Our History
“Foundations Resting on Solid Rock”
Sydney Morning Herald, 26th August, 1869
The edifice—to be known as Christ Church—is to stand on a comparatively narrow ledge rather more than halfway up the steep declivity at the head of the bay—the site at once convenient and picturesque, commanding a truly magnificent view of the harbour, the city and its surrounding neighbourhood. By means of excellent roads, already judiciously laid out and constructed, easy access will be had to this church from every portion of that populous section of the parish of Willoughby, for which the structure is principally designed. From the elevated and rugged nature of the ground a somewhat large amount must have been expended on the foundation which has been brought up to the floor line, the foundations resting on the solid rock.
Christ Church Lavender Bay:
Through the years
An Introduction to The Solid Rock of Christ Church Lavender Bay
The mother church of Sydney’s North Shore is St. Thomas’s which was founded in 1846. It was a small church which by the 1850s could no longer provide sufficient accommodation for those who wished to worship each Sunday. Moreover land on McMahons, Blue’s and Milsons Points was being subdivided for housing and the population was growing. This was an era when it was expected that there would be a church within walking distance of worshippers’ homes. Further provision nearer the burgeoning population areas was needed.
Christ Church, Lavender Bay had its origins in a Sunday School conducted by the colonial artist and local resident, Conrad Martens in the Church of England school hall in Union Street, North Sydney. With the permission of the Bishop of Sydney, Frederic Barker, a congregation met for worship at this site on condition that it work towards the building of a permanent church. The offer of land at the head of Lavender Bay and a bequest of L500 provided the impetus to fulfil the BIshop’s requirements.
However, almost thirteen years were to pass before their plans were realised with the first service held in the new church on 1st June 1872. Although the building committee needed to work in stages and were constantly concerned about whether their funds would cover costs, a beautiful church rose. In style describe as French Gothic, Christ Church has provided a home for Anglican Christians ever since. Church finances were a continuing problem throughout the life of the church and it took 42 years to retire the debt on the property, thus enabling the church to be consecrated by Archbishop John Charles Wright on 10th August 1910.
However, almost thirteen years were to pass before their plans were realised with the first service held in the new church on 1st June 1872. Although the building committee needed to work in stages and were constantly concerned about whether their funds would cover costs, a beautiful church rose. In style describe as French Gothic, Christ Church has provided a home for Anglican Christians ever since. Church finances were a continuing problem throughout the life of the church and it took 42 years to retire the debt on the property, thus enabling the church to be consecrated by Archbishop John Charles Wright on 10th August 1910.
The Lavender Bay parish has been affected by the creation of transport corridors from growing suburbs north of the harbour into the city. In the 1920s and 30s the building of the Bradfield Highway and the Sydney Harbour Bridge together with the re-routing of the North Shore railway saw the destruction of many shops and homes in the parish. During this time there was a drift of church families towards newer suburbs.
After World War II, the growth of North Sydney’s CBD and the construction of the Warringah Freeway further reduced available housing in the area and changed its demography from stable families to transit residents for whom committed membership of a local church had little interest. In the last two decades (since 2010), these old Harbourside localities have enjoyed a renaissance with new houses and apartments taking the place of industry and providing an opportunity for mainly retired couples (the so-called empty nesters) to enjoy life closer to the city. The drive of church families has thus been reversed with very positive effects for Christ Church.
After World War II, the growth of North Sydney’s CBD and the construction of the Warringah Freeway further reduced available housing in the area and changed its demography from stable families to transit residents for whom committed membership of a local church had little interest. In the last two decades (since 2010), these old Harbourside localities have enjoyed a renaissance with new houses and apartments taking the place of industry and providing an opportunity for mainly retired couples (the so-called empty nesters) to enjoy life closer to the city. The drive of church families has thus been reversed with very positive effects for Christ Church.
The continuing existence of Christ Church is a testimony to the perseverance of its congregation and its ministers who were faithful to the traditions of historic Anglicanism and keen to share the message of Christ as Saviour and Lord. Always they were intent upon demonstrating the love of Christ within their fellowship and beyond.
