Design 5 – Architects

Design 5 – Architects

Interior of St James Church on King Street, ca. 1930s. Image from National Library of Australia. (Call Number: PIC/15611/15900 LOC Cold store PIC/15611 Fairfax archive of glass plate negatives)
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5
© Design 5

St James’ Church Pipe Organ Near Completion

4 July 2024

St James’ Church is one of the oldest surviving Anglican churches in Sydney. The building was originally designed by Francis Greenway and consecrated in 1824. Since then it has been in continuous use and seen many alterations; most notably under the direction of John Verge (1834) and Varney Parks (1894). Design 5 – Architects were engaged by the Trustees of St James Church in 2018 to provide architectural and heritage-conservation services. The project included the installation of a new organ, upgrades to the acoustics and lighting, and the design of new joinery in keeping with the architecture. Dobson Pipe Organ Builders from Iowa, America, designed and installed the new organ. Sydney builders AJ Bristow and Sons completed the base building works.

The construction works began in early January 2023, and after a long journey, the project is soon to be completed. To celebrate this achievement, St. James’ Church is hosting an international organ festival, and the public is warmly invited to attend. Here are the dates:

  • Friday, 26th July, 7 PM – James O’Donnell (USA)
  • Saturday, 3rd August, 5 PM – Marko Server (Sydney)
  • Sunday, 1st September, 5:30 PM – “The First Hurrah”: A celebration featuring former St. James’ Organists
  • Saturday, 16th November, 5 PM – Sarah Kim (France)

Please join us in celebrating this milestone!