The Future of Our Churches: From St Aiden’s Marden to St Paul’s Bankstown

Across Australia, historic churches like St Aiden’s Anglican in Marden and St Paul’s Anglican in Bankstown stand at a crossroads. These sacred spaces, rich in history and community significance, face mounting challenges—from sinking foundations and costly repairs to pressures for redevelopment amid growing housing needs. Their stories are not just about bricks and mortar but about the heart of our communities and what we value for the future.

St Aiden’s Anglican Church, Marden: A Heritage at Risk

Nestled in Marden, South Australia, St Aiden’s Anglican Church is much more than a place of worship—it is a rare architectural gem and a living testament to the community’s history. Built in two key stages, first in 1884 and then extended in 1896 after storm damage, the church showcases a distinctive High Victorian Gothic style known as Gothic Polychrome. This style is characterised by its striking use of multicoloured brickwork—red, cream, and black bricks arranged in decorative bands—both inside and out, a technique uncommon in South Australia but more typical in Victoria. The church grounds also hold deep personal and historical significance, with the ashes of parishioners interred on site and a dedicated war memorial garden honouring those who served, further cementing its role as a sacred place of remembrance and community connection. Now the church is to be sold. 

The church’s foundation stones tell a story of its rich heritage, marked by inscriptions commemorating the laying of stones by notable figures like His Excellency Bert E. Fowell Buxton in 1897. The land itself was generously donated by Mrs. Jane Wear, connecting St Aiden’s deeply to the early settlers of the Payneham area. Before the church was built, Anglican services were held in homes and local institutes, making St Aiden’s a significant milestone in the spiritual and social life of the community. Today I had a thought and wondered what the late Mrs. Wear would think of the church’s current situation and whether the original trust documents that established it are still honoured. How much transparency is there for congregations when major changes occur? And after more than a century, do the original intentions behind donations still hold weight?

Inside, the church retains much of its original character, including a historic organ with roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, adding to its museum-like quality. The interior’s high Gothic pointed arches and polychromatic brick walls create a unique atmosphere that connects worshippers and visitors alike to the craftsmanship and faith of past generations.

St Aiden’s is recognised for its architectural rarity and historical significance, making it a valuable heritage asset. Heritage listing protects its unique polychrome brickwork, original design elements, and the stories embedded in its walls and furnishings. This status helps ensure that any repairs or restorations respect the church’s original character and encourages community support and access to preservation funding.

It’s reasonable to expect that if the sinking foundations of St Aiden’s Anglican Church were caused by nearby roadworks, the issue could be addressed through an insurance claim or by the Diocese seeking compensation or remediation from the local council responsible for the works. Typically, damage resulting from external construction falls under the liability of the council or contractors involved. The fact that the congregation is left facing expensive repairs without clear support or resolution raises questions about the coordination between the Diocese, the council, and insurers. This situation suggests possible gaps in communication or financial priorities that complicate the church’s future. As a result, the decision to sell the church has been made, which understandably causes concern for those who value this important heritage site. It’s crucial that all possible avenues—insurance, council negotiations, and diocesan assistance—are fully explored to protect this irreplaceable landmark.

The Broader Picture: Why Faith Spaces Matter

The dilemma facing St Aiden’s is echoed worldwide. The Canadian Urban Institute’s 22 June 2025 report, Sacred Spaces Civic Value, highlights a global challenge: declining church attendance and aging buildings threaten the survival of faith-built assets that serve far more than religious purposes. These buildings are vital “third spaces” — hubs for social services, cultural events, and community support. Losing them means losing affordable venues for nonprofits, daycares, food banks, and more.

The report urges new stewardship models and partnerships to adapt these spaces for contemporary community needs while respecting their heritage. It’s a call to action for faith groups, governments, and communities to collaborate and innovate, ensuring these buildings remain resilient civic anchors.

Closer to Home: The Battle for St Paul’s Anglican Church, Bankstown

Just a few hours from Marden, St Paul’s Anglican Church in Bankstown faces a fierce fight for its future. Built through the hardships of the Depression and post-war years, St Paul’s is a living museum of the suburb’s multicultural history and community spirit. Heritage experts affirm its architectural and social significance, yet the Anglican Diocese of Sydney supports redevelopment, citing costly repairs and the urgent need for affordable housing.

The local council’s refusal to heritage-list the church, despite expert advice and community advocacy, has intensified the conflict. The Diocese and housing advocates argue that preserving the church would block the creation of 139 new affordable homes. However, legal precedents show that congregations can challenge diocesan decisions if the original purpose of the church property is still viable. Moreover, heritage listing does not mean halting development but ensuring it respects and incorporates the site’s value. You might also recall our recent story about St John’s in Riddells Creek, Victoria, which is facing the same dilemma as St Aiden’s, more on that here.

What This Means for Our Communities

The stories of St Aiden’s and St Paul’s are emblematic of a broader tension: how do we balance preserving our cultural and spiritual heritage with the pressing social needs of today, like affordable housing? These churches are more than buildings; they are repositories of community memory, identity, and support.

The future of such faith-built assets depends on creative, inclusive solutions—adaptive reuse, shared governance, and partnerships that honor both heritage and community needs. It requires courage from faith leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike to envision churches not just as relics of the past but as vibrant, multi-purpose spaces for the future.

How You Can Help

If you care about preserving these vital community spaces, get involved. Support heritage listings, engage with local councils, and advocate for balanced development that respects history while addressing today’s challenges. Share stories of your local churches and their role in your community. Together, we can ensure that places like St Aiden’s and St Paul’s continue to serve as beacons of faith, culture, and community for generations to come.

The fight to save our churches is a fight to save our shared history and community spirit. Let’s stand together to protect these sacred spaces and reimagine their future.