“Did you know that St Thomas More Church has a secret?” I ask. It’s a secret of community and architectural harmony. We are standing before St Thomas More Church. It is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to thoughtful design and community collaboration.
St Thomas More Church faced a challenge in the early 2000s. Its original 1960s structure was well-loved. However, it lacked facilities for activities beyond mass. The community needed a multifunctional hall. So a design competition was launched in 2001.
The winning design team worked closely with a parish committee. They also consulted the local community. This collaboration was essential because the church is in a residential area. Fifteen neighbors had to give their consent for the project. The designers carefully considered the existing architecture. They ensured the new addition would complement the surroundings. They did not want to compromise the area’s scale.
The new building forms an integrated cruciform with the existing church. This was done to avoid creating a division between the old and new elements. The entryway acts as a perpendicular arm. It spans the width of the site. This design creates two access ways. These provide sheltered entry regardless of the weather. The walls leading into the church space are slightly curved. This invites the public in.
The entryway is glazed and open. It provides a visual connection between the church and the new hall. This allows the church space to expand for larger gatherings. A glazed cross in the new hall facade aligns with the crucifix above the altar. This strengthens the visual relationship. Ancillary spaces are positioned in the corners of the cruciform. This keeps the main axes open.
The exterior form and materials match the existing church. The community hall’s facade forms a strong corner. The glazed cross emphasizes it. The roof emulates the soaring pitch of the existing roof. The entryway appears as an extension of the original form. Parishioners feel the extension is an integral part of the 1960s church. Many say it doesn’t look like any additional building was carried out.
In 2022, St Thomas More celebrated 60 years of Catholic Education. St Thomas More Primary School is part of the Belgrave Parish. The school enlivens the motto ‘We Are One’. Staff, parents, and students work together. They develop an environment for excellence in education. The school has a strong emphasis on learning.
St Thomas More is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies community spirit. It is a welcoming space. It is a place where faith and fellowship thrive. As you leave St Thomas More Church reflect on the power of community.