St James’ Church King Street Sydney

The Anglican Parish Church of St James’ is the oldest church building in Sydney. Designed by the convict architect Frances Greenway, it stands directly opposite the Hyde Park Barracks, also designed by Greenway. In the precinct of buildings along Macquarie Street, St James’ is a significant historic and cultural landmark in the city of Sydney and is open every day of the year to visitors. In addition to the daily round of church services, St James’ also regularly hosts concerts and special events, including talks, tours, and seminars.

Areas of particular interest to visitors include the brand new Bicentennial Pipe Organ (2024) designed and built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa – their first Australian instrument, and also the third largest pipe organ in Sydney.

Visitors are encouraged to see the stunning Chapel of the Holy Spirit with its striking walls of stained glass by Melbourne artist David Wright and installed for Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988.

The crypt downstairs contains the unique Children’s Chapel (1929) painted in vibrant colours and highlighted in gold like an illuminated manuscript and painted by the Turramurra Wall Painters.

The walls of the church are lined with monuments and memorials to many significant figures in the life of New South Wales and the nation.