Bethania Lutheran Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bethania Lutheran Heritage Church |
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Bethania Lutheran Church and bell tower, 2005
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| Location | Church Road, Bethania, City of Logan, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s – 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1872 |
| Official name: Bethania Lutheran Church | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600002 |
| Significant period | 1866–1872 (fabric) |
| Significant components | furniture/fittings, stained glass window/s, graveyard, tower – bell / belfry |
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The Bethania Lutheran Heritage Church is a very old and special church. It is located on Church Road in Bethania, Australia. This church was built in 1872. It is the oldest Lutheran church in all of Queensland. Because it is so important, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992.
Contents
A Look Back: Church History
Early Days and German Settlers
The Bethania Lutheran Church was built in 1872. Workers used bricks made by hand right there in the area. They also used local timber and wooden shingles for the roof.
Before this church, there was an older, simpler church made of wooden slabs. This first church was built in 1864. It was built by a group of German immigrants. These settlers arrived on a ship called the Susannah Godeffroy. They chose to settle in this area and named it Bethanien.
Changes Over Time
The church has a graveyard next to it. Some graves in this cemetery date back to 1866. In 1875, a railway line was built nearby. It even passed over the spot where the first church stood.
Over the years, the church has been updated. In 1907, the original shingle roof was replaced with a stronger iron roof. A new pulpit, which is a raised stand for the preacher, was built in 1926.
Centenary Celebrations
In 1972, the church celebrated its 100th birthday! For this big event, major updates were done. A new iron roof was installed again. A new ceiling made of plywood was added. They also put in new lights and beautiful stained glass windows.
Even though it's still used, this historic church is no longer the main place of worship for the local community.
What the Church Looks Like
Building Materials and Design
This church has one main floor. It is built from bricks that were made by hand. The bricks are covered with plaster, both inside and out. This plaster makes the walls look like they are made of stone.
The church has steep roofs that come to a point, called gable roofs. These roofs are covered with corrugated iron. The brick walls are made stronger with thick brick supports on the outside.
Special Features
Right in front of the church's main doors is the original timber bell tower. The Beenleigh railway line runs very close to the church property. There is a wooden footbridge that lets people walk across the railway tracks.
Some graves from before the railway line was built are still in front of the church. Others are on the other side of the tracks. The main cemetery is now located behind the church building.
Inside the Church
The church has a long main room called a nave. It has two smaller square rooms that stick out at each end. The roofs over these smaller rooms are lower than the main nave roof.
At the eastern end, there is an entry area built in 1972. It replaced an older wooden entry porch. This entry area has double doors. At the western end, there is a private room. This room has a staircase that leads up to the pulpit.
The pulpit is at the western end of the main space. It is built like a balcony above the altar. This design is how it was originally, but parts of it have been rebuilt.
At the eastern end, above the original entry, there is a wooden mezzanine (a partial floor). This mezzanine has been made twice its original size. You can reach it by climbing a steep wooden staircase. The sloped ceiling inside is now covered with plywood.
Windows and Alterations
The church has tall, pointed arched windows along its sides. In 1972, the original windows were replaced with stained glass windows that can open. The walls at the ends of the church and the attached entry areas also have small pointed arched windows.
The church has had some changes over the years. Some parts have been replaced. However, the original shape and style of the building have been kept.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The Bethania Lutheran Church was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. It met several important rules to be listed.
Part of Queensland's Story
This church is important because it shows how Queensland's history developed. It is strongly connected to the German settlers who came to the area. It also shows the long history of the Lutheran community there.
A Unique Piece of History
The Bethania Lutheran Church is special because it is the oldest Lutheran Church in Queensland. This makes it a rare and important part of Queensland's cultural heritage.
Showing Pioneer Skills
The church also shows the amazing skills of the early settlers. It was built using handmade materials and simple construction methods. This shows the creative and technical achievements of the pioneers in the area.
Images for kids
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Bethania Lutheran Church, the year of construction 1872 is visible, 2005
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Plaque commemorating the establishment of the congregation in 1864
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Bethania Lutheran Church cemetery, 2005
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1864 headstone in the cemetery ("gest[orben]" means "d[ied]")
