This is a beautiful church in a striking position in Glenelg. I love how it's situated in a central…read morepiece of land where several streets meet, which means you can come across it from many directions and suddenly see the whole thing. The recent extensions are definitely contentious. Though I'm normally against mixing modern and traditional, I actually think they've done a great job of the extensions here. You can't notice them until you're at the eastern end, when you see large glass doors leading into a modern space. I like that you get a very different impression depending upon the direction you approach from. Inside, the new segment is neat, modern and functional. No complaints there. However the part really worth seeing is the old interior, which has been beautifully done up and maintained over time. My favourite part, in a place full of beautiful architecture, is actually the kneelers. Each has been embroidered by a church group, and they're all different. I love this little touch, and how great they look up against the wood of the pews. As a functioning church, they have a contemporary "jam" service, which seeks to move with the times, as much as a church service can. It's not everyone's taste, but it's great to have the option of a non-traditional service in such beautiful surrounds.

Not happy Jan. St Peters Anglican Church at Glenelg is a beautiful church situated on Torrens…read moreSquare just past Coles supermarket in Nile Street. So why am I not happy? Well they've just put an extension on the Church and it's not good. I was devastated on a recent trip to the Bay to see the additions to the church on the Eastern end. They completely detract from the style of the original building. Apparently the extension is a new Community Centre and a long overdue needed upgraded to the church's facilities but the problem is it just doesn't work. This addition just doesn't fit with the original building. I don't understand why, when you have a stunning piece of architecture you would muck it up with what just looks like a stuck on afterthought. Ok, enough whinging. Extension aside St Peters Church is actually a stunning old church and one that is filled with character. If you've ever driven to Glenelg you've probably driven right past it at one time or another. The fact it is located on the centre of a roundabout sets it apart from its surroundings. The building itself is on the state National Trust register and if you're into classic gothic churches, you're sure to love this one. Go inside and you'll see an amazing pipe organ and an impeccably decorated interior. I love this old church but am disappointed with the new extension. While I'm sure the new facilities will be welcomed the Church appears to have lost some of its charm.

St Andrew's By The Sea is possibly the most well known church in Glenelg. Situated half way down…read moreJetty Road on the way to the beach it is an very popular church for weddings. In fact if you walk by most Saturday afternoons in the warmer months, you're sure to see a bridal party emerge from inside. Sounding quite Scottish with its current name, it was known in the 1970's as the Jetty Road Uniting Church after the amalgamation of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches but the name was changed in the late 90's to its current official name of St Andrew's Uniting Church Off to the side of the church and around the back is St Andrew's Hall which serves a variety of functions in terms of the church's community outreach. St Andrew's Hall is home to the Op Shop on Tuesdays between 10am and 1.30pm. Tuesday evenings between 6pm and 7.30pm, the Hall becomes Mary's Kitchen and serves hearty meals to those in need. On Thursday's between 3.30 and 5.00pm its kids' time and the Hall becomes Andy's Place. The entrance to St Andrew's Hall is through the courtyard on the right hand side of the church. St Andrew's itself is a striking looking church with its façade and belltower overlooking the Jetty Road shopping precinct. Interestingly the cost to build the church back in 1880 was 6,900 pounds. I wonder how much it would cost to build a similar building in today's money.

This really is a beautiful church. The ceilings are so high and the overall look of the church is…read morejust enchanting. It has a very traditional look with lovely images and statues. I've been here many times and it attracts people of all ages from the elderly to young families. It has a massive organ up on the second level at the back of the church which adds to the traditional side. As Kristy said, it is nice to just come in here and sit when there isn't a service on. It's a good place to reflect, think, pray and be with yourself. You can also light the touch candles and pray for someone who may be sick or in need of a prayer.

When I was a kid and we lived at Glenelg we kids would get sent to church every Sunday morning…read more That church was Our Lady of Victories in High Street at Glenelg. Although I certainly didn't appreciate it at the time, I now see that it really is a beautiful old church and one that I still occasionally visit. To give you an idea of the age, apparently the Glenelg Catholic Parish was established back in 1883 and the foundation stone for Our Lady of Victories was laid on October 8, 1926. Construction must have been quick because the official opening was around 13 months later. The photos from the 1920's suggest the opening attracted quite a gathering of press. I love the pillars at the front of the church and can clearly remember running up and down the marble steps at the front entrance. Inside it was always a special day if we managed to score a seat in the upstairs area - it was kind of like we had a out of the ordinary seat for some kind of theatrical performance. I do remember you had to arrive just at the right time because if you got there too early and there were seats downstairs, they made you sit down there. Even though it's literally been years since I've been to a service in High Street, I still like to go in there sometimes to just sit and take in the surroundings. It really is a lovely church and worth a visit if you're searching for a place of worship or if you just appreciate good architecture from a certain era.

Inside the grounds of Sacred Heart College at Somerton you'll find Paringa Hall, a lovingly cared…read morefor, former private home now under the auspices of the College. Paringa Hall was the home of former pastoralist James Cudmore. He named it after one of his sheep stations in the Riverland and there are references to his profession all over the house with ornate carved sheep's heads on display. Not only did Cudmore have plenty of sheep but he obviously needed a big house because he and his wife Margaret had nine children before they moved into Paringa Hall ... and then another four during the time they lived there! Built in 1882 and designed by the prestigious Edmund Wright (who also built the Adelaide Town Hall, GPO and Brougham Place Uniting Church), Paringa Hall is the kind of house that speaks of great wealth. It is classical and ornate and has a three story central tower and matching bay windows at either end of the house. The interior is as ornate and showy as the exterior and there are seven bedrooms and twelve fireplaces inside. Sadly, the Cudmore's lost all their money through drought and hard times on the land but they managed to remain in the house until both James and Margaret died in 1912. In 1914 the Marist Brothers bought Paringa Hall as part of their proposed college on the site. The Hall is used regularly as part of school life but it is open for tours on Sundays and Wednesdays (by appointment). If you're interested in seeing inside you should contact the school directly.