Built between 1819 and 1824 by convict labour and designed by former-convict-turned-government -architect Francis Greenway, St James’ Anglican Church is Australia s oldest church. The first service was held on 6th January 1822, when the new colony not yet 50 years old. If the architecture looks a little unusual that’s because it was originally designed to be a courthouse. Macquarie’s grand plans for an expansive public works programme came a bit unstuck when a London report found that it was all too expensive. Some buildings were cancelled or put on hold and the courthouse was converted to a church. The planned prison underneath the building became the crypt. The most striking feature is the 52 metre tall copper steeple. However theft was another problem for Macqurie and when the spire was erected in 1824, the copper sheets were stamped with arrows to deter thieves (a constant problem in a penal colony). St James is still an active church today with regular masses so it is open to the public to walk in. On Wednesdays there are a free lunchtime concerts (donations accepted), starting around 1pm. I happened to wander past around this time and the doors were open so I took a seat up the back and enjoyed the last part of the concert.

Great charm and a quiet grandeur that is very pleasing on the eye, one can imagine early colonists being pleased with their efforts, and rightly so.