All Saints Anglican Church, Canberra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church |
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All Saints Church with the bell tower moved to the opposite side when it was rebuilt
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 All Saints Church
Location in Australian Capital Territory
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| 35°15′53″S 149°8′22″E / 35.26472°S 149.13944°E | |
| Location | Ainslie, Australian Capital Territory |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | James Barnet |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Sydney sandstone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Canberra and Goulburn |
All Saints Church is a special Anglican church located in Ainslie, a suburb of Canberra, Australia. It is part of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. This church has a unique style of worship that combines traditional practices with a modern approach.
Contents
A Church with a Past
The building of All Saints Church has a very interesting history. It was not always a church! The stone parts of the church were originally used to build a train station in Sydney. This station was called the First Mortuary Station. It was located in Rookwood Cemetery.
From Train Station to Church
A plaque on the church explains its past. It says that the stonework was first used for a station that operated from 1868 to 1948. Trains would go right underneath the main arch of the building. This is where the main aisle of the church is now. The side areas, which are now aisles, used to be platforms where coffins were loaded onto trains. These trains would then take the coffins to the cemetery for burial.
In 1957, the roof of the old station burned down. The church in Ainslie bought the stonework for £A100. The stones were then moved all the way to Canberra. Workers built a new roof and changed the building into the church you see today. During this process, the bell tower was moved from one side of the entrance to the other.
Special Windows and Bell
The church has two beautiful stained-glass windows that came all the way from England. One large window is from St Clement's in Sheffield. There is also a smaller window from St Margaret's Bagendon in Gloucestershire.
The church bell also has a cool story! It used to be on a special train called a Shay locomotive. This train ran on the Wolgan Valley Railway in the Blue Mountains until 1925. The Australian Railway Historical Society gave the bell to the church in 1958.
Important Dates
An important stone on the church was placed by Lord Carrington, who was a high official from the United Kingdom. He marked the blessing of the church on June 1, 1958.
The church also has a very old pipe organ from 1857. It was brought to the church in 1989–1990 from a church in London, England.
Church Life and Features
All Saints Church has a traditional choir. They have a special Sunday service called a Solemn Eucharist every week. They also have a monthly evening service called Evensong from April to September.
At the back of the church, there is a peaceful garden and a place called a columbarium. This is where the ashes of people who have passed away can be kept. Outside the church, you can see cool gargoyle sculptures. Inside, there are two carved angels in the stonework. The church also has two small chapels, one dedicated to the Virgin Mary and another named after Gethsemane.
Protecting History
All Saints Church is considered an important historical building. It was added to the Australian Capital Territory Heritage Register on September 14, 2000. This means it is protected so that future generations can enjoy its history and beauty.
Past Leaders of the Church
The church has had many rectors, who are like the main priests or ministers. Here are some of them:
- Edward Gilbert Buckle, 1959-1962
- Francis Robert Woodwell, 1963-1966
- Neville James Chynoweth, 1966-1971
- James Lewis Tregea, 1971-1980
- Ronald Earl Moon, 1980-1987
- Dennis Arnold Vanderwolf, 1987-1998
- Anthony John Parkes, 1998-2004
- Sarah Anne Macneil, 2004-2009
- Michael Faragher, 2009-2014
- Lynda McMinn, 2015-2023
- John Stead, 2023–2024
- Alipate Tuineau, 2024-present
Images for kids
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The Mortuary Station in Rookwood Cemetery around 1865.
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A stone placed to mark the blessing of the church in 1958.
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A plaque on the church explaining its history.
See also
- Australian non-residential architectural styles
