Central Congregational Church Manse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central Congregational Church Manse |
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Building in 2015
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| Location | 21 Quarry Street, Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1883 |
| Architect | Samuel Shenton |
| Official name: Central Congregational Church Manse | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape, built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600594 |
| Significant period | 1880s (fabric) 1880s–1930s (historical) |
| Significant components | residential accommodation – manse, garden/grounds |
| Builders | Samuel Shenton |
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The Central Congregational Church Manse is a historic house located at 21 Quarry Street in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. A "manse" is a home where a church pastor or minister lives. This two-story timber house was built in 1883. It was designed and constructed by Samuel Shenton, who was a well-known architect and builder in Ipswich. The Manse is now protected as a heritage-listed building. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 because of its historical importance.
A Home for Pastors: The Manse's Story
This large timber house was built to be the home for the pastors of the Congregational Church in Ipswich. In 1883, while it was being built, the church's yearbook described it. It said the house would be a "two-storeyed weather-board house." It would have a "verandah balcony all around" and "12 rooms." The church members were proud of its design and quality.
Building the Manse
The Manse was designed and built by Samuel Shenton. He was an architect and builder, and also a member of the Congregational Church. The construction of the house started and finished in 1883. It cost £1221/18/7 to build.
The Congregational Church in Ipswich
The Congregational Church in Ipswich began on 2 June 1854. It was formed by a mix of Baptist and Independent church members. There weren't many people from each group in Ipswich at the time. This Ipswich church was the very first Congregational parish in Queensland. Over the years, more Congregational churches started across the state. This church was very independent. It chose not to accept any money or land from the government.
In 1855, the first Congregational church building in Ipswich was constructed. Samuel Shenton, who later built the Manse, also built this first church. He was a founding member of the church. This first church was a simple timber building on Brisbane Street.
Changes to the Church and Manse
In 1870, a new church building was constructed next to the old one. Samuel Shenton designed this new church too. The old church then became a Sunday School. By this time, the church was known as the Central Congregational Church. This new church cost £2,110. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in February 1953. The land where the church stood was later sold. Today, a supermarket and carpark are on that site. Another Congregational church was built on East Street. It is now called the East Street City Uniting Church.
The Manse itself was sold by the Church in 1936-1937. It was then changed into several smaller apartments. In 1950, some of the Manse's land was taken for road construction. Other parts of the land were divided and sold off.
The Manse Today
Even with these changes, the outside of the Manse looks very much like it did in 1896. There have been almost no changes, except for some extra railings on the upper floor. The Manse is important because it is the only building left from the 1800s that belonged to the Central Congregational Church in Ipswich.
About Samuel Shenton
Samuel Shenton was one of the most important early architects in Ipswich. He arrived in Ipswich in March 1851. He first worked as a carpenter and building contractor. He built Dr. Challinor's house and shop. He also helped fit out the first Presbyterian Church in 1853.
In the 1860s, Shenton made big improvements to central Ipswich. He worked on the School of Arts and the Lands Office. By 1879, his building business was taken over by others. From 1879 to 1889, Shenton worked only as an architect. His architectural business was later taken over by his employee, George Brockwell Gill.
Shenton was also very active in the community and local government. He was an alderman (a local council member) for many years. He was even the Mayor of Ipswich twice, from 1871-1872 and again in 1889. Samuel Shenton passed away in Ipswich on 3 July 1893. Another famous building he designed is Faerieknowe, also known as Fairy Knoll.
Why the Manse is a Heritage Site
The Central Congregational Church Manse was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it's a special place that needs to be protected. It met several important rules to be listed:
Showing Queensland's History
The Manse helps us understand the early history of the Congregational Church in Ipswich and Queensland. The Congregational Church was one of the first independent church groups in Queensland. Today, not many Congregational churches exist because many joined the Uniting Church. The Manse shows how important the Congregational Church was in Ipswich in the 1800s. It also shows how important churches were to communities back then.
Showing a Type of Place
The Manse is a great example of Samuel Shenton's work. He was a very important architect and builder in Ipswich from the 1850s to the 1880s. The Manse shows the typical style and quality of his buildings.
Its Beautiful Design
The Manse has a special beauty. Its size, traditional materials, and detailed design make it stand out on the street. It adds a lot to the look of the area.
Connection to Important People and Groups
The Manse has a strong connection to the people who were part of the Congregational Church in Ipswich. It also connects to the pastors and their families who lived there for many years. It reminds us of their lives and contributions to the community.
Images for kids
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First Congregational Church, Ipswich, around the 1860s
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Second Congregational Church, Ipswich, in 1877
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The Congregational Manse, around 1896
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A plaque from the Ipswich City Council, 2015
