Former St Peter's Church of England Group Including Former Church Hall and Small

Item details

Name of item: Former St Peter's Church of England Group Including Former Church Hall and Small
Type of item: Built
Group/Collection: Religion
Category: Church
Primary address: 159-163 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Local govt. area: Sydney
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
159-163 Bourke StreetDarlinghurstSydney  Primary Address
159-163 Forbes StreetDarlinghurstSydney  Alternate Address

Statement of significance:

A fascinating example of polychromatic patterned brickwork incorporated in a quaint Victorian Villa. The essentially Gothic style is appropriate for its use as a rectory and its siting affords a pleasant aspect to the streetscape.

The site of the former St Peter's Church Group is associated with acquisition of land and establishment of the Church within the devleoping suburbs of Woolloomooloo and East Sydney and the role of the Church within the community as its locality devleoped from a fringe suburb to an inner suburb of Sydney The outreach into the community in relation to its Christian religious movements ensured that the church was an important community and social focus for the surroudning area. Despite deconsecration of the Church in 1993, the site and buildings retain the ability to display the gradual devleopment of a suburban Christan mission.

The former St Peter's Church Group manifests a variety of building styles and elements within the site, which together contribute to the visual and aesthetic character of the area. The architectural quality of the Gothic Revival sandstone Church (former) is aesthetically distinctive and the existing masonry building forms are improtant components in the Victorian architetural streetscape of Bourke Street. In particular, several windows are of extremely high significance and together are important in the history of stained glass in Sydney and also provide evidence of association with several historical persons of note. Several significant historical and contemporary figures have been associated with the former St Peter's Church Group both in relation to the religious institution and also the site as a community arts facility.

The qualitites of the architecture are enhanced by the open space setting for The Great Hall (former Church) within a densely built up inner area of the city. This setting represents the historical aspirations that the Church not be hemmed in by surrounding development and demonstrates the evolution of the St Peter's site towards achieving this goal. It includes a significant planting of Phoneix Date Palms (Phoenix reclinata) palms to the east of The Great Hall and two Chinese Elms (Ulmus parvifolia) in te open space setting to its west. The Great Hall in its setting is a landmark for the area; historically, architecurally and socially. It is assessed as having exceptional state significance and is the most important element of the former St Peter's Church Group and site. The Playhouse as the second most important element is assessed as having high local significance and the Small Store is also assessed as having high local significance. In addition, the site is anticipated to have low to moderate archaeological potential to contain archaeological resources of local heritage signfiicance relating to the former residential properties on the corner of Forbes and St Peter's Streets.

(Information sourced from Tanner Architects, "Addendum to Conservation Plan" )

The site demonstrates growth and development of the church as a community focus and its relationship to the surrounding suburban area. Its very establishment shows the vigorous role played by the church people of England during the middle and late 1800's. Many prominent people were associated with the church throughout its history and there is substantial documentation of its involvement with the community as it grew and changed.

The church and hall are good examples of Victorian Ecclesiastical architecture and some of the detailing, for example the stained glass windows, are improtant early examples of Australian craftsmanship. The houses are typical, but not rare, examples of early terrace housing. The open spaces provide an important setting for the church.

The former hall is of high cultural signfiicance for its association with site development by the Church. The building was designed by Benjamin Backhouse and built in 1873. It has been associated with the ancillary activities of the Church since 1873 and continues to provide support facilities for SCEGGS in its new role as the Playhouse.
Date significance updated: 28 Jun 01
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Construction years: 1866-1873
Physical description: Former St Peters Church of England group includes:

Two storey sandstone Victorian Gothic style Church. Essentially early English Gothic Revival Church. Constructed of picked sandstone with slate roof of three gables and consisting of a nave with two aisles, vestry and chancel. The timber columns to the nave are treated as stone while the interior contains simple timber fittings and attractive strained glass windows. East window is of particular historical significance.