By the time the second millennium dawned, Christ Church had entered a new era in which it has been generously supported by a dedicated and stable congregation, the labours and sacrifices of their predecessors having been vindicated and the faithfulness of God demonstrated.”
—By Rev. Ross McDonald, Author of “On Solid Rock: A History of Christ Church Lavender Bay”
A book published @Christ Church Lavender Bay, 2010.
(Copies of the hardback book are available at the church. )
By the time the second millennium dawned, Christ Church had entered a new era in which it has been generously supported by a dedicated and stable congregation, the labours and sacrifices of their predecessors having been vindicated and the faithfulness of God demonstrated.”
—By Rev. Ross McDonald, Author of “On Solid Rock: A History of Christ Church Lavender Bay”
A book published @Christ Church Lavender Bay, 2010.
(Copies of the hardback book are available at the church. )
A Church in the Making
Because of its Gothic Revival design by Benjamin Backhouse, our historic building was once listed on the Register of the National Estate (sadly, now defunct). It was constructed with sandstone by William Eaton between the years 1869-1872.
Services of worship have been conducted ever since that first gathering in 1872.
Services of worship have been conducted ever since that first gathering in 1872.
Martens was unhappy at the concepts and had difficulty in comprehending them. Clarke continued his work in the Willoughby parish.
As a result of the increased population on the North Shore, it was time for another church to be built in the parish. A site at Lavender Bay was given by Francis Lord, and William Lithgow provided 500- pounds for building the church.
It’s significant that Clarke, a minister and a geologist conducted the service for the laying of the foundation stone of Christ Church Lavender Bay on 25th August 1869. The children sang a hymn he wrote, which includes this verse:
“Here be the name of Christ adored. His Gospel preached His Word believed. The bond of unity restored, Pardon proclaimed and peace received.”
As a result of the increased population on the North Shore, it was time for another church to be built in the parish. A site at Lavender Bay was given by Francis Lord, and William Lithgow provided 500- pounds for building the church.
It’s significant that Clarke, a minister and a geologist conducted the service for the laying of the foundation stone of Christ Church Lavender Bay on 25th August 1869. The children sang a hymn he wrote, which includes this verse:
“Here be the name of Christ adored. His Gospel preached His Word believed. The bond of unity restored, Pardon proclaimed and peace received.”
Lavender Bay became a separate parish in 1872. In September 1870, the Rev. W. B. Clarke resigned from his position as Minister of St Thomas' Church of England in the parish of Willoughby. Prominent though never a leader in the Church in Sydney, Clarke was evangelical and left his mark as much as a geologist, if not more, than as a churchman. He moved out from Sydney and Parramatta in a widening arc and collected rocks and fossils, sending many to Sedgwick and publishing his observations in British scientific journals and the Tasmanian Journal of Natural Science.
Though he had retired from full-time ministry, he remained a minister of religion, licensed to preach as and when required. On retirement he and his family moved to a house in Bay Road which they named "Branthwaite". (Clarke, The Clergyman p79)
Though he had retired from full-time ministry, he remained a minister of religion, licensed to preach as and when required. On retirement he and his family moved to a house in Bay Road which they named "Branthwaite". (Clarke, The Clergyman p79)
150th ANNIVERSARY of Christ Church Lavender Bay
On 25 August 2019, Christ Church Lavender Bay celebrated its 150th Founding Anniversary with a ceremony at the church and a harbour ferry cruise. The cruise commemorated the steamer trip across the harbour by the Bishop of Sydney and other church officials to lay the Foundation stone.
The North Shore Historical Society was pleased to assist the celebration. During the cruise Society President, Gaynor Austen, provided an historical commentary for the group on areas of interest around the harbour.
The North Shore Historical Society was pleased to assist the celebration. During the cruise Society President, Gaynor Austen, provided an historical commentary for the group on areas of interest around the harbour.
