St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne stands as a beacon of spiritual and architectural significance in the heart of the bustling city. This magnificent Anglican cathedral is not just a place of worship but a historical landmark that has witnessed the city's evolution over more than a century. Its towering spires and intricate Gothic Revival design captivate both locals and visitors, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring Melbourne.

The History of St Paul's Cathedral

The roots of St Paul's Cathedral trace back to the site of Melbourne's first public Christian service, held in 1835. Initially, the site served as a corn market before the Anglican Church consecrated the bluestone Church of St Paul the Apostle in 1852. The rapid growth of Melbourne in the late 19th century necessitated a grander structure, leading to the commissioning of the renowned English architect William Butterfield. His distinctive Gothic Revival design laid the foundation for the cathedral we see today.

The foundation stone was laid in 1880, and by 1891, the cathedral was consecrated, albeit without its iconic spires. Disputes between Butterfield and the local church authorities led to Butterfield's resignation, and local architect Joseph Reed completed the building. The spires, which now define the cathedral's skyline, were added later, between 1926 and 1932, based on a design by John Barr, a Sydney architect. The central spire, known as the Moorhouse Spire, reached a height of 312 feet, making it one of the tallest structures in Melbourne at the time.

Architectural Marvel

St Paul's Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Its design features a traditional Latin cross plan with a long nave, side aisles, short transepts, and a central tower. The stonework is a harmonious blend of sandstone from the Barrabool Hills and Waurn Ponds limestone, giving the cathedral a warm, inviting coloration. This contrasts beautifully with the darker Sydney sandstone used for the spires, which were added four decades after the main structure.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, characterized by rich colors and striking contrasts. The stonework inside is constructed from Waurn Ponds limestone with contrasting bluestone stripes. The high altar and reredos are exquisite examples of High Victorian Gothic polychromy, made from Devonshire marble, alabaster, and glittering Venetian glass mosaics. The floor is adorned with encaustic tiles imported from England, featuring intricate patterns that add to the cathedral's grandeur.

Exploring St Paul's Cathedral

Visitors to St Paul's Cathedral can immerse themselves in its serene and majestic atmosphere. The cathedral is not just a place of worship but also a repository of history and art. The pipe organ, commissioned from the prominent English builder T.C. Lewis, is one of the cathedral's highlights. It has been meticulously restored to preserve its rich, melodic tones that resonate through the cathedral during services.

The cathedral also houses two baptismal fonts. The original round font made of Harcourt granite has been part of the cathedral since its inception. In 1912, an immersion font was added in memory of Field Flowers Goe, the third Bishop of Melbourne. Another fascinating feature is the Persian tile on the rear wall of the narthex, a replica of an 8-pointed star found in two churches of the Anglican Diocese of Iran.

Modern Enhancements

In recent decades, St Paul's Cathedral has undergone extensive restoration and enhancement works to preserve its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The constant traffic vibrations in central Melbourne had raised concerns about the cathedral's stability, particularly its spires. A public appeal led by Dean David Richardson raised A$18 million for restoration, which was completed in 2009. The restoration included significant repairs to the spires, the installation of a colored glass lantern in the Moorhouse Tower, and new glass doors at the Great West door.

As part of the restoration, stone heads of former Dean David Richardson and philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch were added to the spires. These were created by Melbourne sculptor Smiley Williams and carved by stonemason Daryl Gilbert. New dalle de verre glass was also created by Janusz and Magda Kuszbicki for the west doors and the Eighth Day lantern in the Moorhouse Tower.

A Living Tradition

St Paul's Cathedral is not just a historical monument; it is a living, breathing part of Melbourne's spiritual life. It maintains the English tradition of daily choral Evensong, making it the only Australian Anglican cathedral to do so. Besides Sunday and weekday Eucharists, the cathedral hosts a variety of events and services that draw people from all walks of life.

In conclusion, St Paul's Cathedral is a testament to Melbourne's rich history and vibrant culture. Its majestic architecture, historical significance, and ongoing role in the community make it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting this dynamic city. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, St Paul's Cathedral offers a unique and enriching experience.