Single storey sandstone Victorian Gothic style storey Hall (No 159 Forbes Street), c. 1870. A simple brick hall on sandstone base, the Playhouse is an example of Victorian Ecclesiastic Architecture in the English tradition. The building has an established relationship with The Great Hall and has capacity to be a major single volume space. The staged nature of its construction is evident on the exterior, with varying treatments to the sandstone base course, different size windows and a change in the structural grid.

The exterior of the Hall appears as a single storey building. The building is face brick on a stone base and has simple timber framed windows in arch headed openings.

Internally , the upper hall originally formed one large space however is now divided into foyer, control room and performance area. The lower hall retains the form of two principal spaces, each being quite separate by virtue of the solid stone walls.

The building was subject to conservation works and refurbished for use as a performance space in 1998. It has been assessed to be in good condition.

Small Store - Small brick building with gabled roof exhibits minimal detailing, with sandstone accents to the parapet and arched openings to Forbes Street to ensure a well presented street elevation. Circular windows in the gable ends are also present. The rear and side elevations are constructed in plain brickwork, reflecting a common practice for facades that were not intended to be visually exposed. A temporary amenity building is currently attached to the west façade.

Front Boundary Fence: The entry garden is defined by its boundaries by the original sandstone base, with sandstone pillars to each side of the entry retaining the original war memorial plaques. The steel fence appears to replace an earlier one.

Fencing (Forbes & St Peter’s Streets): The original fence has been replaced with chain wire fencing. This fencing is of a temporary nature and detracts from the presentation of the site. The sandstone base along St Peter’s Street remains evident below the fencing and is of exceptional significance as an early component of the site.

Front entry garden: This land was formerly occupied by terrace houses that were demolished in the early twentieth century. The acquisition of the land fronting Bourke Street was a critical goal of the Church to secure a level of presentation for the property befitting both its function and appearance. As such, the retention of the area as landscaped open space is of high significance for representing the achievement of this goal and enhancing visual access to the western façade. Two Chinese Elm trees are situated to either side of the central entry path and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the space. These elements are of high significance in themselves and are the only remaining planted trees to the west of the former Church. The poplars dating back to construction of the entry have been removed since 1993 owing to their age and poor condition. Self-sown vegetation I this area is assessed to be of neutral significance.

(Information sourced from Tanner Architects, "Former St Peter's Church and Site Addendum to Conservation Plan")
Physical condition and/or
Archaeological potential:
The Great Hall (former Church) has been assessed to be in good condition subsequent to conservation works undertaken between 1994 and 1996.

The hall building is in fair condition structurally, a detailed assessment is difficult because of the level of fitout for use as theatre and coffee shop, these would be easily removable and the structure under should be in fair condition.

Small Store: this building has not been subject to conservation works and is in fair to poor conditions. Urgent works required including repointing of brickwork and repairs to sandstone capping, in addition to removal of the amenity building.
Date condition updated:28 Oct 08
Modifications and dates: Church: Vestry Addition constructed between 1871-83

Hall: Rear half of hall - 1873; Front half of hall - post 1873
Further information: Heritage Inventory sheets are often not comprehensive, and should be regarded as a general guide only. Inventory sheets are based on information available, and often do not include the social history of sites and buildings. Inventory sheets are constantly updated by the City as further information becomes available. An inventory sheet with little information may simply indicate that there has been no building work done to the item recently: it does not mean that items are not significant. Further research is always recommended as part of preparation of development proposals for heritage items, and is necessary in preparation of Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation Management Plans, so that the significance of heritage items can be fully assessed prior to submitting development applications.

History

Historical notes: The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters.

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney.

(Information sourced from Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani )

The subject land was part of a grant to Edward Deas Thomson recorded in January 1835. Deas Thomson built Barham Hall in the early 1840's and this grand house still survives in the SCEGGS grounds. Much of the grant was subdivided and sold in the late 1840's and early 1850's. The terrace houses at 161-163 Forbes Street and 6 St Peters Street are thought to have been constructed around 1854.

