Located in the inner south of Sydney, Sydenham was a heavily industrialised suburb, with a traditional working class, and ethnically diverse population.Then, when the controversial third runway was built at Sydney airport in 1992-94, just 2 kms distant, Sydenham, straight under the flight path, was dramatically affected.
152 houses were bought by the federal government, demolished, and turned into a park.
This church, known as the Tempe Park Methodist Church replaced a nearby older, smaller church in 1902. In 1968, following a petition to the Papal See in Cairo, the first Coptic Orthodox priest, Father Nematalla, arrived in Sydney and, with funds contributed by his congregation, purchased this church. It was reconsecrated as St Mary and St Mina's Coptic Orthodox Church, the first Coptic Church in Australia and the first owned by Coptic migrants outside of Egypt.
St Mary and St Mina's Coptic Orthodox Church was part of the aircraft-noise-affected land acquired by the Federal Government and given to Marrickville Council for community use. The heritage-listed building was not demolished but is no longer used as a church. Its future use is still to be determined.
The Coptic church was relocated at federal government cost in Bexley.
To find out more about Sydenham, click here.
Quite a history.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the story and the good picture.
I used to pray at this amazing church why does it look the way it does please fix it for our children to go back and see our first church opened by an amazing man who gave everything for his people and his faith
ReplyDeleteVisit our website http://www.achcs.com.au/ to help stop the demolition due to start Jan 2016
Deletegreat information! Thankyou. If anyone knows what more about this church please let me know?
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the church has been left neglected like this. Shame.
ReplyDeleteI've just found out via Marrickville council this church is being demolished! DA201500494
ReplyDeleteI have just found out that it is being demolished!! Such a shame, there aren't very many heritage buildings let around here DA201500494
ReplyDeleteCouncil neglected it. And now they are saying they can demolish it because it is so neglected. Demolition by neglect. Visit our website http://www.achcs.com.au/ to help stop the demolition due to start Jan 2016. This relic needs to be and by Gods grace will be restored.
DeleteMarrickville Council is looking for people that have memories of the place.
ReplyDeleteIt would cost more than 5 million dollars to fix the building and make it safe but nobody is willing to use it because of the noise.
Please go to their page and share your memories. I think they are going to erect something in honour.
Dispicable! That building is priceless. There is an art gallery across the road functioning fine. We are willing and have been fighting for it but have been told its still being demolished. When we asked for council to substantiated that amount they said it was an estimate. Not a detailed quote. We could fix it in a fith of that. Council neglected it. It was their role to maintain it. Visit our website http://www.achcs.com.au/ to help stop the demolition due to start Jan 2016. This relic needs and by Gods grace will be restored.
DeleteThis church is set to be demolished in January 2016 by Marrickville Council. It was responsibility of Marrickville Council to maintain the church however they failed to do so and totally neglected it. And now they are saying because "it has been neglected we have no choice but to demolish it". The Australian Coptic Heritage and community services organisation has been formed and is attempting to save the building. If you would like to help or have any ideas or comments please look them up on Facebook or their web page. Built in 1886 historical icon needs to be saved. It is the Australian coptic heritage and a disgrace that Council has failed us.
ReplyDeletethat fence was created and made by Fikry Maks
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I have always loved that fence. It is so unique. God bless him.
ReplyDelete