History
Background
Situated above busy Town Hall Railway Station, St Andrew’s Cathedral is in the heart of Sydney. A popular tourist attraction, next to Sydney’s Town Hall, it is also a key evangelical church for overseas and interstate visitors.
The Cathedral is the central gathering place for Diocesan events, being the “seat” of the Archbishop of Sydney. These events draw large numbers of people together from our many parishes. As an example, in 2010, we saw the ordination of 56 deacons and the commissioning of a lay stipendiary worker. Both the Cathedral and the Chapter House were overflowing with supporters giving thanks to God and praying for the ongoing growth of churches everywhere. The Cathedral is also the place for the consecration of our Bishops and Archbishop, special outreach events, and training and teaching conferences.
The wider community of Sydney also enjoy coming to the Cathedral for special occasions. When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last came to Sydney (2006) we held a very special service in her honour to commemorate Commonwealth Day. Many people have seen other special occasions at the Cathedral on television, such as State Funerals.
And yet for all the grand occasions, the Cathedral is also a great place to come for weddings. Many a couple will enjoy sharing their special day at St Andrew’s.
Even in the midst of a busy city, there are times when the Cathedral can be a place to sit quietly and pray and think. There are always people around to talk with about the gospel of the Lord Jesus, and Christian books to purchase from the bookshop.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School has a close association with the Cathedral as well, since it was first established as a school for the Cathedral choir. The Cathedral and the Chapter House are the venues for school assemblies and chapels during the week. The school has grown over the years, but still provides the choristers for the Cathedral choir, which sings during the week, and on Sunday mornings.
The Cathedral continues to be the centre of much of the Christian celebrations in the city throughout the year. At Christmas time especially, thousands of people flock to the Cathedral, to hear again the message of the birth of our Saviour, celebrated in music and song and through the preaching.
Deans and Ministers of the Cathedral
History of Ministers at St Andrew's Cathedral
Mission
The Cathedral Mission is to build the church and reach the city. We work hard to welcome everyone who comes to the Cathedral, especially to our many Christian gatherings on Sundays. In the midst of the city we aim to build a Christian community and help people to establish friendships and grow in their Christian faith together. Our Kathedral Kids programme, our many bible study groups and special events for each ministry all work together to form lasting bonds of Christian fellowship.
The more we grow in Christ together, the more we are able to reach out with the gospel to those around us in the bustling city. We provide training and encouragement for all our members to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus with others. It is our prayer that God would use the people of St Andrew’s Cathedral to transform this city that He loves with the message of His love.
Architecture
St Andrew's Cathedral was consecrated in 1868. The Chapter House was built in 1886. Major restoration work was undertaken in 1999-2000 to bring the Cathedral up to its present state of good order.