Think back. What was Melbourne like in 1835? St Paul’s Cathedral stands here now. But before this grand cathedral graced this spot, the first public Christian service in Melbourne took place here.
St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral. It stands in the heart of Melbourne. It is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Melbourne. Also it is the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne.
Designed by William Butterfield, a renowned English Gothic Revival architect, St Paul’s Cathedral was completed in 1891. However, the spires were added later. They followed a different design and were completed between 1926 and 1932. The location marks the site of that initial Christian service in 1835. Before the cathedral, this spot was a corn market. Then it became St Paul’s Parish Church.
In 1880, the foundation stone was laid by the Governor of Victoria. But disagreements arose between Butterfield and church authorities. Butterfield resigned in 1884. Joseph Reed, a local architect, completed the building. He remained faithful to Butterfield’s original vision. Reed also designed the chapter house in a matching style in 1889.
The cathedral’s pipe organ is special. It was commissioned from T. C. Lewis. Lewis was a prominent English organ builder.
For nearly 40 years, the cathedral stood without its spires. In the early 1920s, a competition was held to design new spires. John Barr from Sydney won. Construction began in 1926. The central tower was named the Moorhouse Spire. It reached its full height in 1932.
Restoration work was completed in 2009. The spires were repaired. A coloured glass lantern was installed in the Moorhouse Tower. Also coloured glass doors and a glass-walled airlock were added at the Great West door.
Inside St Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll find a traditional Latin cross layout. This includes a long nave and side aisles. There are also short transepts and a tower at the crossing. A choir sits below the tower. The sanctuary and altar lie beyond.
The stonework has warm colouring. It is a mix of sandstone and limestone. The interior features rich colours. The dado, floor, and high altar showcase Victorian Gothic style.
Music is essential at St Paul’s. The cathedral choir sings at Evensong and Sunday services. The music foundation helps fund the cathedral’s musical life. The cathedral has a ring of 12 bells set for change ringing. They were first rung in 1889.
St Paul’s Cathedral has hosted significant events. Pope John Paul II visited in 1986. The cathedral choir sang for his arrival.
As you leave St Paul’s Cathedral, remember its history. It started as a simple place of worship. It evolved into a Melbourne landmark. It stands as a testament to faith and architectural vision.