Sacred Heart Church, St Kilda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sacred Heart Church, St Kilda |
|
|---|---|
Exterior on Grey Street, St Kilda
|
|
| 37°51′46″S 144°58′48″E / 37.862691°S 144.979888°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 13 July 1884 |
| Founder(s) | Archbishop Goold |
| Dedicated | 7 December 1884 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Reed, Henderson & Smart |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Italian Renaissance and Baroque |
| Years built | 1884 – 1922 |
| Groundbreaking | 13 July 1884 |
| Construction cost | £3,300 |
The Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic church in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. It is a very important building because of its design, beauty, and history. The church was built over many years and is now a major landmark in St Kilda.
The church, its hall, and the presbytery (the priest's house) were all added to the Victorian Heritage Register on November 19, 1998. This means they are protected because of their historical importance.
Contents
Where is the Sacred Heart Church?
The church is in a very easy-to-find spot in the middle of St Kilda. It is just northeast of Luna Park, a famous amusement park, and the Palais Theatre. North of the church is Albert Park, a large public park. This park has hosted the Australian Grand Prix car race since 1996.
History of the Church
In the 1880s, more and more people wanted to attend St Mary's Church. To make space for everyone, land was bought for a new Roman Catholic church on Grey Street, St Kilda.
Building the First Church
The first stone for the new church was laid on July 13, 1884, by Archbishop Goold. The church was officially opened on December 7, 1884. Reverend William Henry Quick became the first priest. He was born in England and studied in Spain. When Father Quick passed away in 1899, Father William Ganly took his place.
Renovations and Changes
In 1922, the church was updated by architects Kempson and Conolly, with Brady as the builder. The bell tower at the front was changed, and a new one was added at the back. This new tower was 36 meters tall and had a copper dome with a statue of Christ on top.
During these renovations, a fire broke out. It damaged one of the altars and burned all the special clothes worn by the priests. In November 1922, Archbishop Mannix opened the newly renovated church. The updates cost £18,000, which was £14,700 more than the original building cost.
Church Architecture and Design
The Sacred Heart Church is important for its architecture. It was built in the Italian Renaissance and Baroque styles. This was a new direction, moving away from the Gothic Revival style that was popular for Catholic churches in Victoria at the time. The first architects who helped design the church were Reed, Henderson & Smart.
A New Style for Churches
Just a few years later, similar churches were built in cities like London, Paris, and Dublin. The Sacred Heart Church helped set a new trend for Roman Catholic churches in Victoria. This new style featured Renaissance and Baroque designs, often using red bricks, cement decorations, and slate roofs.
Even though the church was opened in 1884, it was not fully finished until 1922. In 1890, side aisles and the bell tower were added. Architects Kempson and Conolly helped complete the church's design.
Inside the Church
The church has beautiful decorations, fixtures, and fittings. The ceiling, which is shaped like a barrel, and the areas around the altar are richly painted and decorated. Gold leaf is used to show holiness, following an Italian Catholic tradition. The main altar is made from white Carrara marble. It is a great example of the Romanesque Revival style and was designed by Kempson and Connolly. The stained glass windows are also special. They were among the first to bring Classical architecture into Roman Catholic Churches.
Music at Sacred Heart
Music is a very important part of the services at Sacred Heart Church. The church has a pipe organ with two keyboards and eleven stops. It was built by George Fincham & Son in 1910. The organ has had only small changes to its wind system. Everything else, including its original sound, how it works, its pipes, and its unique case, has stayed the same. The organ is placed in the center of the back gallery.
Sacred Heart Mission
In 1984, the church started a separate group called the Sacred Heart Mission. This is a charity that helps people in need. It now runs many community groups that help with different things.
Helping the Community
The Mission aims to help people who are unemployed and to provide affordable homes. They also help with aged care and support women facing difficult situations. One program helps women who need support to overcome challenges. Another program, called the outreach program, visits people who live alone and might feel isolated. Some of these people have agoraphobia, which is a fear of open or public places. There is also a program that arranges visits to older people in nursing homes.
The Sacred Heart Mission also helps people who pass away alone by arranging funerals and burials for them. They also try to find the lost families of these individuals. Most of these efforts are supported by donations from the community. Because of this mission, more people have started attending Sacred Heart Church.
See also
