First Christian Service in AustraliaPrint Page 
The sandstone Gothic Revival monument was erected in commemoration of the first Christian service held in Australia (3 February 1788). The form is capped cruciform Gothic buttresses with finials and surmounted by a Crucifix. The inscribed trachyte pedestal was laid by Admiral Sir Dudley de Chair, Governor of New South Wales, on 19 March 1925. It stands on a wider trachyte base with steps between corner stones.
The monument has historic significance as a reminder of the location of Sydney`s first Church and the life of Richard Johnson, the first Church of England clergyman in New South Wales.
The monument is situated within Richard Johnson Square which is on the site of the first Church built in Australia, opened on 23 August 1793. The Square was named for the first Anglican clergyman in Australia and pioneer farmer, Richard Johnson. The first Church burnt down on 1 October 1798 and after that services were held temporarily in Sydney`s first brick house, then at the orphan school and finally at St Phillip`s Church from 1809.
An effort is being made to finalise the fund established in Sydney to raise £500 for a memorial to commemorate the first Christian service held in Australia. At a meeting of the committee on Monday night it was reported that the money in hand amounted to £330. It was decided to make an appeal for £200. The memorial will be of trachyte, and will be erected at the intersection, of Hunter, Bligh, and Castlereagh streets, Sydney.
Brisbane Courier (Qld.), 9 July 1924.
Location
| Address: | Bligh & Hunter Streets, Johnson Square, Sydney, 2000 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.866113 Long: 151.209963 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Religion |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 03-February-1788 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 03-February-1788 |
| Designer: | Burcham Clamp & Finch Architects |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Thursday 19th March, 1925 |
|---|
To the glory of God
And in commemoration of the first Christian Service held in Australia
February 3rd 1788
Rev Richard Johnson B A
The Chaplain being the Preacher.
The text of the first Sermon preached in Australia.
"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me". Psalm - CXVI 12
This foundation stone was laid by His Excellency Admiral Sir Dudley R De Chair K.B.E. Governor of New South Wales on the nineteenth day of March 1925
This marks the site of the first Church erected in Australia.
Opened August 25th 1793
Burned down Oct. 1st 1798
Rev Richard Johnson B A Chaplain.
Being the first Minister
