Baptist Church, Ipswich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baptist Church, Ipswich |
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Baptist Church and Memorial Gate
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| Location | 188 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1940s - 1960s (post-World War II) |
| Built | 1954 |
| Architect | George Brockwell Gill, Richard Gailey |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism, Art Deco |
| Official name: Baptist Church and Memorial Gate (former), Ipswich, Studio 188, Former Ipswich Baptist Church & memorial gates, Central Baptist Church, Ipswich | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape, built) |
| Designated | 4 July 2006 |
| Reference no. | 602573 |
| Significant period | 1870s, 1930s (historical) |
| Significant components | stained glass window/s, views to, memorial — gate/s, church, baptistry |
| Builders | Messrs MacGregor and Brown, Messers Mackenzie and Co. |
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The Baptist Church in Ipswich, Queensland is a special building with a rich history. It started as a simple church in 1877. Later, in 1938, it got a cool new look. This included an Art Deco style makeover. A special gate was added in 1954 to remember people from the church who served in World War II.
Today, this historic building is no longer a church. It is now a performing arts center called Studio 188. It is located at 188 Brisbane Street in Ipswich. The building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is an important part of Queensland's history.
Contents
- Discovering the History of Ipswich Baptist Church
- What Does the Former Church Look Like Today?
- Why is This Place Important?
- Images for kids
Discovering the History of Ipswich Baptist Church
The Ipswich Baptist Church has a long and interesting story. It shows how the city of Ipswich grew. It also shows how the Baptist community developed.
How Ipswich Began
Ipswich was one of the first places settled in Queensland. It started as a convict camp in 1827. It was called Limestone back then. Later, it became a free settlement in 1842. Ipswich was important because it was a port on the Bremer River. It was also a key stop on routes to other areas.
Many people in Ipswich hoped it would become the capital of Queensland. But Brisbane became the capital in 1859. Still, Ipswich remained a major regional center. It became a municipality in 1860 and a city in 1904.
The Baptist Community in Ipswich
The Baptist church in Ipswich was the second one formed in Queensland. In the early 1850s, Baptists in Ipswich met with another church group. They started meeting on their own in 1859. In January 1860, they officially formed their own Baptist church. It began with just seven members.
Building the First Church
The congregation built its first small chapel in August 1860. It was located on West Street. By the mid-1870s, the church grew a lot. It became clear that the small chapel was too small. So, they decided to build a new, bigger church.
The land for the new church was bought on Brisbane Street. This was the main street in town.
The Original Church Design by Richard Gailey
The new church was designed by Richard Gailey. He was a famous architect in Queensland. Gailey was also a Baptist and often designed churches for free. He designed at least eight churches for the Baptists. The Ipswich church was the fourth one. It is now the oldest Baptist church still in its original spot.
What the First Church Looked Like
The Ipswich church was a simple brick building. It had a gabled roof and round-arched windows. These windows were filled with beautiful stained glass. The design was typical of Gailey's early work. It was officially opened on June 17, 1877. The church could hold about 350 people.
The inside of the church had a special layout. It had a raised platform in the center. A baptismal font was placed right below it. This was important for Baptist worship.
Growing with Ipswich
The new church was finished during a time of growth in Ipswich. The city was doing well economically. Many new buildings were being planned or built. Ipswich was seen as Queensland's "second town" in 1876.
Sunday School and Other Buildings
The Baptist Sunday School started in Ipswich by 1864. In 1900, a timber hall was built for the Sunday School. It faced Limestone Street. This building was designed by local architect George Brockwell Gill. Funds for the hall came from bazaars and donations. In 1924, a house for the minister, called a manse, was opened. It was next to the hall.
The Art Deco Makeover by George Brockwell Gill
After World War I, the church decided to renovate. In 1938, the church got a major new look. This was designed by George Brockwell Gill. He was the same architect who designed the Sunday School hall.
