History:

Christ Church has served St Kilda since the earliest years of European settlement. The first recorded Anglican service in St Kilda was held on 23 December 1849 in the Fitzroy Street home of Henry Jennings. A timber church was subsequently erected on the present Acland Street site and licensed by Melbourne’s first Anglican bishop, Charles Perry, on 7 November 1851.

As St Kilda’s population grew, plans were made for a permanent church. Designed by architects Albert Purchas and Charles R. Swyer in the Gothic Revival style, its foundation stone was laid on 29 November 1854. The first services in the new building were held on 2 August 1857, and the church was consecrated on 19 January 1863.

Christ Church is the oldest surviving church in St Kilda. Built from Point King and Sorrento sandstone, it is distinguished by its steep roof, transepts, carved gargoyles, stained-glass windows and richly decorated interior. Although the original design included a tower and spire, these were never constructed. The church was enlarged during the nineteenth century, including extensions to the chancel in 1874 and 1881.

Among its notable features are an organ built by William Hill of London and later modified by prominent colonial organ-builder George Fincham, a triangular west window inspired by Lichfield Cathedral, and stained glass by several important Australian makers. The interior also includes striking depictions of St Michael and carefully restored nineteenth-century decorative stencilling.

Generations of parishioners have cared for Christ Church as both a place of worship and an important part of Victoria’s cultural heritage. Today, it continues to connect its historic Anglican tradition with service to the diverse contemporary community of St Kilda.