South Sydney Uniting Church on Raglan St, Waterloo, has undergone major structural works and renovations since March 2025, with completion due in October 2026.
The works have included a brand new slate roof, replacement of sandstone hand-carved corbels, repointing of the exterior sandstone, extensive cleaning of the ageing Sydney sandstone, painting throughout, replacement of metal window screens in glittering brass, and extensive replacement of water-damaged internal plaster.
The restoration has been undertaken by Traditional Restoration Company, with work due to finish in October.
The church plans to celebrate the completion of the restoration with a Welcome Back to Church Party in October. Community members will be invited to attend and bring a plate to share.
The community garden has been closed throughout the building works. Although now overgrown, it is ready to be loved again. A working bee will be organised after October, and volunteers are warmly welcomed.
One of the outstanding features of South Sydney Uniting Church is its mechanical pipe organ, built in 1877 by J W Walker & Son of London. Housed in a quasi-classical pine case with richly stencilled front pipes, it was originally constructed for Palmer St Presbyterian Church in East Sydney before being restored and relocated to Waterloo in 1976. This magnificent instrument is considered one of the best-preserved small historic organs in Sydney.
The church has acknowledged the contribution of its Property Working Group – Alicia, Alison, Andrew, Betty, Craig, Des, Gil, Greg, Jason, Maddy, Miriam and Naomi – whose volunteer efforts have supported the restoration project.
