St Michael's Uniting Church

Thursday Lunchtime Organ recital
2024-11-28 13:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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
Rhys Boak is playing the following program for the recital:

Toccata and Fugue in F major BWV 540 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Choral Prelude ‘Est ist ein Ros entsprungen’ – Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Marche Gothique – Théodore-César Salomé (1834-1896)

Share our flyer
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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 - church service in church and online
2024-12-01 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
First Sunday in Advent
A New Story Begins: Advent Action and Reflection

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Galliano Sommavilla (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here
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Diary Date: Thursday 19 December, 7:30 pm
Join us for our special Christmas Reimagined: Carols & Readings Service
____________________________________________________
Image: “Hope’ by Lois Anderson

Meditation Session
2024-12-01 12:00 - 12:30 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Photo by Valeria Botneva | Pexels
Regroup & Refocus
Join this calming meditation session to help you reset during the festive season.
Where: Wellbeing Studio, Level 1, St Michael’s Administration Building

Lunchtime Thursday Organ Recital
2024-12-05 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
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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 - Advent church service in church and online
2024-12-08 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Second Sunday in Advent
“Preparing the way of peace”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Jesika Clark (Soprano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Image: Robert Tiemann | unsplash.com
____________________________________________________
Diary Date: Thursday 19 December, 7:30 pm
Join us for our special Christmas Reimagined: Carols & Readings Service
____________________________________________________

Repair, Reuse, refashion: The Christmas Edit
2024-12-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Homemade and heartfelt.
Join Ange Tang for a relaxing and productive session creating your own Christmas decorations.
No experience necessary.
All materials will be supplied.
Facilitator: Ange Tang
Where: Waratah Room, Level 1, St Michael’s Administration

Thursday Organ Recital
2024-12-12 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
Please note: While we take a break over Christmas, there will be no organ recitals on: 19 & 26 December 2024 and 2 January 2025
____________________________________________________
Diary Date: Thursday 19 December, 7:30 pm
Join us for our special Christmas Reimagined: Carols & Readings Service
____________________________________________________
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 Advent Gathering - Sunday service in church or online
2024-12-15 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Third Sunday in Advent
“The Birth of Peace: Reimagining the Way of Jesus”

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here
____________________________________________________
Diary Date: Thursday 19 December, 7:30 pm
Join us for our special Christmas Reimagined: Carols & Readings Service
____________________________________________________

Christmas Reimagined: Carols and Readings Service
2024-12-19 19:30 - 20:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join our Christmas festivities with joyful carols and readings.
This special service is one with an uplifting difference.
Rev Dr Margaret Mayman leads the service and is joined by guest reader, Commissioner Ro Allen, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Listen to joyous carols performed by the St Michael’s Singers and Brass Ensemble conducted by Rhys Boak and enjoy an opportunity to sing along to some carol favourites.
Free event. Donations to ‘Act for Peace Christmas Bowl’ welcome.
Doors open at 7pm.
Download and share our flyer here

Image by Hristo Fidanov | Pexels

Sunday Gathering - Advent church service in church and online
2024-12-22 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Fourth Sunday in Advent
“From the Manger to the Margins: God’s Love for All”

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Galliano Sommavilla (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Christmas Day Gathering - in church and online
2024-12-25 09:00 - 10:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Christmas Day
“Light in the darkness: hope that transforms”

Liturgy & Reflection: Prof Liz Boase
Music: The St Michael’s Singers, Nicholas Corkeron (Trumpet) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
The Christmas Day Gathering is at 9 am
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering - service in church and online
2024-12-29 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
First Sunday after Christmas
“Searching for wisdom”

Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering Service - in church & online
2025-01-05 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Earthrise by William Anders
Second Sunday after Christmas
“A new beginning”

Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering - service in church and online
2025-01-12 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
First Sunday after Epiphany
“Season of light and love”

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering - service in church and online
2025-01-19 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Second Sunday after Epiphany – 19 January 2025, 10 AM
“Sacred Extravagance”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Dr Elyane Laussade (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Thursday Lunchtime Organ Recital
2025-01-23 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-01-30 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-02-13 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
___________________________________________________
Diary Date: Sunday 9 February, 10am – Enjoy the joyous sound of the Consort of Melbourne during our special Midsumma Service.
____________________________________________________
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 - service in church and online
2025-01-26 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Third Sunday after Epiphany

“The Politics of Jesus”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Dr Joel Brennan (Trumpet) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

A Celebration of Queer Inspiration - in church and online.
2025-02-09 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
“A Feather on the breath of God”
St Michael’s welcomes you to our annual Midsumma Sunday Gathering celebrating queer inspiration through spirituality and faith
This year St Michael’s will be inspired by the long history of queer Christian artists and mystics like St Hildegard of Bingen, who opened up new, vibrant and creative ways to connect with the sacred.
The joyful service will be led by St Michael’s LGBTIQA+ minister, Rev Dr Margaret Mayman (she/her), and supported by the congregation of St Michael’s and musical guests ‘The Consort of Melbourne’.
All are welcome to share in the joy of being inspired by the sacred.
“Wherever you are on your spiritual journey,
wherever you have come from, wherever you are going to,
whatever you believe, whatever you do not believe,
you are welcome here“.
St Michael’s prides itself on being a welcoming and affirming church for LGBTIQA+ people of faith. St Michael’s is recognised as an Open and Affirming congregation for LGBTQIA+ people by the Uniting Network Australia, the national network for LGBTQIA+ people, families, friends and supporters within the Uniting Church in Australia.
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Following the Sunday Gathering we invite you for morning tea and coffee
12:30pm: Enjoy a performance of ‘The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’ by Jo Clifford, hosted by St Michael’s.
About ‘The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’
Join Queen Jesus for a revolutionary queer ritual in which bread is shared, wine is drunk and familiar stories are reimagined by a transgender Jesus.
This unique and award-winning show written and performed by UK legend Jo Clifford combines theatre with storytelling and ritual in a way that, according to one audience member, “leaves everyone feeling blessed”.
It was one of the first plays in the UK to be written by, and star, a trans actor.
The play focuses on the beauty of the gospels, imagining Jesus coming back to earth in the present day in the shape of a trans woman and asks, “what is Jesus’ message? What would they say?”
This performance is open to everyone at no cost, but if you are able, we will be collecting donations to cover Jo’s travel costs.
Bookings are not required.
Find our ‘Midsumma at St Michael’s’ program here

