Welcome to St Ambrose Church, Brunswick

Welcome to St Ambrose Church, a historic and much‑loved spiritual home at the heart of Brunswick. Standing proudly on Sydney Road, St Ambrose’s has served local Catholics since the foundation stone was first laid in 1869, on land generously donated by local resident Michael Dawson. At the time, Catholics in Brunswick had no church of their own and were travelling to Coburg or into the city for Mass, making the establishment of a parish church a long‑awaited blessing.

The church was completed in 1873, attracting some 800 people to its early ceremonies, an early sign of the parish’s vibrant and committed community. Its name was inspired by an Italian family in the area who suggested St Ambrose, the beloved 4th‑century Bishop of Milan, as its patron saint. Over time, as Brunswick grew, St Ambrose’s grew with it: in 1899, transepts, chapels, a porch, and a baptistry were added, giving the church its distinctive cruciform shape.

Architecturally, St Ambrose Church is considered one of Melbourne’s finer late‑Gothic churches. Built in enduring bluestone with a timber‑supported roof, historic stained‑glass windows, and a 19th‑century organ, it stands as both a place of worship and an important heritage landmark. The church has also played a role in significant historical moments, for example, serving as a meeting place during the World War I anti‑conscription movement.

Today, St Ambrose’s continues to be a cornerstone of the Brunswick Moreland Catholic Community. Rooted in more than 150 years of prayer, service, and welcome, it remains a place where parishioners of all ages gather to grow in faith, celebrate the sacraments, and build a community shaped by God’s love.

We invite you to be part of our story, one that continues to unfold with each generation.