‘Praise God
in the heights!’

Our Roof is at Risk!

The Christ Church Roof Restoration Appeal

Christ Church has graced the South Yarra skyline for over 165 years. Whether as a place of quiet prayer, a monument to inspirational art and architecture, a vibrant centre of creativity and thought, or in its service to those in need, Christ Church has always stood as a beacon of warmth and welcome.

Restoring the Historic Church

Christ Church is rightly proud of its history. The challenge now is to ensure this legacy of welcome and service continues for generations to come. Those who have gone before us have given the gift of a beautiful Church. It falls to us now to preserve this sanctuary for those who will follow in our footsteps.

What Needs To Be Done?

Christ Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Melbourne, recognised for its historical, architectural, and aesthetic significance. Like many prominent buildings of its time, the church is crowned with Welsh slate, which set alongside its bluestone walls and sandstone spire results in a building of great dignity and noble aspect.

Yet slate inevitably decays with age and eventually disintegrates. Gaps allow lichen to grow and water to seep inside, both down through the walls and timber. Most of the old slate is now irretrievable, so that the whole roof needs to be removed and completely replaced.

Added to this, much of the flashing and all metal ridge capping needs to be replaced, together with various corroded fixings and some of the gutters and downpipes, especially around the latern light tower above the nave altar. And this work is now urgent, as left untouched, the roof will decay to a point where the entire building becomes unsafe.

How Much Will It Cost?

Early estimates are that replacing the slate alone may cost upwards of $1 million, and additional related repairs up to $250,000 more. Christ Church will need the support of many inside and outside the congregation to help see the task done.

Why Support Christ Church?

This great building reflects enduring values and aspirations, but it is its people that makes it live. Each day Christ Church touches the lives and hearts of many across the Melbourne and evokes a deep sense of affection and belonging. The preciousness of this gift is worth preserving for generations to come.

Our programs serve the needs of a diverse community, including:

Counselling for individuals and families, adults and children.

Food parcels and emergency referrals for people in need.

An active Pastoral Care team visiting the sick and elderly.

Chaplaincy services to nearby hospitals and nursing homes.

Donations for local charities and international relief totalling more than $100,000 in the past 3 years.

How You Can Help Christ Church

By contributing to the Christ Church Restoration Appeal, you can help ensure our important educational, cultural, and community service programs continue long into the future. There are a variety of ways to help!

Make a personal or corporate donation

Organise a fundraising event

Help with advertising and fundraising costs

Sponsoring a specific section of work on the building

Making a Bequest to the Restoration Appeal

Donations to the Appeal are tax-deductible through the National Trust of Australia (Victoria),

The Parish will dig deep into its own resources, but without additional support, we cannot be sure that the fabric of this beautiful and historic church can be maintained.

With only a small endowment and no support from the wider church or government, Christ Church depends on its friends to ensure that its programs can continue to meet constant demands.

Christ Church needs your help so it can continue as a source of inspiration, celebration and care for those in need.