Doesn’t the towering presence of St Thomas’ Anglican Church command your attention? St Thomas stands as a testament to history and faith in North Sydney. This grand suburban church is a landmark steeped in Anglican tradition.
St Thomas’ story began in 1843. Land was set aside for an Anglican church in what was then St Leonards. Conrad Martens designed the first church. It opened its doors in 1846. Martens himself carved the baptismal font. That font is still in use today.
Early members of St Thomas included Alexander Berry. James Milson and George Barney were also early members. The church features a memorial to Barney. There is also a stained-glass window honoring James Graham Goodenough. Edward Wollstonecraft and Owen Stanley are buried in the church cemetery. In 1938 a plaque was unveiled by the Governor of New South Wales, Lord Wakehurst. It commemorated the church’s founders.
As North Sydney grew, a larger church became essential. Edmund Blacket designed the new Gothic Revival church. The Prince of Wales laid the cornerstone in 1881. He later became King George V. Construction finished in 1886. At 160 feet, St Thomas is the longest Anglican church in New South Wales.
Inside St Thomas, splendid arches lead down the nave. They meet the stone arches of the transept and chancel. Eleven circular stone columns stand carved with unique foliage capitals. The New Zealand Kauri timber beams form the roof. The roof’s design complements the stonework.
Look for the stone corbel. See its little black appendages? These are remnants of the gas lighting. Gas lighting was used in St Thomas until 1916. A marble head representing a seraph is attached to the west wall. It came from St Paul’s Cathedral in London. St Paul’s Cathedral was damaged during World War II.
The Baptistery sits near the main door. It is surrounded by the tower piers. The font is the work of Conrad Martens. He was the artist who documented Sydney and Port Jackson.
The bell in St Thomas came from the first church. It was used before each service until the 1960s. The Pozieres Cross serves as a focus for the 17th Battalion traditions. The battalion trained in St Thomas school hall.
Many former parishioners are commemorated on the kneelers. They were significant pioneers of North Sydney. The stained-glass window memorializes Commodore Goodenough. He died after being wounded with poisoned arrows. Owen Stanley, a naval officer, is buried in the church cemetery. Lt. Col. George Barney, who designed Circular Quay, is also buried here.
The stone pulpit honors Rev. G. C. Bode. It is carved from three blocks of North Sydney Stone. The east window is a memorial to Rev. W. B. Clarke. He was the first rector.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a service at St Thomas in 2024. The Archbishop of Sydney preached the sermon. St Thomas continues to be a vibrant center.
St Thomas Church by the Bridge is a church plant of St Thomas. It extends the church’s reach.
St Thomas stands not just as a building. It represents the enduring spirit of community. It embodies faith in the heart of North Sydney. Take a moment to appreciate the history. Consider the lives touched by St Thomas over the years. It is a place of worship. It is a landmark that connects the past to the present.