Naval Chapel, HMAS Kuttabul, Garden Island, Sydney NSW
Mass Times: Fridays: TBA Garden Island Chapel, HMAS Kuttabul (DCAC/Defence pass-holders only) Sundays: Mass TBA at St Columbkilles’ Church, 68 McElhone Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Chaplains: Deacon Graham Swan, RAN Fr Anthony Crook, RAN (part-time Reservist) Deacon Adrian Gomez, RAN (part-time Reservist)
Contact: Defence Switch: 1300 333 362
Location of chapel: Cowper Wharf Roadway, Garden Island NSW 2011
The Garden Island Naval Chapel at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney was converted from a sail loft in 1902.
Construction and Early History
1887 Building: The stone and brick structure was originally built as a rigging house and sail loft during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Steam Transition: By the time it was finished, steam power was replacing sail, making the sail loft mostly redundant.
1902 Conversion: Workers turned the upper floor into a permanent chapel because church services previously used makeshift dining room spaces.
Features and Memorials
Stained Glass: Original upper doorways with old swing cranes were converted into stained glass windows.
Submarine Memorials: The chapel houses special stained glass and plaques honoring early Australian submarines like the AE1 and AE2.
Heritage Status: The building sits on Garden Island and is protected under heritage lists as part of the main east coast navy base.
The Naval Prayer
Eternal God, creator of the heavens and ruler of the raging seas, take under your powerful protection and bless all members of the Royal Australian Navy. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and strengthen them so that they may faithfully serve our country.
