Saturday, May 1, 2010

ST JOHN'S CHURCH

A really nice place for a wander...

St John's Church (consecrated in 1845) is Canberra's first church. The stone church and schoolhouse were built between 1841 and 1845 on land donated by Robert Campbell (1769 - 1846) (bio here) of Duntroon and many Campbells are buried there in grave or crypt.

The church is made of sandstone quarried from Black Mountain and Quarry Hill (Yarralumla here).

Unfortunately the original church tower developed a two-foot lean and was deemed unsafe and dismantled in 1864. The new tower was erected between 1865 and 1870. The spire was added in 1878.

The church is still an active Anglican religious entity and its pipe organ, bells, stained glass windows and other works of art are amazing. The cemetery is full of pioneers of the district and members of well known families. (about 900 burials recorded)

St John the Baptist Church website here
St John's Church online tour here
History here
Wilkipedia article (here)

Cnr Constitution Ave and Anzac Park West, Canberra, Australia, 2612



The church.


Lovely stained glass windows with inscriptions abound.


The vault (you can descend but you will need a torch)


Historical cemetery.


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