The Garrison Church

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On the morning of Tuesday, 23rd of June 1840, The First Bishop of Australia, William Grant Broughton spoke; "I lay this foundation and cornerstone of the church to be built in this place, to be named the Church of the Holy Trinity."


Hence the spot was declared to be what is now popularly known as the Garrison Church . It stands in the corner of Lower Fort Street and Argyle Place in one of the most enriched historic area at The Rocks. The stone used to build the Church was quarried in its immediate surroundings.


On September the 10th 1843, the first baptism was performed and the first marriage took place on the 23rd of October of the same year. It was estimated that the Church would house 250 adults and 50 children, although it would comfortably accomodate 600 congregation. Bishop Broughton appointed Reverend John Couch Grylls as then Rector of the new parish.

The Church was officially known as The Church of Holy Trinity but had been popular among the numerous regiments in the nearby Garrison, hence re-named as . It has been said that the oldest document held in the Church is a letter dated March 17th 1832 advising Archdeacon Broughton that the allotment at the north end of Princess Street was intended for a school. Fourteen years later, a new school was built next to the Church. It is to note that the first Prime Minister of Australia, Edmund Barton was one of the pupils.

As I entered the Church, I could not help but feel the calmness that embodied within me. The Serenity of the place is Holy. I can almost imagine myself attending the service surrounded by the regiment from the nearby Garrison in their array of colourful uniforms. Black on grey, white on blue, red on white with trimmings of gold, standing tall, and ready to accept God's word.


The wall of the Church is adorn with plaque, banner, flags and memorabilia's encased in glass.


The sandstone that built the Church almost speaks by itself. Enough to entice me to return and learn the history of each object embedded in it.


This building and other building of historic beauty is not just built on skills alone. The concentration, utter hard work and determination are also placed within.

Love, loyalty, integrity, determination, honesty, and respect are a few of the qualities to build a Church and earn an outstanding place in our history.

So why don't you head to The Rocks, visit the historic Garrison Church, admire the architecture of the building, feel its holy spirits, reflect, and nurture your soul along the way?

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