St Laurence

Its furnishings, largely unchanged since its construction, reflect the best of contemporary modernist design. The pentagonal Lady Chapel with aluminium spire is open to the public all day for private prayer and quiet contemplation. 

Built in 1968, St Laurence’s is a spectacular octagonal church with a pentagonal Lady Chapel and large community centre. In the Culverley Green Conservation Area, its domed roof with central oculus and exterior corona (an eight pointed crown) is supported on concrete portal frames. Beneath the dome, seven 12 metre spans of vibrant ‘dalles de verre’ (coloured glazing) create a glorious sense of light filled space, reverent and yet intimate, that even on dull days lifts the spirits of congregation and visitors.

Its comfortable green leatherette pews embrace the sanctuary. The Profilit glazing, Granwood floor and interior layout, are all beautifully preserved. A more recent metal sculpture by Victoria Rance called ‘Comforter’, provides a visual focus on the screen behind the altar that hides the organ pipes. A World War I memorial window and the church bell are all that survive from the old church (which was on a different site and demolished in 1969).

Now nearly 50 years old, and representative of the best of 1960s religious architecture, it is a combination of immanent and transcendent, individual and collective, an excellent example of an era now beginning to be properly reevaluated. As well as religious services, the church hosts many activities including concerts, rehearsals, film screenings and public meetings. The adjacent community centre is a thriving community hub.