St Michael's Uniting Church

Sunday Gathering - a progressive service in church and online
2025-03-16 10:00 - 11:15 (Australia/Melbourne) | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Second Sunday in Lent
“Resolving to be”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Mina Yu (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Photo: King’s Canyon, Northern Territory by David Dawes

Thursday Organ Recital
2025-03-20 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-03-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-22 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-06-05 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-06-12 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-06-19 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The St Michael’s lunchtime organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the magnificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Music on your lunchbreak is a wonderful thing. Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recital series features St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
For over the decade the free organ recitals have brought the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Recital starts at 1:00pm
Share our flyer
Find out about our music program
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A History of the St Michael’s Organ
The first St Michael’s organ was built in 1866 by the famous London firm of Hill & Son (job number 1204).
It was a two manual, mechanical action organ that contained 18 speaking stops. Interestingly, the pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.
1920s Remodel
A new instrument was built in 1923 by the Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons when the original Hill organ needed repair. Some of the parts from the original were used.
The rebuild also included the then popular, tubular-pneumatic action system. This meant the organist could be seated away from the organ pipes and allowed them to have a lighter key touch.
1950s Rebuild
In 1951, the organ was rebuilt and fitted with electro-pneumatic action.
Prominent English organist and composer Eric Thiman opened the organ.
Current Organ
As the needs of the church outgrew, the organ needed another update.
The organ you see in St Michael’s today was built in 1958 by George Fincham and Sons (who also built the 1923 organ). This time by George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
The console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position in 1978 and the 1979 the swell mixture stop was recast in 1979.
The present organ has 3 manuals and pedals, 44 speaking stops and approximately 2225 speaking pipes.
The keys and stop action are electro-pneumatic.

Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2025-03-23 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Third Sunday in Lent
“To Be Restored”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Kate Macfarlane (Soprano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Photo: King’s Canyon, Northern Territory by David Dawes

Choir of Hard Knocks - Singing in Harmony
2025-03-23 15:00 - 16:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join the Choir of Hard Knocks at St Michael’s to celebrate inclusion and diversity during Harmony Week.
This joyous concert featuring the award-winning Choir of Hard Knocks with special guests, Rainbow Voices, the Macedon Ranges LGBTQIA+ Community Choir, led by Artistic Director, Adam Przewlocki, in the magnificent St Michael’s Uniting Church where ‘Everyone Belongs’.
Book Tickets here
Full $25 / Concession $20 / U16 $15
All funds raised go towards supporting the Choir of Hard Knocks.
Download and share our event

Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk
2025-03-28 13:00 - 14:00
Koorie Heritage Trust – Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk
Members of St Michael’s Church are will be exploring together the guided Birrarung Wilam Walk.
As described by the Koorie Heritage Trust, you can join the walk “as we journey from Federation Square down to the stunning Birrarung Wilam Aboriginal art installations, guided by one of our knowledgeable Cultural Experiences Guides. Along the way, you’ll uncover the deep history of Birrarung Marr (meaning “Beside the river of mists”) and the ancient stories of the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation. Hear how this land, where Melbourne now stands, has transformed over time, and why Birrarung Wilam holds such profound significance to the local Kulin peoples. Finally, begin your journey into the Koorie Heritage Trust with a hands-on, guided experience where you’ll have the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal tools and artifacts including tools, shields and possum-skin cloaks.”
The walk is for 1 hour and costs $40 or $20 concession.
It leaves from The Yarra Building at Federation Square.
You can book your tickets online at Koorie Heritage Trust or contact Ann Kinnear at annckinnear@gmail.com to organise a booking.
If you have an issue with the cost please discuss this with Ann.
Wheelchairs can be accommodated.

Sunday Gathering
2025-03-30 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Fourth Sunday in Lent – 30 March 2025, 10 AM
“The God of the Lost”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Rose Riebl (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Thursday Organ Recital - with Matthew Walters
2025-04-03 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Enjoy a special performance with guest organist Matthew Walters.
The St Michael’s lunchtime organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the magnificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Music on your lunchbreak is a wonderful thing. Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recital series features St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
For over the decade the free organ recitals have brought the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Recital starts at 1:00pm
The program for Thursday, 3 April:

Toccata from Suite Gothique – Léon Boëllmann (1862-1897)
Toccata from Symphony No.5 Op. 41 No. 1 – Charles Marie Widor (1844-1937)
lux – Matt Walters
Prelude in E Minor – Matt Walters
spes – Matt Walters
Prelude in D Minor – Matt Walters
Pop + Film Music Medley featuring Abba, Coldplay, Hans Zimmer + more

