Gazing up at St Michael and St Luke, have you ever wondered about its double-barrelled name? It hints at a fascinating, interwoven history. This sacred space in Melbourne originally served as St. Luke’s Church of England. Its foundation stone was laid back in 1857 in South Melbourne, then known as Emerald Hill. The land had been reserved in the town plan since 1852. Francis White designed the church with a frontage on Clarendon Street. This changed in the 1900s when the church sold the land for retail development. The entrance shifted to Dorcas Street. In 1862, architect Charles Webb added transepts. The north transept houses a beautiful stained-glass window crafted by Ferguson & Urie. Installed in 1883, it portrays “Jesus in the House of Martha and Mary”. It’s a memorial to Mary Skeats, a devoted parishioner. She passed away in 1879 and is buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. Over time, “Violet Sunday” became a cherished tradition at St. Luke’s. From 1908 to 1985, the parish, especially the children, gathered violets and oranges for patients in local hospitals. Even governors-general and prime ministers attended this event. The church also embraced modern technology, installing electric light in 1922. A side-chapel was dedicated in 1936 to honor local men who served in World War I. The parish had a long history with education, running school classes and a kindergarten. In fact, the kindergarten hall was used for the official opening of Emerald Hill Court in 1962. This parish has also been home to numerous sporting greats. The South Melbourne cricket club produced seven Australian Test captains. Even Wally Lindrum, the World Professional Billiards Champion from 1933-1950, was a parishioner. A bell tower was added to the church in 1954. Eventually, St. Luke’s merged with another congregation to become St Michael and St Luke. The other half of the name, St. Michael’s, has its own intricate story, but that’s a tale for another time. St Michael and St Luke stands today as a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and history.
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