Christ the King, North Rocks
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Christ the King is a Roman Catholic Church located in the suburb of North Rocks, Sydney.
| Christ the King | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | North Rocks |
| Country |  Australia |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | https://northrockscatholic.org.au |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | John King |
| Style | Mid-Century Modern |
| Years built | 1973-1974 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Christ the King Catholic Parish |
| Diocese | Parramatta Diocese |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop(s) | Bishop Vincent |
| Priest(s) | Reverend Father Ian McGinnity |
History[edit]
1970s[edit]
The history of the church begins in 1970 when the parish was first established on February 3. The first Mass, just took place five days later on February 8.[1] On May 10, the then Parish Priest, Father Eric Burton started to perform weekday Masses at his residence, the then church presbytery.
In the period from mid 1970 to the end of 1971, negotiations to purchase the land on which the church now stands today were made. Approval was given and the site was obtained a few days before Christmas, 1971.[2]
On August 30 1972, the Parish building program was approved by the authorities of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Due to local orders of religious leaders being unable to help, an approach was made to the Holy Faith Sisters first in Canberra, then in Dublin. The Superior General and her council in Ireland accepted the proposition and sent over two sisters.
Construction of the church began on February 1, 1973, which fell on the Feast of St. Brigid of Ireland.
On August 4, 1974 Cardinal Freeman came to bless and formally open the church to the public. The first Baptisms in the church on August 11 and the first Marriage took place on September 12.
In 1975, Christ the King Primary School was blessed and opened by Bishop Clancy on June 8.
In 1976, land was purchased on 1 Statham Avenue opposite the church which became the new presbytery when Father Burton took up residence there on December 23 that same year.
In 1978, Acolytes were first introduced in the Parish.
On March 13, 1979, the First Ecumenical Service was held in the church.
1980s[edit]
The site at 10 Statham Avenue, the current presbytery was obtained on 1 July 1980.
On September 28, Father Robert Fuller was appointed as First Assistant Priest.
1990s[edit]
In 1994, the first lay principal of Christ the King Primary School, Mr Ted Langford was appointed. Previously, the school principals were priests or other members of the clergy.
Interior[edit]
The interior of the church features a circular pattern, with rows of wooden pews facing the altar arranged in a semi circle. On the right side of the church is the Baptismal Font and on the left side is the Tabernacle. Behind the Tabernacle is a stained glass pattern made from shades of reds, yellows and oranges. The altar is the centrepiece of the church and features a large statue of Jesus on the Cross. The interior of the central part of the church has an outline of a Cross on the ceiling and a stained glass pattern on the windows.
Exterior[edit]
The exterior of the church is quite unique as it differs from the typical 'Cross' layout of a standard church. Christ the King features a roof that comes to a point with windows at the top made of stained glass. Designer John King stated that the roof is designed to replicate the tent that housed the original Tabernacle in the Old Testament.[3]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Christ the King North Rocks Catholic Parish". Christ the King North Rocks Parish. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- ↑ "Parish History". 2003-03-12. Archived from the original on 2003-03-12. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
- ↑ "Our Past in Our Future: Christ the King, North Rocks". Catholic Outlook. 2015-12-03. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
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