Share our flyer
Find out about our music program

__________________________________________________________________________________________

A History of the St Michael’s Organ
The first St Michael’s organ was built in 1866 by the famous London firm of Hill & Son (job number 1204).
It was a two manual, mechanical action organ that contained 18 speaking stops. Interestingly, the pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.
1920s Remodel
A new instrument was built in 1923 by the Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons when the original Hill organ needed repair. Some of the parts from the original were used.
The rebuild also included the then popular, tubular-pneumatic action system. This meant the organist could be seated away from the organ pipes and allowed them to have a lighter key touch.
1950s Rebuild
In 1951, the organ was rebuilt and fitted with electro-pneumatic action.
Prominent English organist and composer Eric Thiman opened the organ.
Current Organ
As the needs of the church outgrew, the organ needed another update.
The organ you see in St Michael’s today was built in 1958 by George Fincham and Sons (who also built the 1923 organ). This time by George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
The console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position in 1978 and the 1979 the swell mixture stop was recast in 1979.
The present organ has 3 manuals and pedals, 44 speaking stops and approximately 2225 speaking pipes.
The keys and stop action are electro-pneumatic.

Sunday Gathering - a progressive service in church or online
2025-04-06 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Fifth Sunday in Lent – 6 April 2025, 10 AM
“Being a truly liberated person”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Susannah Ng (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Palm Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2025-04-13 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Palm Sunday
“Two processions – two powers”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Dr Joe Chindamo OAM (Piano), Zoe Black (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Note that Maundy Thursday is an evening service.
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here
Image: Brooke Lark | Unsplash

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Easter at St Michael’s:
Maundy Thursday – 17 April, 6 PM
Three Days that Changed the World – Death

Good Friday – 18 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Silence
Easter Sunday – 20 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – New Life
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No Thursday Organ Recital Today
2025-04-17 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Please note: Due to Holy Week and Easter there will be no Organ Recital on Thursday 17 April.
The Organ Recitals will resume from Thursday 24 April, 1 pm at St Michael’s Uniting Church

Maundy Thursday Service
2025-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Three Days that Changed the World – Death
Maundy Thursday – 17 April 2025, 6 pm
Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music in church: Peter Sheridan (Flute) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Note that Maundy Thursday is an evening service.
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here
Image: James Coleman | Unsplash

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Maundy Thursday – 17 April, 6 PM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Death
Good Friday – 18 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Silence
Easter Sunday – 20 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – New Life
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Good Friday Gathering - in church and online
2025-04-18 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Three Days that Changed the World – Silence
Good Friday – 18 April 2025, 10am
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music in church: The St. Michael’s String Ensemble and Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Image: Brooke Lark | unsplash
Watch the Online Gathering here

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Maundy Thursday – 17 April, 6 PM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Death
Good Friday – 18 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Silence
Easter Sunday – 20 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – New Life

Easter Services at St Michael's: Easter Sunday
2025-04-20 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Three Days that Changed the World – New Life
Easter Sunday – 20 April 2025, 10am
Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music in church: Kate Macfarlane, the St. Michael’s String Ensemble and Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

_____________________________________________
Maundy Thursday – 17 April, 6 PM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Death
Good Friday – 18 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – Silence
Easter Sunday – 20 April, 10 AM
Easter: Three Days that Changed the World – New Life
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Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2025-05-04 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Third Sunday of Easter – 4 May 2025, 10 AM
“Three Actions: Catching, Cooking and Feeding”

Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
This Sunday is a Communion service.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.

Sunday Gathering - In person and online
2025-05-11 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Fourth Sunday of Easter
“One in God”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Susannah Ng (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
This Sunday is a Communion service.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.

Sunday Gathering at St Michael's: In church and Online
2025-05-18 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Fifth Sunday of Easter
“All you need is love”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Kate Macfarlane (Sopran0) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
This Sunday is a Communion service.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Image: Pexels

Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2025-06-08 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Day of Pentecost – 8 June 2025, 10 AM
“Reinventing the Church”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Susannah Ng (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Image: Pexels

Sunday Gathering: Progressive Christian service
2025-06-15 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Trinity Sunday – 15 June 2025, 10 AM
“What is Truth”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Dr Joe Chindamo OAM (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Image: ‘Trinity’ by Lance McNeel

Sunday Gathering - in church & online
2025-06-22 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Second Sunday after Pentecost – 22 June 2025, 10 AM
“Being Made Whole”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
This Sunday is a Communion service.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.

