St John the Baptist Church, Reid
Church in Australian Capital Territory, Australia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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St John the Baptist Church is an Australian Anglican church in the Canberra suburb of Reid in the Australian Capital Territory. The church is located at the corner of Anzac Parade and Constitution Avenue, adjacent to the Parliamentary Triangle, and is the oldest surviving public building within Canberra's inner city and the oldest church in the Australian Capital Territory.[1] It has been described as a "sanctuary in the city",[1] remaining a small English village-style church even as Australia's capital grew around it.[2][3] Over time, it became a focal point for Australia's governors-general, politicians, public servants and military leaders,[3] and has hosted royalty on numerous occasions.[4][5]
St John's Anglican Church | |
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Location | Corner of Anzac Parade and Constitution Avenue, Reid, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
Country | Australia |
Denomination | Anglican |
Website | stjohnscanberra |
History | |
Dedication | Saint John the Baptist |
Consecrated | 12 March 1845 (1845-03-12) by William Broughton |
Architecture | |
Architect(s) |
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Style |
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Years built | 1841–1873 |
Specifications | |
Number of spires | 1 (in 1878) |
Materials | |
Bells | 8 (2m., 16 sp. st., 3c., tr.) |
Administration | |
Diocese | Canberra and Goulburn |
Parish | Canberra |
Clergy | |
Rector | Rev'd David McLennan |
Laity | |
Organist/Director of music | Sheila Thompson |
Music group(s) | St John's Choir |
Sacristan | Margaret Rodgers |
The church remains an active place of worship and a Canberra landmark, although it has now been surrounded by offices and residential buildings. The bells of St John's, cast from the same foundry as the National Carillon,[6][7] are audible from Lake Burley Griffin. St John's Care, a local charity, emergency relief and community organisation affiliated with Anglicare,[8] is based in the church precinct, as is the parish's musical group, the St John's Choir.[9] An annual community fair has been held in the church grounds since the 1930s, with participation from local schools, bands and arts organisations.[10] In March 2020, the church celebrated its 175th anniversary since its consecration in 1845.[11]