Aubigny, North Quay facts for kids

Aubigny was a special house in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, located at 273 North Quay, Brisbane. It was later known as Loretto. This house played many different roles throughout Brisbane's history, from being a family home to a hospital and even a hostel for young women.

Brisbane's First Synagogue

Brisbane's First Synagogue in the grounds of Aubigny, North Quay

The main house was built in 1870 by Samuel Davis. He was a Jewish businessman. He also built a separate building on the property. This smaller building was used as Brisbane's very first synagogue. A synagogue is a special place where Jewish people go to worship and learn.

A Grand Family Home

Aubigny, at North Quay, Brisbane, 1897, when Miss Lilly Perkins married Mr Randal McDonnell

In 1883, a wealthy man named Patrick Perkins bought the large house. He was a brewer, which means he made drinks, and also a politician. A politician is someone who helps make rules and decisions for a city or country. Patrick Perkins named the house "Aubigny." He named it after the area he represented when he was first elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly. He changed the old synagogue building into a billiards room, which is a room for playing pool.

Used by the Police

In 1899, the Perkins family rented the property. The Criminal Investigation Department, which is part of the police, used the house. They used the main house as their offices. The old synagogue building became a room for taking photographs.

The First Mater Hospital

In late 1905, after Patrick Perkins passed away, the house was sold. The Sisters of Mercy, a group of nuns, bought it. They turned the house into the first Mater Misericordiae Hospital. It started with 20 beds. The old synagogue building became the hospital's chapel, a place for prayer. Over time, the hospital grew too big for the house. It moved to South Brisbane, where it is still a large hospital today.

Loretto: A Girls' Hostel

In 1913, the Sisters of Mercy renamed the house "Loretto." They used it as a hostel for young Catholic girls. These girls came from the countryside to work in Brisbane. The former synagogue building was used as the maids' quarters. This was a place for the staff to live.

Changes for City Growth

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Brisbane, 2015

The Brisbane City Council decided to build the Grey Street Bridge. To do this, they needed more space for wider roads. So, they took over the property. However, the church was allowed to keep using the land until the council needed it.

Around 1939, a part of the land was sold. This part was not needed for the road widening. The Church of Christ, Scientist bought it. They built the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Brisbane there. This church building is now considered a special historical site. The old Aubigny house itself was sold for £148.