Tour of the Anglican Parish of Jika Jika, part 2

St George's, Reservoir, is the second large church in the Parish of Jika Jika.  The parish was founded in 1917, although land for the purposes of establishing an Anglican church in the area was donated by Mr Thomas Dyer Edwardes some thirty years previously.  Dyer Edwardes was also a benefactor of St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, where he donated the bells and the organ.

The present church was built in 1963-64, and dedicated as a memorial to those fallen in the two world wars.  The building is remarkable: clean lines with ample natural light make it a very noteworthy space.  The architects were Mockridge, Stahle and Mitchell, a local firm that was leading the way with innovative modern church designs during the 1950s, '60s and 70s (you can find a list of their work in the period here).  The shape at St George's is a large square, oriented along a diagonal line -- the sanctuary and baptistery are built into the north-eastern and south-western corners.  It's a very well thought out design for a contemporary liturgical space.  I think the best part of the building is the 7' line of coloured glass that tops the walls: the light in the building changes as the sun moves around, which brings a stunning effect.  The pictures of the interior show the building in twilight and daylight, and the effect of light in the glass.

[St George's, Reservoir, from the street]

[St George's, Reservoir, interior facing east]

[St George's, Reservoir, interior facing west]

 
[St George's, Reservoir, organ]

[St George's, Reservoir, organ console]

The organ was built in the 1950s by Charles Dirksen (Brisbane) for a church in Blackburn (Victoria).  By the time St George's was built, the original owners of the instrument had decided to dispose of it, and so it came to Reservoir.

The instrument consists of two extended ranks, these being a diapason and a flute.  The extensions on both manuals are identical, although the rank producing the upper work above 4' is different on each manual.  The specification is as follows:

Manuals: 16', 8', 8', 4', 4', 2 2/3', 2, 1'.

Pedal: 16', 8', 8', 5 1/3', 4', 4'.

The most surprising aspect of this instrument is its clarity, aided by a very generous acoustic.

[St George's, Reservoir, interior facing east]

[St George's, Reservoir, glass above the baptistery in morning light]

There are two carvings that catch the eye, one of the Annunciation (see below), and another frieze containing a set of stations of the cross.

[St George's, Reservoir, Annunciation carving]