St Peters church was built in 1866-67 on Lots 18-21. The adjoining lots 22-24 were purchased in 1869 while the remaining lots 25-26 Forbes Street were bought in 1870, these lots already had houses on them. The church hall fronting Forbes Street was built in 1873 and it is thought that the adjacent "small store" was built at the same time.

The church had been keen to purchase land to the west fronting Bourke Street because the main entry was at the western end of the building. It was owned by a Mrs Burdekin who refused to sell it to the church and in 1869 built five terrace houses along this frontage. It was not until 1924 that the church was able to purchase these properties, which were then demolished to create an entry and forecourt area for St Peters. The rear lane to these terraces was also purchases by the church from the City Council.

The period from 1925 to the present saw a decline in both congregations and finances. Little maintenance work was carried out and parts of the property were leased to other activities from time to time. In 1986 St Peters became a branch of St Johns Darlinghurst and was finally closed in March 1993 because it was no longer viable. It was sold to SCEGGS in September 1993.

(Information sourced from Devine Erby Mazlin Australia Pty Ltd, "Statement of Environmental Effects")

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship The Church-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance]
St Peter's Church, the associated buildings and grounds document the development of an inner city parish and its outreach into the community and the growth of the church associated with the growth of the surrounding community.

The church has documentation of its long association with the community through philanthropic, bereavement and war memorials in the form of stone and timber memorials, stained glass windows and functional items within the church.

The site has historical significance as part of the original and extensive grant of land to Edward Deas Thomson by Governor Ralph Darling in the 1830s. While this land has been extensively subdivided into smaller lots, commencing from the 1840s, the current St Peter's site is formed by the consolidation of nine lots from the second period of subdivision of Deas Thomson's land plus the lane and land to Bourke Street. The consolidation of the land has historical significance as evidence of the growth of the church and its aspirations for suitable presentation.

Adaptation of the former St Peter's Church (The Great Hall) and Church Hall (Playhouse) by SCEGGS to function and performance spaces has reinstated the historical association that commenced in 1935 of the site with performance and theatre.

Fencing (Forbes & St Peter’s Streets): The sandstone base along St Peter’s Street remains evident below the fencing and is of exceptional significance as an early component of the site.

Front entry garden: This land was formerly occupied by terrace houses that were demolished in the early twentieth century. The acquisition of the land fronting Bourke Street was a critical goal of the Church to secure a level of presentation for the property befitting both its function and appearance. As such, the retention of the area as landscaped open space is of high significance for representing the achievement of this goal and enhancing visual access to the western façade. Two Chinese Elm trees are situated to either side of the central entry path and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the space. These elements are of high significance in themselves and are the only remaining planted trees to the west of the former Church.
SHR Criteria b)
[Associative significance]
The association of the church with prominent people in the general community throughout its history - Charles Kemp, early owner of the Sydney Morning Herald; Henry Connell, Assistant Commissioner General; Lebbeus Hordern, a member of the congregation and the retailing family; Patrick White, playwright and author.

The foundation stone for St Peter's Church was laid by the then Governor of NSW Sir John Young on 1 May 1866 and the building was consecrated on 25 July 1867 by the Bishop of Sydney, Mr Barker.
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance]
The site clearly demonstrates development of the mid to late 19th century in an area that was on the then edge of the city, and the buildings and their setting are still evocative of that period.

The church and hall are excellent examples of Victorian Ecclesiastical Architecture in the English tradition, the church in particular having strong references to the Old Colonial Gothick Picturesque style.

Many of the stained glass windows in the church are important early Australian examples of this form of craftsmanship, and represent important craftsmen and manufacturers as well as stylistic influences. In particular the Lebbeus Hordern and Charles Kemp windows are noted examples.

The open spaces in which the church is set are important to maintain the setting and the views of the church from the surrounding area.

