St John’s Anglican Church

Sounds of a Floriade Spring – Presented by St John’s

This year for Floriade About Town, St John’s Anglican Church invites visitors to explore one of Canberra’s oldest parks, serenaded by the glorious ringing of the St John’s bells from 2-3pm on Saturday 13 September.

For over 180 years, St John’s has been celebrating the arrival of spring. This special event to herald the opening of Floriade is presented by the bellringers of St John’s Anglican Church Canberra, a lush sanctuary only a short walk from Commonwealth Park.

The bellringers will showcase a wide-ranging musical repertoire, featuring well-known songs and traditional peals. Listen out for some surprise movie soundtracks. The sound of the bells can be heard throughout the St John’s precinct, the northern edge of Commonwealth Park and up Anzac Parade – it’s one of Canberra’s loudest musical instruments!

Take the opportunity to explore the historic precinct during the ringing of the bells.

Wander into the church to soak up the atmosphere, admiring the historical treasures, magnificent organ and beautiful stained glass. Photos are absolutely encouraged!

The Schoolhouse Museum – Canberra’s first school – offers a glimpse into what life was like as a child in rural Australia in the 1840s. Volunteers will be available to show visitors through the museum.

Entry to all venues on site is free.

A donation box will be available inside the church should you wish to contribute to St John’s Care, which aims to bridge the gap and break the cycle of disadvantage, isolation, and economic hardship through the provision of emergency relief.

Access St John’s through the Parkes Way Underpass from Commonwealth Park (12 min walk from Stage 88). Limited parking available via Constitution Ave and along Anzac Park. Transport Canberra buses R3, 59 and 56 stop right outside at Anzac Park West.

Help us bring Floriade to the whole city as part of Floriade About Town!

St John’s Anglican Church

St John’s is a Canberra treasure – a sanctuary in the heart of our nation’s capital. Canberra’s oldest church was consecrated in 1845, almost 70 years before the capital was founded. When you visit, you will walk in the footsteps of pioneering farming families, leaders, service men and women, scientists and scholars.

Join the local community at a Sunday service supported by the powerful pipe organ, choir or band. Listen out for the glorious ringing of the tower bells. Find peace with the church’s ambience, historic memorials and intricate architecture.

Marvel at the 12th century stone from Canterbury Cathedral, originally intended to be the foundation stone of the National Anglican Cathedral. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows, including the magnificent East Window depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist, after whom the church is dedicated. Sit in the front pew where Queen Elizabeth II sat on her four visits to St John’s and visit the tree planted for her Platinum Jubilee.

Peek inside Canberra’s first school at the Schoolhouse Museum. Wander through the lush gardens, exploring the graves of early settlers.

St John’s is open daily for visitors and entry is free.

Service times and Schoolhouse opening hours are available on our website. Sign up to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook for more community events.

St John’s Anglican Church
⟟ Braddon, Canberra
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