Building for Our Future:
The Parish and Sacred Music Centre
Since its foundation in 1938, St Paul’s Anglican Church at Manuka has been ‘growing up’ with the national capital. Despite the uncertainties of the 1930s, the Anglican community of South Canberra pursued an ambitious vision to build a church of significance in a community and capital city yet to develop. Their vision for St Paul’s was ambitious and confident. How thrilled those pioneers of St Paul’s would be to have seen St Paul’s develop over the years into not only a vibrant parish church, but also as a venue for royal visits and other occasions of national and diocesan significance!
A proposed home for music, culture and community in Canberra
Architectural concept by AMC Architecture, Illustrative only; the final design may change.
St Paul’s envisages a welcoming Centre where sacred music and community life can flourish together. The proposed redevelopment would replace the ageing parish hall with flexible spaces for learning, rehearsal, performance and gathering.
We are creating a place to share, a place of hospitality. This will be a venue for parishioners, musicians, schools, local business and community organisations. Our vision is a resource that contributes to the cultural life of Canberra and the Australian Church.
– The Revd Dr Ben Edwards, Rector of Manuka
Space for music
Building on St Paul’s choral tradition, the proposed rehearsal and chamber performance space would support music education, tuition and ensemble practice, with opportunities for concerts and musical excellence.
A welcome beyond the parish
A hall, meeting rooms, gallery and kitchen are envisaged for gatherings, workshops and cultural activities. Musicians, schools and local organisations could find new opportunities to learn, perform and connect.
Enriching parish life
Improved accessibility and amenities would support worship, fellowship, education and outreach, while helping the parish nurture its musical heritage and welcome more people into its life.
A lasting community resource
The vision is an accessible Centre serving future generations. Appropriate external use could help sustain its operation alongside its parish, musical and community purposes.
The St Paul’s Manuka Building Fund is a legacy project that will live on for decades to come.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.
To maintain and develop our fine tradition of sacred music, liturgy and our vibrant community life, we need better facilities. The present generation of parishioners and friends of St Paul’s now faces the challenge of further developing our parish site to support the ongoing ministry and mission of the parish.
This first stage will cost around $5 million. We need your financial support to turn this exciting vision into a much-needed reality. This vision will only become a reality through the financial support of parishioners and friends of St Paul’s, which is just how St Paul’s Church was built; through the generous giving of benefactors and the fundraising efforts of parishioners.