'The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven' - a performance by Jo Clifford
2025-02-09 12:30 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join us after our Midsumma service for a special performance of ‘The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’ by Jo Clifford, hosted by St Michael’s.
Join Queen Jesus for a revolutionary queer ritual in which bread is shared, wine is drunk and familiar stories are reimagined by a transgender Jesus.
This unique and award-winning show combines theatre with storytelling and ritual in a way that, according to one audience member, “leaves everyone feeling blessed”.
‘The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’ is one of the first plays in the UK to be written by, and star, a trans actor.
The play focuses on the beauty of the gospels, imagining Jesus coming back to earth in the present day in the shape of a trans woman and asks, “what is Jesus’ message? What would they say?”
This performance is open to everyone at no cost, but if you are able, we will be collecting donations to cover Jo’s travel costs.
Bookings are not required.
Find our ‘Midsumma at St Michael’s’ program here
An interview with Jo Clifford
About Jo Clifford
Jo Clifford is a playwright, a performer and the author of over a hundred plays.
Her work has been translated in many languages and performed worldwide.
Currently living in Edinburgh, Jo describes herself as a very proud dad of two daughters and grandmother of two grandchildren. She is a church elder and a “saint”! She has been named a Saint Jo, Scribe of our Souls by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for her work done for the LGBTIQA+ community, particularly with her play, ‘The Gospel according to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’.
About ‘The Gospel according to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’.
At boarding school, Jo had a supposedly Christian upbringing and was very familiar with the King James Bible, the cadences and language of which has been highly influential in her writing.
After becoming an atheist and turning away from religion, Jo returned to the Gospels in 2006 and was amazed at the beauty of the words and the figure of Jesus. Jesus, who always shows compassion for people suffering prejudice. The Gospel stories moved Jo, who was experiencing prejudice, isolation and marginalisation as a trans woman in Scotland in the early 2000s. She wanted to retell those stories she could relate to through her perspective. So, she created a story about love, of Jesus, coming to earth as a trans woman, in present day. ‘The Gospel according to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’ invites the audience to imagine this and wonder, what would Jesus’ message be?
‘The Gospel according to Jesus, Queen of Heaven’ hasn’t always been performed in church spaces but for Jo playing in a church feels very important. Jo says, allowing queer people to have a presence in church feels very important, a way in which the church can make amends. Jo has always believed there is a spiritual dimension to our lives, says it is important that we respect and address people’s spiritual needs in life.
The Gospels are a story of love and equality, because, as Jo aptly puts it, “in the end we are all equal in the face of death, we really all should love each other, because what else can we do?”

Sunday Gathering - in church and online service
2025-02-11 08:00 - 17:00
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.
Transfiguration Sunday

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Dr Kim Tan (Flute) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering - in church and online service
2025-02-16 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: ‘Inshore fishing’ by Peter-Lanyon
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.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

“Telling our own sacred stories”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Dr Joel Brennan (Trumpet) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering - in church and online service
2025-02-23 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Art: Love and Peace by V Myazin
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.
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
“How can we love despite division and enmity?”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Dr Kim Tan (Flute) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Thursday Lunchtime Organ Recital
2025-02-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-03-06 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.
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
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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).
This two manual, mechanical action organ contained 18 speaking stops. The pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.

1920s Remodel

In the 1920s the original Hill organ needed repair. The Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons built a new instrument using some of the parts from the original.
The rebuild included a tubular-pneumatic action system, which was very popular at the time. This system allowed the organist to be seated away from the organ pipes and 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 1951 instrument and it was time for another organ 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). The builder was George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
In 1978 the console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position in the church.
In 1979 the swell mixture stop was recast.
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 service
2025-03-02 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.
Transfiguration Sunday

“Finding Light on the Mountain, Living Love in the City”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Dr Joel Brennan (Trumpet) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services are available to view.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Meditation on Sunday
2025-03-02 12:00 - 12:30 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
You are welcome to join this calming Sunday meditation session to help you reset and refocus.
Facilitator: Ann Kinnear
Where: Wellbeing Studio, Level 1, St Michael’s Administration Building

For a quiet time throughout the week, you can visit Mingary, the Quiet Place via the Russell Street entrance of St Michael’s Uniting Church. Enjoy this public space for your own meditation and reflection.

Sunday Gathering - a progressive service in church and online
2025-03-09 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.
First Sunday in Lent
“The Lord is Lord of all; there is no distinction”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Susannah Ng (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Thursday Organ Recital
2025-03-13 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
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
