History of the Centre
The history of the Australian Centre of Christianity and Culture is interwoven with the history of Canberra, the national capital of Australia. It is located on the land cared for over the centuries by the Ngunnawal people.
1913 - The foundation stone of Canberra was laid.
1926 - The Commonwealth Government of Australia allocated land to the Church of England (now the Anglican Church of Australia) to build a national church. This 10 acre site is on Rottenberry Hill, grazing land previously owned by the Rottenberry family, and on the shores of the proposed lake.
1927 - This site was dedicated as the site for St Mark's Cathedral on 8 May. This cathedral was never built because of lack of funds.
1957 - The Anglican diocese developed St Mark's Library on part of the original site. This has now developed into St Mark's National Theological Centre, the headquarters of the School of Theology of Charles Sturt University.
1993 - An ecumenical committee was convened to discuss alternative purposes for the site.
1995 - The Anglican Church entered into agreement with other Christian churches in Australia to develop the site together and in consultation with the local Aboriginal community. A ceremony was held on 4 November 1995 to dedicate the site in the light of this new vision.
1996 - A foundation stone was laid and a Tent of Meeting, now the Place of Meeting, was erected focussing on a simple campfire.
An Interim Board was established.
1998 - On 2 June, the Centre was established under the authority of Charles Sturt University in collaboration with the Anglican diocese and with the approval of the National Council of Churches in Australia.
Atelier Design Consulting Services were appointed as professional advisers and to arrange a design competition.
It was announced that Bligh Voller Nield had won a design competition for the Centre.
1999 - The Reverend Dr David Millikan was appointed the first Executive Director.
2000 - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II planted the first tree of reconciliation.
The land was divided between St Mark's National Theological Centre and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. The land for the Centre was sub-leased to Charles Sturt University.
2001 - In March, the first sod was turned of Stage 1 of the building project.
In September, Prime Minister John Howard became the first pilgrim on a Pilgrim Walk around the perimeter of the site.
The Venerable John Parkes was appointed Executive Director.
2002 - A Prayer Labyrinth was opened on the Pilgrim Walk
The Chapel was opened in May 2002.
The former Anglican Cathedral Cross was decommissioned and rededicated by the Anglican Primate in the Outdoor Chapel on the Pilgrim Walk
Launch of the book Visions on Rottenberry Hill by Gretel Ayre, recounting the history of the site.
2003 - The Reverend Professor James Haire was appointed Executive Director.
The Great Cross was erected on the crest of the hill.
2004 - The Chapel won a Commendation from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter)
2004 - Charles Sturt University approved funding for construction of Stage 2 to begin.
2007 - The first shelter was erected in December.
2008 - George Browning House, the administrative headquarters, was opened in February.