Sunday Gathering - St Michael's in church and online
2025-06-29 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Third Sunday after Pentecost – 29 June 2025, 10 AM
“Life is a pilgrimage”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
This Sunday is a Communion service.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.

Sunday Gathering - St Michael's in church and online
2025-07-06 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – 6 July 2025, 10 AM
“Travelling Light”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Kate Macfarlane (Soprano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
This Sunday is a Communion service.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Image: Mitch Braithwaite | Unsplash

'Last' church service before we Revitalise with Purpose
2025-07-20 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – 20 July 2025, 10 AM
“Few things are needed – indeed only one”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: The St Michael’s Singers & Rhys Boak (Organ)
As we start our revitalisation journey, we are holding a special service in the church.
Join us our ‘last’ Sunday service and celebrate St Michael’s life, community and history as we prepare for our temporary departure from the church to the hall during the revitalisation project.
Enjoy liturgy, prayer, reflection and a grand finale from our pipe organ played by Rhys Boak.
Each piece of music chosen for the service has been carefully considered to reflect St Michael’s special moments:
The introit (processional)
‘I was glad’ by Eric Thiman (1900-1975).
Eric Thiman was based in the UK but came to Melbourne to give the opening recital on the then newly rebuilt organ at St Michael’s in 1958.
First Music for reflection
‘We wait for thy loving kindness, O God’ by Sir. William McKie (1901-1984).
William McKie was born in Collingwood, Melbourne. He was the Melbourne City organist for many years before taking up the post as the Organist at Westminster Abbey, presiding over the music for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. He remains one of Melbourne’s most prominent composers and musical figures. His music has often been performed at St. Michael’s.

Second music for reflection
‘There’s a wideness in God’s mercy’ – Louis Vierne (1870-1937). Words by Francis A. Macnab
Though Vierne wrote this anthem originally as a motet called ‘Tantum Ergo’. It was set to new words written by the former Minister of St Michael’s, Francis Macnab by Rhys Boak in 2010.
Postlude:
Toccata for organ, Joseph Jongen (1873-1953)
This organ toccata will be a suitable and memorable grand finale for the organ before it is removed by the Australian Pipe Organs repair work.

The St Michael’s organ is undergoing cleaning and repair work as part of the revitalisation project. Now in its 158th year of service, some leather work will be replaced and some worn mechanical parts replaced as well.
The faded gold paint of the organ’s front pipes (there are over 2,300 pipes behind the ones you see) will be re-gilded, restoring the once vibrant appearance of the organ.
It will be restored to St Michael’s at the completion of the revitalisation work.

Sunday Gathering - in person and online
2025-07-27 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – 27 July 2025, 10 AM
“The Greatest Prayer”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Amelia Le Plastrier (Soprano & Celtic Harp) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Attending Sunday Gatherings while we Revitalise:
This is our first Sunday service in St Michael’s Hall while we revitalise with purpose.
From today onwards, our Sunday gatherings will temporarily be held in St Michael’s Hall at 10am.
You can access the Hall, on the ground floor of St Michael’s Administration building via St Michael’s Walk (from Collins Street between St Michael’s Uniting Church and the 120 Collins Street).
Photo by Mart Production

Sunday Gathering - In person and online
2025-08-03 10:00 - 23:15 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – 3 August 2025, 10 AM
“The Rich Man’s Dilemma”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Attending Sunday Gatherings while we Revitalise:
This is our first Sunday service in St Michael’s Hall while we revitalise with purpose.
From today onwards, our Sunday gatherings will temporarily be held in St Michael’s Hall at 10am.
You can access the Hall, on the ground floor of St Michael’s Administration building via St Michael’s Walk (from Collins Street between St Michael’s Uniting Church and the 120 Collins Street).

Sunday Gathering - in person and online
2025-08-10 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – 10 August 2025, 10 AM
“Where is your treasure”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Amir Farid (Piano) & Peter Jackson (Organ)
Join us for an inclusive church service based in Progressive Christian theology at St Michael’s Uniting Church.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Attending Sunday Gatherings while we Revitalise:
While we revitalise with purpose our Sunday gatherings will temporarily be held in St Michael’s Hall at 10am.
You can access the Hall, on the ground floor of St Michael’s Administration building via St Michael’s Walk (from Collins Street between St Michael’s Uniting Church and the 120 Collins Street).
