St Ambrose Church, Brunswick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Ambrose Church |
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St Ambrose Church, Brunswick
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| 37°46′16″S 144°57′39″E / 37.77098°S 144.96095°E | |
| Location | 261 - 289 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Dedication | Saint Ambrose |
| Dedicated | 1873 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Construction cost | £6,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Bluestone |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Brunswick and Moreland |
| Archdiocese | Melbourne |
St Ambrose Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Brunswick, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. You can find it on Sydney Road. This beautiful church has been an important part of the Brunswick community for over 150 years.
Contents
The Church's Story: How It Began
The land where St Ambrose Church stands today was once owned by Mr. Michael Dawson. In the 1860s, this area was also used as a camp by Aboriginal people who traveled around.
Building a New Church
In the late 1860s, Mr. Dawson generously gave this land to the Catholic Church. Before this, Catholic families in Brunswick had to travel far. They went to churches in Coburg (north of Brunswick) or to the main city area of Melbourne central business district (south of Brunswick).
An Italian family living in Brunswick suggested naming the new church after Saint Ambrose. He was an important leader, an Archbishop, in Milan, Italy, way back in the 300s AD.
Construction and Growth
The first foundation stone for the church was laid in 1869. About 800 Catholic people came to this special event. The church building was finished in 1873 and cost about £6,000 at that time.
In 1890, St Ambrose Church became its own parish. This meant it was a main church for the local area, separate from the Coburg parish. Just nine years later, in 1899, the church was made bigger. New parts were added, like transepts (the arms of the cross shape), a sanctuary, two chapels, a porch, and a baptistry. A special memorial stone was also added in 1899.
A Place for Community
During World War I, St Ambrose Church was a meeting spot for people who were against conscription. Conscription meant forcing people to join the army. The church was a place where people could gather and share their views.
The church building was carefully restored in the year 2000. This helped keep it looking great for future generations.
What Makes St Ambrose Church Special?
St Ambrose Church is known for its beautiful design and history.
Architectural Style
The church was built in the Gothic Revival style. This style looks back to the grand churches of the Middle Ages. The church has a special shape called a cruciform plan, which means it looks like a cross from above.
The walls of the church are made from strong bluestone. The roof is made of timber. Inside, you can find an old organ from the 1800s and colorful stained glass windows.
Protecting Its History
The church is so important that it has a "Heritage Overlay" from Heritage Victoria. This means it is protected because it has local historical significance to Victoria. It helps make sure the church's unique features are kept safe for many years to come.
Images for kids
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St Ambrose Church, Brunswick
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Ambrosio (Brunswick) para niños
