The Old St Thomas Chapel is the only venue of its kind in Sydney where you can personalize your own christening, baptism or naming day ceremony. You can be guaranteed that your child or children will be the only ones christened at the time you hire the Chapel. The Chapel will be yours to use completely.
Bring your own celebrant or minister or be referred to others by The Old St Thomas Chapel. We have ministers, priests and bishops who offer traditional baptism by water and/or oil.
What is Baptism? A Baptism service is when a child/person is received into the family of the Church “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” These are the words required to be said for a baptism to be valid. Water is usually poured or splashed on the head of the child/person being baptised and in some instances, oil is used to chrismate (bless) the child/person. See a further explanation on our blog
The original font is used for Baptisms when water is involved. This very historic feature is another beautiful piece of history that will help make your ceremony special.
A Chapel coordinator will be on hand to assist your ceremony to run smoothly. Music facilities are available for our coordinator to play any special music you have on either CD's, USB’s or phone playlists on the day.
As a special gift we arrange a "guest list" for all your friends and family to sign. Along with your christening/baptism or naming certificate this will become a precious keepsake from the day.
We have a selection of pew bows available for you to use to decorate the Chapel. You are still free to make your own or arrange a stylist. For information on making your own pew decorations including sizing and quantity click here. To see our booklet about the selection of pew bows we have click here.
Christening / Baptism Price Guide
Hire of Chapel Only
1+1/4 hour rental starting fifteen minutes before the ceremony time
$300
Chapel Plus Religious Officiant ^
Chapel Hire and a Religious Minister to perform the Baptism/Christening. Including a commemorative Certificate.
$700*
Additional Time
$150 per half hour (where bookings allow)
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to secure your booking
Floral Arrangements / Pew Decorations
Included is 5 arrangements and your choice of our selection of pew decorations.
Minister/Pastor/Celebrant
You need to arrange your own minister or pastor/priest or celebrant to perform your ceremony. See our "preferred suppliers page" to see the service providers we recommend.
To book the Chapel
Our bookings are made online. Once you have called or emailed our office to check and confirm Chapel availability for your date, you will be given the web address for our online booking form. Once submitted you will be given the bank details to pay your deposit by electronic transfer.