St James Church

Welcome to St James Church, King Street Sydney

St James’ Church, King Street, is a historic Anglican church located in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales. Situated at 173 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000, the church has been a significant place of Christian worship, community life, music, education and reflection for more than two centuries. St James’ was consecrated in 1824 and is recognised by the church as the oldest existing church building in the City of Sydney.

Today, St James’ King Street continues its long tradition of worship and service while welcoming people from Sydney, Australia and around the world. Its central city location makes it a distinctive destination for regular worshippers, visitors, workers, students, tourists and people seeking a quiet place for prayer and reflection.

A Historic Sydney Landmark

St James’ Church has an important place in Sydney’s architectural and religious history. The church was part of the major construction programme initiated during the governorship of Lachlan Macquarie and was designed by the convict architect Francis Greenway. It stands within the historic Macquarie Street precinct, opposite the Hyde Park Barracks.

Consecrated in 1824, St James’ has witnessed generations of Sydney's development. Its history includes connections with important figures and institutions in the early colony, and it has continued to serve the city as Sydney has grown into a major international centre.

The church building itself remains an important part of the visitor experience. Historic monuments and memorials, architectural details, stained glass and distinctive worship spaces provide visitors with opportunities to appreciate both its heritage and continuing role as a working church.

Anglican Worship and Church Services

St James’ is a classically Anglican church within the Diocese of Sydney. Its worship draws from the rich liturgical tradition of Anglicanism, including services such as Morning and Evening Prayer, Matins, Evensong and Holy Communion or Eucharist.

Regular services provide opportunities for worship throughout the week and on Sundays. The church also offers online services for people who cannot attend in person, extending its worship and community connections beyond the physical church building.

The parish describes its mission as being a faithful and inclusive Anglican community in the heart of Sydney that proclaims Jesus Christ, grows in the Holy Spirit and shares God’s gracious love with all.

An Open and Welcoming Community

St James’ King Street places an emphasis on welcoming people into its community. The church states that it welcomes everyone regardless of social standing, sexuality, race, gender identity or religion, while respecting both its Christian heritage and the traditions of the First Peoples of the land.

This approach allows St James’ to serve a diverse city community. People may visit for regular worship, special services, music, educational programmes, cultural events, private prayer or simply to experience an important part of Sydney's history.

The church is open daily for visitors and private prayer, making it a place of peace and reflection within the busy Sydney CBD.

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

St James’ has a long tradition of marking significant moments in people's lives. The church has hosted baptisms, marriages and funerals since the nineteenth century and continues to provide services associated with important Christian milestones.

These services provide opportunities for families and communities to gather, celebrate significant occasions and seek comfort and support during times of loss. People interested in arranging a service can contact the parish to discuss requirements and availability.

Music, Choir and Choral Tradition

Music is an important part of life at St James’ King Street. The church hosts regular choral services and concerts and maintains a strong connection with Sydney's wider musical community.

The church's music programme includes professional musicians, organ recitals, choral worship and special concerts. St James’ Singers, the church's volunteer choir, was founded in 2010 and regularly contributes to the parish's services. The ensemble also participates in regional tours and collaborations with other choirs.

One of the major recent additions to the church is its Bicentennial Pipe Organ. Installed in 2024 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the church's consecration, the instrument was built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa. It is regularly used for services, recitals and special events.

Concerts and Cultural Events

St James’ is more than a place of regular worship. Its historic surroundings and music tradition make it a venue for cultural events, including lunchtime concerts, organ performances, talks and special programmes.

The church's current programme includes regular concerts and choral events alongside worship services. These activities help connect the church with the broader cultural life of Sydney and give visitors another opportunity to experience the historic building.

St James’ Institute

Education, discussion and exploration are also part of the wider St James’ community through the St James’ Institute. The Institute describes itself as a community exploring faith, spirituality and matters of concern to the parish, the city and the wider church.

The Institute was established in 2007, building on a spirituality centre founded by St James’ Church in 1989. Its programme includes educational events, discussions, tours and opportunities for dialogue around Christian faith, spirituality and wider social and cultural questions.

Community Outreach and Pastoral Care

St James’ has a long-standing ministry to people who live and work in central Sydney. Its parish ministry extends to people working in nearby law courts, Parliament, government departments, Sydney Hospital, corporate offices and local businesses.

The parish also undertakes welfare support for homeless and disadvantaged people, pastoral care, spirituality programmes and educational activities. Its outreach extends beyond people who attend Sunday services, reflecting its broader role within the Sydney community.

St James’ has also offered counselling services as part of its outreach ministry. The parish has described this service as socially inclusive and non-faith based, with professional counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches available for individuals, couples and families.

A Place for Visitors and Reflection

For visitors to Sydney, St James’ offers the opportunity to experience one of the city's historic working churches. Its location near Hyde Park and other significant heritage attractions makes it an accessible stop for people exploring central Sydney.

Visitors can appreciate the church's architecture, monuments, stained glass, chapel spaces, historic surroundings and musical heritage. The NSW Government also highlights the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, the Children's Chapel in the crypt and the church's historic memorials as notable features.

Whether someone arrives for worship, sightseeing, a concert, a special event or quiet personal reflection, St James’ continues to combine its historic identity with an active contemporary role.

A Continuing Presence in Sydney

Few Sydney institutions combine heritage, worship, music, education and community outreach in the same setting. Since its consecration in 1824, St James’ has remained connected to the changing life of the city.

Its role today reflects both continuity and development. Traditional Anglican worship continues alongside online services, contemporary educational programmes, concerts, community initiatives and opportunities for visitors. The result is a church that remains part of Sydney's historic landscape while continuing to engage with modern city life.

Visit St James’ King Street

St James’ Church is located at 173 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000, in the Sydney CBD. The church is open daily for visitors and private prayer, while worship services, concerts, educational programmes and other events take place throughout the year.

People interested in worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals, pastoral support, events, music or other parish activities can contact St James’ directly for current information.

For visitors exploring Sydney, local residents seeking a welcoming Anglican community, or people interested in the city's heritage and cultural life, St James’ King Street remains a distinctive and historic destination in the centre of Sydney.