At the church ceremony, the Rt. Rev. Chris Edwards re-affirmed the laying of the foundation stone for the 150th anniversary with these words:
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the church built here, so named Christ’s Church, we reaffirm that it is to be set apart for the preaching of the Christian faith, which we believe and confess, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the church built here, so named Christ’s Church, we reaffirm that it is to be set apart for the preaching of the Christian faith, which we believe and confess, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
The following was placed under the stone in a hermetically sealed jar:
“The foundation-stone of a church to be called Christ’s Church, in the parish of Willoughby, erected by voluntary subscriptions, aided by a bequest of the late William Lithgow, Esq., was laid by the Right Reverend Father in God, Fredric, Lord Bishop of Sydney, and Metropolitan of Australia, on the 25th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1869, the 33rd year of the reign of H. M. Queen Victoria, and the 81st year of the colony of New South Wales. The Right Honourable the Earl of Belmore, Governor. The Lord Bishop of Sydney, trustee of the site; W. B. Clarke, M.A., licensed minister of Willoughby; R. F.Pockley, Charles M. Palmer, and John Rossiter, members of the building committee; A. J. Ralston, treasurer; and B. Backhouse, architect.”
“The foundation-stone of a church to be called Christ’s Church, in the parish of Willoughby, erected by voluntary subscriptions, aided by a bequest of the late William Lithgow, Esq., was laid by the Right Reverend Father in God, Fredric, Lord Bishop of Sydney, and Metropolitan of Australia, on the 25th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1869, the 33rd year of the reign of H. M. Queen Victoria, and the 81st year of the colony of New South Wales. The Right Honourable the Earl of Belmore, Governor. The Lord Bishop of Sydney, trustee of the site; W. B. Clarke, M.A., licensed minister of Willoughby; R. F.Pockley, Charles M. Palmer, and John Rossiter, members of the building committee; A. J. Ralston, treasurer; and B. Backhouse, architect.”
Organ
For a long time, the organ was thought to have been the work of the English Organ builders, J.W. Walker, until its restoration in 2001 revealed that it was the work of W.M. Davidson of Harris Street, Pyrmont. Organ design and building supervision was provided by John Hill.
Although a relatively small, two manual mechanical action instrument, containing 591 pipes, grouped in 12 ranks, the organ has been a much loved accompaniment of worship for over 130 years. In recent years major refurbishment has taken place with some work yet to be commissioned.
Although a relatively small, two manual mechanical action instrument, containing 591 pipes, grouped in 12 ranks, the organ has been a much loved accompaniment of worship for over 130 years. In recent years major refurbishment has taken place with some work yet to be commissioned.
Leadership
Since the founding of Christ Church Lavender Bay in 1872, over a dozen clergy have filled the pulpit and guided the congregation to proclaim the Gospel, love their neighbours and adore the name of Christ.
They are as follows:
They are as follows:
RECTORS & CURATES IN CHARGE OF CHRIST CHURCH
1872 - 1873
The Rev. Cecil Cave-Brown-Cave Rector of St Thomas', Willoughby
1873 - 1878
The Rev. William French Clay
1878 - 1882
The Rev. Edward Symonds
1881 - 1901
The Rev. T Alfred Yarnold
1901-1922
The Rev. John Hubert Maclean
1922-1964
The Rev Edward Francis Nicholson Cash
Canon of St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney Registrar
Australian College of Theology
Australian College of Theology
1962-1965
The Rev. Robert Ernest Evans
1965-1977
The Rev. Boyce Rowley Horsley
Canon of St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney
1977-1986
The Rev. Dennis Blake Ryan
1986-1997
Archdeacon Rev. Brian Richardson
Archdeacon of North Sydney
1997-2006
Archdeacon Rev. Peter James Robert Smart
Archdeacon: Diocean Registrar with assistant minister Rev. Ross McDonald
2007-2016
The Rev. Patrick Gestin Collins
2017-2022
The Rev. Lachlan Earle Edwards
with assistant ministers Rev. Di Nicolios, Archdeacon of Sydney
and Rev. Dr. Evonne Paddison
and Rev. Dr. Evonne Paddison
2022-2023
The Archdeacon Rev. Peter James Robert Smart
(locum)
2023-
The Rev. Gregory Mark Webster
A Changing Community
In the first half of the 20th century, Christ Church served a vigorous well integrated community, with a varied program of meetings and wide acceptance and community support.