The Great Hall, Playhouse and Store are aesthetically significant for their contribution to the nineteenth century character of the streetscapes in the East Sydney / Darlinghurst Conservation Area. The presentation of the former Church to Bourke Street has landmark qualities.
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance]
The establishment of St Peters is demonstrative of the vigorous role of the Church of England saw itself taking in protecting its ascendancy in New South Wales in response to a local threat to its hegemony.

The church's attitude to property over time is clearly demonstrated, as the houses were originally acquired to extend the property, one was demolished for the hall and the other three were scheduled to be demolished for the rectory, but were kept as a source of income for the short term.

The church was long associated with outreach ino the community, having established a number of mission halls in the surrounding area, sponsored a visiting program to various health institutions, and established itself as a centre for inner city mission.

Church properties and schools generally have a strong level of social significance as community facilities. The site, in particular The Great Hall, is likely to retain some social significance for its use between 1867 and 1993 as a place of worship. This significance is retained to a degree in the acquisition of the property by SCEGGS Darlinghurst, who are known to use the former Church for Easter and Christmas services. Social significance is also imparted by the use of the site by an educational institution.

Contemporary community esteem is demonstrated by the inclusion of the property and particular elements on various heritage registers, including the State Heritage Register (St Peter's Church and Precinct), the Register of the National Estate (former St Peter's Church), the Register of the National Trust (NSW) (St Peter's Church).

The Great Hall has contemporary social significance as a landmark to the local community. The property retains the landmark status that was established from its inception and enhanced substantially by acquisition of the land fronting Bourke Street in the early 20th century.

The Great Hall and Playhouse in particular are significant in their adaptation as performance space for use by SCEGGS Darlinghurst and continued operation as a facility available for public use.
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential]
The site has the potential to contain remains representative of the urbanisation of Sydney during the second half of the nineteenth century. The excavation, recording, analysis and interpretation of these remains have the potential to illuminate areas of research associated with the current research questions in archaeology, the process and effects of urbanisation, the socio-economic standards of living in working class areas, the nature of urban life in Sydney, the role of gender, ethnicity and consumerism in the construction and representation of social and cultural identities. All these can be examined through the analysis and interpretation of the material culture which may be found on this site.
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity]
A number of stained glass windows in the church are unique. The Great Hall is the only known work of O.H Lewis, son of former Government Architect Mortimer Lewis.
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness]
The site and church group is representative of the role, place and establishment of the church in an inner suburban community.

The site demonstrates the approach taken by religious groups in establishing and developing new missions in the suburbs of Sydney.

Potential archaeological features extant beneath the ground surface may be considered as representative of the period of suburbanisation in the area between 1840 and 1860 and also the 20th century. The former terraces on Forbes and St Peter's Streets were considered to be typical examples of their kind, several good examples of which are retained intact in the vicinity of the site. Such examples are listed on Schedule 2 of the South Sydney LEP 1998 (eg. Belgrave Terrace c1850 at 238-252 Forbes Street and the two storey mid Victorian terrace house group at 176-188 Bourke Street).
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

The building should be retained and conserved. A Heritage Assessment and Heritage Impact Statement, or a Conservation Management Plan, should be prepared for the building prior to any major works being undertaken. There shall be no vertical additions to the building and no alterations to the façade of the building other than to reinstate original features. The principal room layout and planning configuration as well as significant internal original features including ceilings, cornices, joinery, flooring and fireplaces should be retained and conserved. Any additions and alterations should be confined to the rear in areas of less significance, should not be visibly prominent and shall be in accordance with the relevant planning controls.

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Local Environmental PlanSydney Local Environmental Plan 2012I30014 Dec 12   
Heritage study     

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenAnita Heiss Aboriginal People and Place, Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City
WrittenDevine Erby Mazlin Planning & Urban Design1993Conservation Plan for St Peter's Church Site, East Sydney
WrittenTanner Architects2004Former St Peter's Church and Site - Addendum to Conservation Plan

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Local Government
Database number: 2420326


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