Hemmant Christian Community Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hemmant Christian Community Church |
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Hemmant Christian Community Church, 2015
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| 27°26′56″S 153°07′35″E / 27.449°S 153.1265°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Union: non-denominational (since c. 1990s) |
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| History | |
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| Status | Church |
| Dedicated | November 1866 |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1865 – 1866 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Timber |
The Hemmant Christian Community Church is a very old and special church located in Hemmant, Queensland, Australia. It was built a long time ago, between 1865 and 1866.
This church is known by a few different names from its past. These include the Hemmant Methodist Church, Hemmant Uniting Church, and Tingalpa Wesleyan Methodist Church. It is considered so important that it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992.
Contents
History of the Church
This church building first opened its doors in November 1866. It was originally called the Tingalpa Wesleyan Methodist Church. This church was part of a larger group of churches in the area.
Early Days in Tingalpa
The area around Tingalpa and Hemmant started to grow in 1859. More people moved here to farm the land. In 1864, new rules about growing coffee and sugar helped even more people settle in the district. Many farms started growing sugar cane along Doughboy Creek and the Brisbane River.
In 1865, a church leader named Reverend Beaizley asked for builders to help construct a new Wesleyan Church. The church was officially opened in November 1866. Many local people helped make the church a reality.
Important People and Growth
One important person was Angus Gibson. He was a member of the Queensland Parliament and helped the church for 50 years. The church became a key part of the Hemmant village, along with the Hemmant State School, which was built in 1864.
Over time, the church building was made longer by about 5 meters. This happened at a time we don't know exactly. In 1947, the windows and most of the inside furniture were updated.
Changing Names and New Beginnings
The Hemmant Methodist Church changed its name in the mid-1970s. This happened when the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches joined together to form the Uniting Church in Australia. So, it became the Hemmant Uniting Church.
However, in 1988, the church had to close because fewer people were attending. Luckily, a group of local people worked hard to save the building from being torn down. They succeeded, and the church reopened as the Hemmant Christian Community Church. It is now a non-denominational church, meaning it welcomes people from different Christian backgrounds.
What the Church Looks Like
This church is made of weatherboard, which means its outer walls are covered with overlapping wooden planks. It has a rectangular shape with a small porch at the front. The roof is made of corrugated iron and has a pointed shape called a gable.
On top of the front gable, there is a small tower called a bellcote. This is where a bell would usually be. The front gable also has pretty, wavy wooden decorations called scalloped timber barge boards.
Along each side of the church, there are six windows. These windows are in a Gothic style and have leadlight glass. Leadlight means small pieces of colored glass are held together by lead strips. These windows are special because they are memorials to the first families who helped build the church. There are also two similar windows at the front.
Inside the church, the walls and ceiling are covered with horizontal wooden boards. These boards fit together tightly. A wooden screen that can be folded divides the building into two parts. One part is the church area, and the other is a meeting room.
Why the Church is Special
The Hemmant Christian Community Church is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is recognized as a very important historical place. It got this special listing on October 21, 1992.
A Glimpse into Queensland's Past
This church, built in 1865-66, is important because it shows us how Queensland's history developed. It tells the story of how the Methodist church started in Queensland. It also shows how the Tingalpa/Hemmant area grew into a farming community in the late 1800s.
A Classic Example of Old Churches
The building is a great example of a simple, timber church from the 1800s that was built in the Gothic style. It has been a central part of the community for over 130 years. It has served as a place where people gather and has been a well-known landmark in the area.
Important to the Community
The church has a strong connection with the local community. For many years, it has been a place for social, cultural, and spiritual gatherings. It continues to be a significant part of the Hemmant community's history and identity.