The extension of the North Shore railway from St Leonards to Milsons Point across the head of Lavender Bay, saw demolition of some housing but this was as nothing compared with the destruction necessary for the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Bradfield Highway and tram tracks. A keen photographer, the then Rector, Canon Frank Cash (1922-64) made a photographic record of the demolition and of the progress of building and wrote often of the changes which were occurring in the demographics of his parish as a result.
The extension of the North Shore railway from St Leonards to Milsons Point across the head of Lavender Bay, saw demolition of some housing but this was as nothing compared with the destruction necessary for the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Bradfield Highway and tram tracks. A keen photographer, the then Rector, Canon Frank Cash (1922-64) made a photographic record of the demolition and of the progress of building and wrote often of the changes which were occurring in the demographics of his parish as a result.
After World War II, houses began to be replaced by high rise apartment blocks until heritage concerns stopped this kind of development. In addition, the North Sydney CBD took shape, so that Christ Church now stands only two blocks from one of Australia's busiest commercial centres.
For a time, with the comparative absence of young families and the high turnover of younger adults, Christ Church lost much of its natural source of members. Today, while a number of church members come from within the parish boundaries, a greater number come from outside them, in some cases driving some distance.
Its members continue to value Christ Church deeply for its adherence to Anglican liturgy, its clear evangelical Bible teaching and the warmth of its welcome and fellowship for all who attend.
For a time, with the comparative absence of young families and the high turnover of younger adults, Christ Church lost much of its natural source of members. Today, while a number of church members come from within the parish boundaries, a greater number come from outside them, in some cases driving some distance.
Its members continue to value Christ Church deeply for its adherence to Anglican liturgy, its clear evangelical Bible teaching and the warmth of its welcome and fellowship for all who attend.
REFERENCES:
The Anglican Church of Australia
CHRIST CHURCH, LAVENDER BAY
Cnr. Lavender & Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2059
Rev. Ross McDonald, Author of “On Solid Rock: A History of Christ Church Lavender Bay”
A book published @Christ Church Lavender Bay, 2010.
(Copies of the hardback book are available at the church. )
Brochure Illustrations: (B&W Photograph) Rectory and Church from Holtermann's Tower (by kind permission of Dixson Galleries, State Library of NSW)
(Ink drawing) Christ Church Lavender Bay
(Colour photograph)
Stained glass window on west wall depicting Christ's resurrection in memory of Margaret Tucker d.1884, aged 68; Hubert Tucker, d.1881, aged 31; George Tucker d.1878, aged 26. (Lithograph)
Conrad Martens: View of Sydney from St Leonards, 1843
(by kind permission of Dixson Galleries, State Library of NSW)
Church photography by Daryl Charles
Design by Albert Tong
The Anglican Church of Australia
CHRIST CHURCH LAVENDER BAY
Congregation formed 1858
Foundation stone laid 1869
Church opened for worship 1872
The Anglican Church of Australia
CHRIST CHURCH, LAVENDER BAY
Cnr. Lavender & Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2059
Rev. Ross McDonald, Author of “On Solid Rock: A History of Christ Church Lavender Bay”
A book published @Christ Church Lavender Bay, 2010.
(Copies of the hardback book are available at the church. )
Brochure Illustrations: (B&W Photograph) Rectory and Church from Holtermann's Tower (by kind permission of Dixson Galleries, State Library of NSW)
(Ink drawing) Christ Church Lavender Bay
(Colour photograph)
Stained glass window on west wall depicting Christ's resurrection in memory of Margaret Tucker d.1884, aged 68; Hubert Tucker, d.1881, aged 31; George Tucker d.1878, aged 26. (Lithograph)
Conrad Martens: View of Sydney from St Leonards, 1843
(by kind permission of Dixson Galleries, State Library of NSW)
Church photography by Daryl Charles
Design by Albert Tong
The Anglican Church of Australia
CHRIST CHURCH LAVENDER BAY
Congregation formed 1858
Foundation stone laid 1869
Church opened for worship 1872
Receive our newsletter
There’s a place for you at Christ Church Lavender Bay.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
