne. It is not on its original site though. It started life in 1839 a simple wooden structure. This Pioneer Church served both Anglicans and Presbyterians. It even doubled as a school. The foundation stone for St James’ was laid in 1839. Charles La Trobe the then Superintendent of the Port Phillip District performed the ceremony. Melbourne was a mere four years old. The church was one of the very first significant buildings in the fledgling town. Robert Russell the town surveyor designed it. George Beaver built it. Even John Batman a founder of Melbourne contributed to its construction. Imagine the bustling energy. Imagine the community spirit that brought this building to life.
St James’ opened its doors for worship in 1842. Completion came in 1847. In 1848 Melbourne became an Anglican diocese. St James’ became the cathedral. Charles Perry the first Bishop of Melbourne presided over this pivotal moment. The church served as Melbourne’s Anglican cathedral until 1891 when St Paul’s Cathedral opened. The Macartney’s and Frances Perry the Bishop’s wife established various charitable institutions in Melbourne. This reflects the church’s vital role in the community.
By 1913 St James’ was showing its age. Leaks and cracks forced its closure. The church was deemed unsafe. The rising value of land and a dwindling congregation made the decision to move it. Moving the church was a bold decision. It seemed almost impossible. The church was not demolished. Instead they moved it. Architect John Stevens Gawler oversaw the relocation. They moved it stone by numbered stone to its present site. The move took place in 1914. The exterior stonework and timber were salvaged. The interior was altered. The orientation changed from east-west to north-south. The tower was significantly redesigned. Today’s St James’ Old Cathedral is a testament to the ingenuity and persistence of the people of Melbourne.
St James’ Old Cathedral now stands as a remarkable survivor. It’s a tangible link to Melbourne’s pioneering days. It is a stunning example of Colonial Georgian architecture. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It holds the memories of generations. It continues to serve as a place of worship and community gathering. This church embodies the spirit of Melbourne itself. It has witnessed its growth and endured its challenges. The beauty of this building. The history it holds. It’s a truly remarkable site.