The Church of St James began as a courthouse in the early 1800's. It was consecrated in 1824 and became the second church for the colony of New South Wales. The original church was designed by Francis Greenway and was added too by John Vurge who built the vestries in 1832. Both Greenway and the builders were originally convicts transported to NSW.

Further refurbishment was undertaken between 1892 and 1901 more recently new works were carried out in 1988.

It is claimed the church, which is located at 173 King Street (and bordered by Macquarie and Phillip Streets and opposite the Hyde Park Barracks), is Sydney's oldest surviving church building after St Phillip's church was destroyed by fire. Closest rail station - St James.

The church served the first bishop of Australia for seven years until St Andrews Catherdral was finally built

This church, like the few remaining churches dotted about the city centre, is juxtaposed against the modern multi-story skyscrapers and provides a quiet place of solitude for the weary traveller.

To find out more on the history of the church, including it's organ, bells and archives or to attend a church service please click here