St James’ King Street Church
The oldest church building in Sydney, containing beautiful stained-glass windows, painted murals and marble memorials
12.30pm–4pm
About the building
In 2024, St James’ King Street – the oldest church building in Sydney – celebrated 200 years since consecration. The lively and active Anglican parish is famed for its liturgy and music, including the Choir of St James’ and a regular series of concerts.
Governor Macquarie originally commissioned convict architect Francis Greenway to design the building as a courthouse, until newly arrived Commissioner John Bigge insisted it be converted to a church in 1820. The building was constructed by convict labour and completed in 1824. The prominent steeple on the western end was then a ridge-top landmark, guiding ships safely into harbour.
The brick-and-sandstone Georgian building features many fine elements, both original and added. There is a rare collection of 19th-century marble memorials to significant figures in the life of NSW and Australia. The children’s chapel in the crypt is considered one of Sydney’s hidden gems. Its walls and low barrel-vaulted ceiling are decorated with murals painted by the Turramurra Wall Painters Union and highlighted in gold like an illuminated manuscript.
The church also features unique stained-glass windows, including a glass fanlight by artist Norman Carter from 1930, and a large commission in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit by artist David Wright for Australia’s bicentenary in 1988. The brand-new Bicentennial Pipe Organ, installed in 2024, was designed and built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa.
Sydney Open visitors are welcome to join the morning services at 8am, 9.30am and 11am as the church celebrates All Saints’ Day. In the afternoon there will be a demonstration of the pipe organ and a rehearsal of the choir for its 6.30pm performance of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem for All Souls’ Day.
St James’ King Street Church
173 King Street, Sydney
Entry details
The church, crypt and chapels
12.30pm–4pm
3.30pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresThere is lift access to the main body of the church, but stair access only to the gallery. Accessible toilets are available
Toilets availableBaby changing facilities
Photography allowedNo photography during church services
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