Restoration Appeal
In 2025 the First Stage of the Restoration of Christ Church was completed, including rebuilding the bell tower spire, repair of the south transept window, and major plumbing works on the roof. We are now moving forward in planning for Stage Two. Our top priorities include drainage works costing $120,000 and the replacement of the slates on the Nave Roof, which will cost approximately $500,000. There are many other smaller projects that can be funded, as well as a large amount of stonework needing restoration.
Would you like to help? You can do so through contributions to the Christ Church St Kilda National Trust Appeal. Details on how to give online are here. For larger donations, or to discuss particular projects, please speak in confidence to the vicar Fr Craig D'Alton on 0453 152 199 or email cdalton@melbourneanglican.org.au.
South Trancept Windows (Restored)
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New Apex Cross (Restored)
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Bell Tower (Restored)
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What's Next?
1. Roof 2. Doorways 3. Drainage 4. Chancel Decoration
1. Replacement of the Slate Roof
2. Repair of stonework around the Doorways
3. Renew the stormwater drainage
4. Repair of water-damage Chancel
Decoration
Although the first phase of major works has addressed some of the most urgent needs to save the church builfding for the future, our heritage architects estimate that Christ Church requires $2-3 million to address the church exterior, including masonry conservation, slate roofing, and drainage.
Up to $2 million is also required to address interior issues such as water penetration and wall/window works, and a further 300k is needed for landscaping and paving.
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has agreed to conduct this heritage restoration appeal for Christ Church St Kilda. It has classified the building and recognises that it is essential to Victoria's heritage and must be preserved.
Donations to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) are tax deductible.
Restoration campaign
The foundation stone for Christ Church was laid on 29 November 1854. The experimental stone for the church was shipped from Point King near Sorrento.
The Melbourne Herald said the church was “...built with a close-grained sandstone of a warm buff tint, procured from Point Nepean, and, contrary to popular belief, has stood the test of exposure very well; a few bad stones which were accidentally used have been removed; and it is found that the stone possesses the property of hardening by exposure to the atmosphere; no anxiety therefore need be felt as to the lasting quality of the material”.
This has been the subject of debate since. It was said originally that the stone had a life of sixty years. Now, at 160 years old, the current state of the church building shows there is a need for some anxiety.
“As a neighbour, I decided to lead this campaign with the Friends of Christ Church. I wanted to make sure this iconic and unique building is passed on to future generations. This is the oldest public building on our side of the Yarra and we need to ensure its restoration.”
Serge Thomann
Local councillor, and former City of Port Phillip Deputy Mayor