Ann Street Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ann Street Presbyterian Church |
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Ann Street Presbyterian Church, 2020
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| 27°28′05″S 153°01′28″E / 27.468°S 153.0244°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Presbyterian |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | September 1854 (first church) |
| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Church |
| Years built | 1858, 1871, 1897, 1936 |
| Administration | |
| Presbytery | Brisbane |
| Division | Queensland |
The Ann Street Presbyterian Church is a very old and important Presbyterian church in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. It's a special building that has been around since 1858! It was built by Joshua Jeays and later changed and made bigger by architects like Alexander Brown Wilson and Douglas Francis Woodcraft Roberts. This church is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's protected because of its history and beauty. It's a key part of Brisbane's story.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
Early Days of Presbyterianism
Did you know that some of the first Presbyterians to arrive in Queensland came in the late 1840s? They were part of a plan by John Dunmore Lang to bring more people to the area. At first, they held church services in a house in Kangaroo Point. Later, in 1851, a small wooden church opened in South Brisbane. For people living in North Brisbane, services were also held in a building called the School of Arts.
The First Church Building
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In September 1854, the church community bought some land on Ann Street. Four years later, in 1858, a simple stone church was built. It was made in the Gothic style, which is a type of architecture with pointed arches. This first church cost about £960, which was a lot of money back then! It was about 11 meters wide and 14 meters long.
The church officially opened on July 25, 1858. It became known as the Ann Street Presbyterian Church. Sadly, on December 21, 1871, a fire destroyed most of the church. Only the stone walls were left, and the church was not insured.
Rebuilding and Growing
In February 1872, people started collecting money to rebuild the church. By February 1873, a builder named Mr. E. Lewis was hired to rebuild it. He followed plans by architect John Hall. The new church officially reopened on October 26, 1873. Thanks to many generous donations, they not only rebuilt the church but also added a small tower, beautiful stained glass windows, and a church bell. People said it was one of the best bells in Brisbane!
In 1897, the church was changed and made much bigger. Architect Alexander Brown Wilson designed these changes. They added buttresses (strong supports on the outside walls) and transepts (parts of the church that stick out like arms, making it look like a cross). They also built stone steps and a fence at the front. The outside walls were covered in plaster, and a large round window, called a rose window, was put in the front wall.
More work was done inside the church in 1903 to make space for a new pipe organ. Between 1903 and 1914, another transept was added.
In 1936, a two-story building was added next to the church. This new part had a hall and offices. It was designed by Douglas Francis Woodcraft Roberts and cost about £6,000. This building held offices for the church and for the main Presbyterian Church in Queensland.
In the mid-1960s, the church's future was uncertain. The Brisbane City Council wanted to buy the land to redevelop King George Square. But the church community and other people worked together to save the building. The church stayed, though its 1936 extension was later included in the construction of a new building nearby.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The Ann Street Presbyterian Church is made of stone and brick, covered with a smooth finish. It sits high above Ann Street and King George Square. It has a fancy wall and steps made of decorated stone and metal that lead down to Ann Street. The roof is made of ribbed metal and has several steep, pointed sections called gables.
The windows are mostly tall and narrow, called lancet windows. Some are rounded at the top. The front of the church has two main doors set inside rounded arches. These arches have special patterns carved into them. Above the doors, there's a beautiful rose window. The words "Ann St. Presbyterian Church" are written above the doors.
Inside, you'll see lots of beautiful timber (woodwork). The ceiling has diagonal wooden boards and decorative panels. You can also see the strong wooden trusses (support beams) that hold up the roof. Wide wooden arches are along the side walls of the transepts. A wooden screen separates the entrance area from the main part of the church. The floor gently slopes down from the entrance to the front, where the communion table and pulpit are. A very large pipe organ stands on the eastern wall.
Why This Church is Special
The Ann Street Presbyterian Church is very important for many reasons. It's one of the oldest churches in Queensland that is still used today. This shows us how churches have grown and changed over time in Queensland's history.
The building also shows us what a Presbyterian church should look like, with all its additions fitting together nicely. People in the community really value its beautiful interior and how it adds to the look of the city and King George Square.
Since 1858, people have been worshipping at this church. Because of this, it has a very strong and special connection with the Presbyterian community. It's important to them for social, cultural, and spiritual reasons.
Finally, the church is linked to the famous architect Alexander Brown Wilson, who designed many of its changes. He was closely connected with the Presbyterian church.
