Inside the church looking at the colourful altar and stained glass windows on the wall behind
Outside of the church in daylight, featuring pepper pot shaped tower
Small group of people all gazing at stained glass windows
Two happy faces, volunteers in the church, with the 2026 paschal candle
One person plays a grand piano, one plays a bass guitar, and there is pipe organ behind them

Holy Trinity Balaclava and Elwood

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Architect/Designer: Reed and Barnes 1883

Description

Illuminated with natural light from all sides, Holy Trinity is a shared space built by local people, opened in 1883. Shapes and images symbolise past and present people’s sense of optimism, hope and generosity. The people who came to the area during the Boom time also contributed to widespread community infrastructure, governance and local gardens.

Later, people left images of remembrance for those who died in the major 20th-century wars. It’s easy to see why the stained glass images are called illuminations. They illuminate stories, and demonstrate God’s love even for those who don’t believe. They were all donated over the years by local people, mostly in memory of people who had died.

The current day church celebrates diversity and welcomes all people. The roof won’t fall in if you visit. Indeed, a curious pepperpot roof on one corner has already been restored, which will also happen one day with the rest of the huge slate roof. A stunning sandstone building, it looks very English but it’s here between Balaclava and Elwood. The historical Fincham organ has its own quirky history and was funded by Reverend George Torrance, known as the vanishing vicar, for reasons unknown.

What's On

The building will be open with fresh roasted coffee all day, and there will be guided tours of the stained glass windows and their stories. Soprano opera singer Elena Xanthoudakis will sing calming music on Saturday morning. Live piano music by Bruce Parnell, accompanied by Justin Whyte on the bass, will provide the perfect atmosphere for wandering, or sitting and reflecting around 2pm each day. On Sunday, the Sunday service will be accompanied by Ralph Rosenfield on the organ and Elena will lead the hymns. All are welcome.

Children's Activities

Answer our quiz question correctly and you can ring the church bell (Adults too!)

Images: (1) Altar and east stained glass window. Photo: Stuart Allen. (2) Outside including the pepper pot tower. Photo: Kathryn Watt. (3) Stained glass window small group tour. Photo: Stuart Allen. (4) Andie and Hacy, the voluntary sanctuary team, with this year's paschal candle. Photo: Andie Moore. (5) Bruce on piano and Justin on bass, note the pipe organ behind. Photo: Sally Edwardes.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Saturday 25 July
Open access 10am—4pm
Quiet time for reflection, meditation or prayer 10am—11am
Calming music by Elena Xanthoudakis 11am—1pm
Stained glass windows and their stories tour 1pm—2pm
Piano by Bruce Parnell and bass by Justin Whyte 2pm—4pm

Sunday 26 July
Open access 10am—4pm
Sunday service open to all 10.30am
Stained glass windows and their stories tour 12pm—1pm
Quiet time 1pm—2pm
Piano by Bruce Parnell and bass by Justin Whyte 2pm—4pm

Bookings

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meeting Point

Main doors are on the Brighton Road side of the building. There is lots of parking in the church carpark, on Chapel Street, and on Brighton Road.

Once inside, we encourage you to walk around all parts of the church, including into the sanctuary and around the altars. We will provide fresh roasted coffee for free.

Photography and talking are encouraged, except during Reduced Stimulus hours. No dress code.

Accessibility

Ramp or level (step free) entry, Accessible bathrooms, Accessible parking, Reduced-stimulus times, Assistance animals welcome, All ages

Entrance has no steps. Inside is quiet. Parking area is accessible and large. Accessible toilets in our neighbouring cafe (owned by the church and available during Open House times). Just one part of the church, the sanctuary, has a 25cm step.

There will be reduced stimulus times on Saturday from 10am—11am and Sunday from 1pm—2pm.

Location

175 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Bunurong Boonwurrung Country

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