St. James Church

Visited the oldest Church in Sydney *perhaps the oldest in Australia?
Still renovate some part inside the building but visitor can come inside.
Front yard decorated with flowers display from city Council. Looks beautiful 😍😍

I wondering not so many visitors in this area. Just walk accross the road from Hyde Park *Archibald fountain

I noticed once again a bronze cast of Homeless Jesus, by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. This time I found it outside of St James Church Sydney NSW. So I had to take another look to see if it was the same model as the one I saw in Tampa Florida, and it is. Schmalz centres his work towards provocative situations where he places Jesus in modern urban settings. After seeing this I wanted to step inside the church.

St James Church was consecrated in 1824 and stands as one of the oldest buildings in Sydney. The building has had several renovations, restorations and structures to fortify this house of worship built by convicts. In one restoration of the spire interior they found iron splice plates marked with the convict arrow marking in the early 1820’s building materials. They kept that part of the structure as part of the church heritage.

Take a look inside and look at the magnificent stain glass windows. They may not be the original work, but it still is impressive.

I believe that it doesn’t matter what religious beliefs you may have, I believe at heart the world would be better if there was more kindness and love all around the world.

This is the oldest church in Sydney and has a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The staff and clergy here are kind and inclusive, welcoming people into the space. The church has several historical points of interest located throughout including the crypt below which features a stunning children's chapel. The chapel of the Holy Spirit features spectacular stained glass. Well worth visiting, whether you are religious or not.

Sydney's oldest surviving colonial church located in the hart of Sydney CBD. The church was designed by the government architect, and former convict, Francis Greenway, and built by convict labor. It is a prime example of the architectural work of the Macquarie period. Easy access via public transport and free entry. Highly recommended!!!

St James' Church was designed by the convict architect Francis Greenway. There is an excellent restaurant at the rear. The basement is very interesting see image attached. Well worth a visit.

Wonderful, peaceful and tranquil. Such unique architecture. My grandparents ashes are in the Columbarium in the crypt and we always visit when in Sydney

Important historical site in Sydney. There are lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays and services at with choirs. Inclusive and welcoming space.

Contemplative atmosphere; especially, viewing the statue of the homeless Jesus. It is very moving.

Choral experience was wonderful. Catering not so

Beautiful church which is amazingly peaceful. The pictures on both the sides of the wall tell the story of Jesus Christ from his birth to his resurrection. Big seating to hold a large crowds at once. The artistry on the walls is also worth watching. A wonderful experience to visit this place. A must watch in Sydney.

A very sombre and beautiful church near Hyde Park. Very friendly and welcoming congregation, inviting and utterly charming parishioners. You feel transcendent even if you're not religiously leaning into this faith. Family and children friendly and to all backgrounds who visit here. Even the homeless feels welcome here. There's wheelchair accessible entrance. This of course is in the same Square as The High Court and Statue of Queen Victoria. St James station is a minute walk away. Gorgeous Georgian style building.

A private viewing so kindly allowed. Marooned in Sydney during lock down I revisited St James's where I was married and my daughter was christened. It was a very emotional but wonderful experience illuminated by an organ rehearsal and a guided tour of the church and crypt. Thank you so much.

Gorgeous central church

As a convent educated Christian, I have come to be "a happy, little Anglican", without any need for a conversion. The Anglican baptismal rites use the words "and the wider Christian community" as part of what the child is being initiated into. Ergo... St JamesChurch in Sydney's cbd is High Anglican, so much of the liturgy is similar to Catholicism. This makes for a wonderful experience when attending services there. A shared culture.The Australia Day service is especially of note. Both opening hymns, liturgy and the the hominy are written specifically to name and include 'the first peoples of this land' , not just to give them token reference. I am extremely moved and proud to participate in this wonderful ritual on this day every year. Each year, a set of three choral/orchestral masses are held in three consecutive weeks in January. E.g. Heyden, Biber, Mozart, to name some of them. Australia Day falls within this time of the liturgical year. It was the Beethoven Mass in C for 2020.

The oldest church in Australia known for its progressive, welcoming approach. Its tradition Anglican worship and choir are sublime.

Very welcoming church. The orchestral masses are a wonderful celebration of faith, beauty, heritage and tradition!

Very friendly and accepting with modern ethical thinking
Beautiful choir and liturgy.
Wonderful people who don't judge or think they are better than others

St James helfed me organise a funeral for my father. The service was beautiful and dignified and the team was kind and seriously helpful.

Beautiful.

Anglo-Catholic (or High Anglican). The mass here is much better than St. Andrew's Cathedral.