All Saints East St. Kilda

is one of the most significant  and historic parish churches in Melbourne with a history of choral music second only to St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral (see separate page on this site).
The building dates from 1858 making it one of the earliest major church buildings in Melbourne. It is also one of the largest parish churches in the Southern hemisphere with a nave seating 1400. Further details of All Saints' history and traditions is found in their website here
The external view is relatively low key although the building is of substantial bluestone construction - the thick walls providing wonderful insulation in Melbourne's hot summer period.
The original design included a spire which was unfortunately never never completed.
Internally the building is a revelation to any entering for the first time - as these views from the east end of the building show. Note the substantial side aisles providing massive seating capacity. The left hand shot also shows clearly the gas candelabra - a gift from St. George's chapel Windsor UK - All Saints East St. Kilda being originally known as All Saints Windsor.
One of the glories of this church is the striking high altar and reredos
And here are two closer views.
Music has always been an important part of life at All Saints East St. Kilda. A choir of men and boys has been in existence almost since the church inception. The present organ was installed in 1924 and is the work of the English builder Roberts. Brief details of the instrument may be found  here
A recent innovation has been the removal of carpet from portions of the church at the head of the nave. The left hand photograph taken from the south transept clearly shows the result which has enhanced the sound of the choir and organ as well as providing improved facilities for external music events.