“Lost in time,” a passerby muttered, glancing at St Mark’s Anglican Church. It stands proudly on George Street in Fitzroy. This magnificent bluestone structure, the first of its kind outside Melbourne’s CBD, has witnessed the ebb and flow of Fitzroy’s history since 1855. St Mark’s journey began in 1853, when the foundation stone was laid on Separation Day. The construction, however, wasn’t without its trials. A fierce gale in 1854 tragically blew down the roof, delaying the opening. Despite this setback, St Mark’s opened its doors for worship on January 21, 1855, originally known as “St Mark’s, Collingwood.” The project, initially budgeted at a mere £2000, ultimately cost £15150 by 1859, a testament to the community’s dedication. The architect, James Blackburn, sadly passed away before its completion. Leonard Terry then supervised the construction of the bluestone stairs and gallery in 1865, while Charles Webb designed the iconic tower and spire in 1874. St Mark’s also holds a unique musical legacy. Its organ, rescued from St Luke’s Church in Cowley, Oxfordshire, after its closure, fills the church with rich melodies. Rebuilt by Peter Jewkes at a cost of $200,000, this instrument continues to enhance the Anglo-Catholic worship tradition adopted in 1973. The church underwent significant renovations in the 1990s, ensuring its place as a vibrant hub in the heart of Fitzroy. St Mark’s has seen remarkable transformations, lightning strikes, and architectural additions, standing as a resilient symbol of faith and community in Fitzroy. Today, St Mark’s continues to welcome all, its doors open to those seeking solace, community, and a glimpse into the rich history of Fitzroy.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to