Richard Johnson Obelisk

During 1923, the Sydney City Council was making arrangements to erect an edifice at the intersection of Bligh and Hunter streets. Representations from the Royal Australian Historical Society’s special committee, the First Christian Service Memorial Committee, were made concerning a monument to Johnson and the committee was subsequently granted permission to take over the project. It had privately raised £300 for the purpose and asked members and friends for another £300.

The Council approved the design and construction of the memorial on 30 August 1924 but there is uncertainty as to the date of the laying of the foundation stone. One commentator indicates that the foundation stone was laid on 13 March 1926, but the monument itself has a date of 19 March 1925. Other Council correspondence appears to confirm the 19 March date as being correct.

Work on the memorial was completed in May 1925.

• An inscription on the northern face reads:
  
  
  This marks the site of the first church erected in Australia. Opened August 25th 1793, burned down Oct. 1st 1798. Rev Richard Johnson B A Chaplain, being the first minister.
  On this face, there is also a relief etching of the church in the granite.


• An inscription on the southern face:
  
  
  To the glory of God and in commemoration of the first Christian service held in Australia February 3rd 1788, Rev Richard Johnson B A the Chaplain being the preacher.
• An inscription on the western face reads:
  
  
  The text of the first sermon preached in Australia. “What shall I render unto THE LORD for all his benefits toward ME”. Psalm-CXVI 12


• An inscription on the eastern face reads:
  
  
  This foundation stone was laid by his Excellency Admiral Sir Dudley R. De Chair K.C.B, Governor of New South Wales on the nineteenth day of March 1925.