St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Surry Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church |
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| St Sophia and Her Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church | |
| Bourke Street Congregational Church and School | |
St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, pictured in 2018
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 St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church
Location in Sydney
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| 33°52′55″S 151°12′58″E / 33.8819°S 151.2162°E | |
| Location | 411a Bourke Street, Surry Hills, City of Sydney, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Greek Orthodox |
| Previous denomination | Congregationalism |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Dedication | St Sophia of Rome |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Years built | 1880–1980s |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Sophia |
| Archdiocese | Australia |
St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, officially called the St Sophia and Her Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church, is a special old church in Surry Hills, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. It is located at 411a Bourke Street. This building used to be a different kind of church called the Bourke Street Congregational Church and School. Because it is so old and important, it is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is protected because of its history and value.
Contents
History of the Church Building
The church building we see today was designed by William Boles. It first opened its doors in 1880. However, the church community itself had been around since 1855. Back then, they used a portable iron building. This building was made from parts that were brought all the way from England. John Goold designed and built this first structure. When the new church was finished, the old iron building was moved to Stewart Street in Paddington.
Challenges and Community Help
By 1933, the church was facing some tough times. Not many people were attending, and they did not have much money. The area around the church was no longer considered a popular place to live. Because of this, the church could not afford a regular minister. Instead, ministers were sent by the Home Mission Board. The money collected during services was very little, sometimes "only a few shillings."
During the 1930s, the church did something amazing to help its community. They provided free meals to men who did not have jobs. Between 1932 and 1935, they served about 20,000 meals in the school hall. This shows how much the church cared for people in need.
A New Chapter for the Church
The original church closed in the late 1930s. Later, the building was rented by the Greek Orthodox Church. They eventually bought it from the Congregational Church in the 1980s. Today, it is still an active church, known as the St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church.
The church also had a pipe organ from 1888. When the Greek Orthodox Church took over, they did not need the organ. So, in the 1980s, it was moved to the Galston Uniting Church. This organ, known as the Galston Congregational Church Pipe Organ, is also a protected heritage item in New South Wales.
Heritage Listing Status
The Bourke Street Congregational Church and School building is very important. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps make sure that this historic building is preserved for future generations.
See also
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Greek Orthodox churches in New South Wales
- Sophia of Rome
