About The Well at St. Kilda Chapel:
The Well at St Kilda is a welcoming Christian community and neighbourhood hub operated by The Salvation Army. Situated within the historic St Kilda Chapel, The Well has been reimagined as a place where people from all walks of life can find connection, belonging, hope and practical support.
Inspired by the biblical story of Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4), The Well seeks to be a place where spiritual refreshment and genuine community come together. It welcomes people regardless of their background, culture, age or life circumstances, creating an environment where relationships can flourish and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The Well combines Christian worship with community engagement. Alongside worship services and opportunities for prayer and reflection, it hosts a wide range of activities including community lunches, gardening, arts and creative programs, mindfulness and wellbeing activities, and volunteer opportunities. The site also provides practical assistance through The Salvation Army’s Doorways program, supporting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship or other challenges.
More than simply a church, The Well has become a sanctuary within the heart of St Kilda—a place where spirituality is expressed through hospitality, compassion and service. Its mission reflects The Salvation Army’s long-standing commitment to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through both faith and practical care for the community.
Front of Chapel
Chapel
The Well Mosaic
Recycle (Upcycle) Bench Seat
The Outdoor Prayer Room
Prayers Requests
Outside Prayer Room
Inside Prayer Room
Community Hub – Symbolic of our Values
Front Door
Inside Chapel
Garden Cross
The Well…. which the church is named after
Quiet Reflective Area
Celtic Cross Pathway
History:
The building that now houses The Well has been serving the St Kilda community for more than 160 years. Constructed in 1864 as a Free Presbyterian Church, the bluestone chapel was designed by prominent Melbourne architect Lloyd Tayler and remains an important example of nineteenth-century Gothic Revival architecture. Its striking bluestone walls, stained-glass windows and timber-vaulted ceiling continue to reflect its rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Over the decades, the building has witnessed significant changes within the St Kilda community while continuing its original purpose as a place of worship and gathering. In recent years, The Salvation Army transformed the historic chapel into The Well at St Kilda, carefully preserving the character of the heritage building while creating an inviting and flexible community space for contemporary ministry.
Under the leadership of Major Narelle Jacobsen, The Well has developed a distinctive model of church and community engagement. Comfortable gathering spaces, community gardens, creative workshops, shared meals and outreach programs have transformed the site into a vibrant centre for connection, wellbeing and service. This innovative approach has attracted attention within The Salvation Army as an example of how historic places of worship can continue to serve contemporary communities while remaining faithful to their Christian mission.
Today, The Well honours its historic foundations while embracing a vision of openness, inclusion and compassionate service, continuing a tradition of hospitality that has been part of the site since the nineteenth century.
Faith Leader: Major Narelle Jacobsen
Major Narelle Jacobsen is a Salvation Army officer and leader of The Well, a vibrant worshipping community based at the historic St Kilda Chapel in Melbourne.
With many years of ministry and community service, Major Narelle is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people from all walks of life can encounter faith, find belonging, and experience practical care. Her ministry reflects The Salvation Army’s commitment to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through worship, compassion, social justice, and service to the community.
Located in the heart of St Kilda, The Well seeks to build authentic relationships, foster spiritual growth, and respond to the needs of the local community through a range of worship services, community programs, and outreach initiatives. Under Major Narelle’s leadership, the congregation continues a long tradition of serving one of Melbourne’s most diverse and dynamic neighbourhoods.
As part of the Sacred Victoria project, Major Narelle represents the ongoing contribution of The Salvation Army to Victoria’s religious life, demonstrating a faith that is lived out through both worship and practical service to others.