Children's Chapel, St James' Church, Religious space for children at St James' Church in Sydney, Australia
The Children's Chapel sits in the crypt area beneath the main church building, decorated with golden-leafed murals showing scenes from Sydney Harbour. The space functions as a dedicated religious area designed specifically for children's services and worship.
The chapel opened in December 1929 after being decorated by artist Ethel Anderson and the Turramurra Wall Painters Union in the months prior. The creation of the murals took place during a transformative period in Sydney's development.
The murals draw from the Christmas carol 'As I Sat Under A Sycamore Tree' and reframe it within Sydney's setting, helping local children connect with religious stories. This approach makes the sacred space feel personally relevant to their own community and surroundings.
The chapel is accessible during regular church hours and holds monthly Eucharist services designed for children on the first Sunday of each month. The crypt location provides an intimate setting that feels separate from the main church above.
The walls contain approximately three thousand pieces of gold leaf that create shifting light effects as the day progresses. These reflective surfaces reveal new details in the harbour scenes depending on when visitors come and where the light falls.
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