subject: Churches in Sydney, Australia [print this page] Churches in Sydney, Australia
From historic gothic cathedrals to modern churches with contemporary worship, Sydney boasts a multitude of choices. One of the most strikingly beautiful churches in Sydney is St. Mary's Cathedral. Famed for being Australia's largest church, it was host to Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. The first church on the site was started in 1821 but was destroyed by fire in 1865. Plans began immediately for the new church, but it took almost half a century to be finished. This is a grand Gothic Revival style cathedral using the conventional English plan with twin towers on the front. The soaring interior is graced by beautiful stained glass windows, and the bells of St. Mary's are treasured.
Despite the growth of Sydney around it, this imposing cathedral is a dominating point in many of the city's views.
Another magnificent church from the mid-1800s is St. Andrew's Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Australia. A beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral, it is the oldest in Australia. The twin spires reflect the desire of colonists to mimic the cathedrals from England. By using the vertical emphasis of the architectural school of Perpendicular Gothic, the cathedral appears larger than it is when on the inside. The lofty heights are lit by elegant stained glass windows. One of the more unique features of this church is the dual organ that can be played from a single instrument. Made up of the original organ and one added in 1932, they were combined in the 1950s to create the largest church organ in Australia.
Another historic church, the Garrison Church, was the first military church in Sydney. Built from sandstone rock quarried on site, this Anglican Church was started in 1840. This sturdy church has no spire, as the funds for the spire were never realized. A stout, stone church, it lacks the exterior ornamentation of the other two churches.
A similar historic sandstone church is St. Patrick's Roman Catholic, also in the center of Sydney surrounded by modern buildings. The facade is graced by two small spires and very little ornamentation beyond the spires and triple arched windows above the entry. Also started in 1840, it represents a simpler style than the highly ornamented, later Gothic Revival churches.
For something entirely different, a modern church, C3 Balmain puts the emphasis on contemporary worship and community. With programs for children, women, and men, the church engages each segment of their congregation.
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