Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, built by convicts housed at Hyde Park Barracks, and consecrated in 1824, St James’ King Street has stood witness to nearly all Sydney’s complex colonial history. Much of this history is memorialized by the many plaques adorning its interior walls. In marble and granite, fine words attest to many prominent men. They also commemorate many women, typically in humbler fashion.

In this historical tour led by parish stalwart Michael Horsburgh, we'll discover some of the lives behind these stone messages – so that we may weave their stories around us as we worship.

Join us for a tour around the church, stopping frequently (with pews available for resting), followed by refreshments from 3:30pm in the Crypt. All are most warmly invited to stay on for choral evensong, back in the church, from 4pm.

Dr Michael Horsburgh AM is a former Associate Professor of Social Policy at the University of Sydney and former member of Australia’s Administrative Review Tribunal. He is a lay reader at St James' King Street and a frequent contributor to its preaching and liturgical ministries, as well as to the St James' Institute programme.

Images: Angel of the Passion of Christ. St James’ King Street: Mark McPherson, via Instagram.

Contact the host of Women of the Walls of St James': A Historical Tour