Christ Church St Laurence
One of Sydney’s oldest church buildings, renowned for its fine musical tradition
12.30pm–4pm
About the building
The congregation of Christ Church St Laurence originally met in the storeroom of a brewery in Surry Hills. On 1 January 1840 the foundation stone was laid for a grand sandstone church built in the English Gothic Revival style, designed by Henry Robertson. Construction, from local sandstone, was halted in its early stages due to a financial crisis. Building recommenced in 1844 under parishioner Edmund Blacket, later NSW Colonial Architect. The completed building was consecrated on 10 September 1845 by Bishop William Grant Broughton, Bishop of Australia.
The interior of Christ Church St Laurence has undergone many changes to make it suitable for High Church or Anglo-Catholic ritual. Christ Church St Laurence now holds 25 services each week and draws a large congregation from all over Sydney and beyond. In addition to the elaborate and traditional liturgy, the church is renowned throughout the world on account of its fine musical tradition. The church also maintains a strong commitment to outreach and social justice.
Built
1845
Architect
Henry Robertson and Edmund Blacket
Alterations
John Burcham Clamp, 1905
Find out more about this building here
Christ Church St Laurence
812 George Street, Haymarket
Entry details
The church and parts of the 1905 Church Hall and Rectory. The church will be used for services until 12.30pm
12.30pm–4pm
3.30pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresThere is an accessible door on George Street (to the right of the main entrance). An accessible toilet is available
Toilets availableBaby changing facilities
Photography allowed