The church's front was completely changed. It got a "futuristic" Art Deco style. This style was popular between the world wars. The new front had stained glass windows. All the outside walls were covered with a new finish. The inside was also updated. The renovated church was dedicated on June 19, 1938.
About George Brockwell Gill
George Brockwell Gill was a very important architect in Ipswich. He lived and worked there for over 50 years. He designed many famous buildings in Ipswich. These include the Ipswich Girls' Grammar School and the Soldiers' Memorial Hall, Ipswich. His Art Deco design for the Baptist Church was very different from his other work.
Remembering Those Who Served: The Memorial Gate
In about 1940, the Baptists bought the land next to the church. In 1950, this area became a war memorial park. Volunteers helped to landscape the park.
The Memorial Entrance
A special entrance to the park was built in 1954. It was a covered gateway with a plaque. This gate was dedicated on April 25, 1954. The plaque honored the men and women from the church. It remembered those who "fought, suffered and died during the 1939-45 war."
Later Changes and New Purpose
The church had more renovations in 1958 and 1979. These included updating the ceiling and platform area. In the late 1990s, a larger entrance was added to the church.
From Church to Performance Venue
In 2004, the Baptists sold the church complex. They built a new church in Brassall, Queensland. The old church building was empty for some years.
In 2009, some of the other buildings on the site were removed. In 2012, the church and memorial ground were given to the Ipswich City Council. The council then transformed the old church. It became a youth theatrical venue called Studio 188. It now serves as a performance space for the community.
What Does the Former Church Look Like Today?
The former Baptist Church and its memorial gate are still important landmarks. They are located at 188 Brisbane Street.
The Church Building
The church building is made of brick. It has an Art Deco-style front. This front has tall, narrow sections and a porch. The roof is gabled and covered with corrugated iron. The church is set back from the street. It sits on a slope, making it stand out.
You can enter the church in a few ways. There are steps to the front porch. There is also a ramp and a new stairway. These lead to a side extension. The front of the church has double glass doors. Many of the windows have colored lead lights. These show an arrow and torch design.
The side of the church still shows its original design by Richard Gailey. It has six sections with tall, narrow windows. The back of the church also keeps Gailey's design.
The inside of the building is now a theater. It has a new stage at the southern end. The original windows are now behind colored screens.
The Memorial Gate
The memorial gate stands right at the street. It has a gabled roof. This roof is supported by six twisted columns. These columns sit on a low wall. The gate has a plaque that honors war veterans.
A low concrete wall runs along the street. It matches the style of the church's front. This wall has openings for the gate, ramp, and stairs.
Why is This Place Important?
The former Ipswich Baptist Church and its memorial gate are very important. They are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
A Glimpse into Queensland's History
The church was built in 1877. It was designed by Richard Gailey. Its Art Deco look was added in 1938 by George Brockwell Gill. This church is the oldest Baptist church still in its original spot in Queensland. It shows how the Baptist community grew in Ipswich. It also shows how important Ipswich was as a regional center.
The war memorial gate is also important. It shows how people across Australia honored those who served in wars.
Unique Features
The Art Deco style of the church is rare for buildings like this in Queensland. It shows that non-Anglican churches sometimes chose different architectural styles.
Important Architectural Work
The church is a great example of Richard Gailey's early work. He was a very busy architect in Queensland. The church's simple design shows his early style.
The 1938 Art Deco renovation is also a unique example of George Brockwell Gill's work. He designed many buildings in Ipswich. His work helped shape the city.
The memorial gate is a good example of a structure built to remember people. It is a lasting reminder of those who served in World War II.
Beautiful and Striking
The former Ipswich Baptist Church and its memorial gate add beauty to Brisbane Street. The church's tall Art Deco front is very striking. It stands out against the open space behind the memorial gate. The church and gate have a special look that contrasts with the shops around them.
Images for kids
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Baptist Church and Memorial Gate
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The Baptist Church in 1905
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Ipswich Baptist Church after Art Deco renovation, 1940s
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Ipswich Baptist Church interior, 1940s
