Sunday 20 May 2012

ST AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH, CITY

St Augustine's Catholic Church was built in 1869 - 1870 in the Victorian period in the Neo-Gothic style. It is situated at 631-651 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD. The church is set back approximately 20 metres from Bourke Street frontage constructed in decorated Gothic style of axed bluestone with sandstone dressings. The entrance has Malmsbury stone and is surmounted by a crocketed gable. The exterior has the appearance of a triple nave with the gabled roofs of the aisles and nave springing from the same level. The tower with caps and finials in cut bluestone is the most prominent feature of the Bourke Street.

In the interior, the central nave is separated by the aisles with cast iron columns with moulded ribs and the arched cast iron spandrels are filled with ornamental scroll patterns. Above these spandrels an open ivy pattern frieze extends the entire length of the nave on either side. The timber ceiling and closely spaced timber trusses are varnished. The windows include stained glass. I must make an effort to visit this church later int he day when it is open and photograph the interior.

This post is part of the Psalm Sunday meme hosted by Robert and Louis,
and also part of the Spiritual Sunday meme

Here is the beautiful "Agnus Dei" sung by Andreas Scholl, from J.S. Bach's Mass in B minor, BWV 232.

8 comments:

  1. I so love the contrast of the old church and the new building. Thanks for sharing!

    Kim,USA

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  2. What a beautiful setting for this old church! Love the contrast of old and new!

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  3. I so enjoy your musical selections.

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  4. Love this church architecture.

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  5. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. I think music written in the minor keys are especially beautiful.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  6. Two kinds of speed, nearly two kinds of a universe - wonderful to see the church being framed by modern life. Thank you for this great image and joy of music as well. Please have a good start into the new week.

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  7. That is a quaint and lovely little church in the midst of the big city. The music is beautiful (of course)...

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  8. I find black buildings so interesting. This one is a beauty. My favourite so far is in Brighton, England.

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I love to hear from you, so please comment. I appreciate constructive criticism as it improves my skills as an amateur photographer.