1905

Sydney Morning Herald, 19 May 1905, p6:

Improvements at Christ Church.- Some important alterations have recently been carried out at Christ Church, St Laurence. New clergy and choir vestries of a handsome and imposing design have been erected on the south-eastern side of the church, and the choir vestry is regarded as a distinct improvement on the former arrangements. The fittings are of solid oak and kauri pine, and the apartment is replete with all the necessary adjuncts for the comfort of the choir and organist. Art curtains have been tastefully utilised in connection with the cassock and music presses, and the electric light has been installed. An excellent piano has been thoughtfully provided for the use of the organist (Mr William Biggs) in the training of choristers. The massive cedar roof is carried out in open Gothic style. The ornamental corbels setting off the arches of the groined roof are carved in stone, and bear the initials of the present and former rectors of Christ Church namely, Canon Walsh, Canon Vidal, the Rev C F Garnsey, the Rev Gerard Trower (Bishop of Likoma), and the Rev F J Albery (the present rector). The same treatment has been followed in the case of the vestry devoted to the use of the clergy, the initials of the four bishops who have held office in the diocese of Sydney being set in relief on the corbels. A feature of this apartment is a handsomely-fitted vestment press in carved oak, the work having been specially executed according to the rector's own design. The stained glass windows are richly dight, and bear appropriate Biblical texts. The vestries came into use for the first time on Easter Eve, and are excellent types of ecclesiastical architecture. The erection of the new rectory and church schools is being actively proceeded with, and when these works are finished Christ Church will be one of the most complete and up-to-date of our city churches.

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