Herberton Uniting Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herberton Uniting Church |
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Herberton Uniting Church, 1997
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| Location | 2-4 Lillian Street, Herberton, Tablelands Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1891 - 1911 |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic |
| Official name: Herberton Uniting Church, Herberton Presbyterian Church | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 27 August 1999 |
| Reference no. | 601788 |
| Significant period | 1890s, 1970s (historical) 1890s (fabric) ongoing (social) |
| Significant components | furniture/fittings, views to, memorial - honour board/ roll of honour, church |
| Builders | R Petersens |
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The Herberton Uniting Church is a special old church building. It is located at 2-4 Lillian Street in Herberton, Queensland, Australia. This church was built in 1891 by a builder named R Petersens. It was first known as the Herberton Presbyterian Church. Later, in 1977, it became the Herberton Uniting Church. This historic building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1999.
Contents
History of the Herberton Uniting Church
The Herberton Uniting Church started its life as the Herberton Presbyterian Church. This happened in 1891. Many years later, in 1977, several church groups in Australia joined together. This new group was called the Uniting Church in Australia. Because of this, the Herberton church changed its name to the Herberton Uniting Church.
How the Church Started in Herberton
Herberton was a very important town for churches on the Tablelands. This was because tin was discovered there. When tin mining began, more people moved to Herberton. This led to religious groups starting to meet regularly. The late 1880s and early 1890s were a busy time for Herberton. The Great Northern Mining Company was set up, bringing more growth. From Herberton, both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches grew across the Tablelands. The Presbyterian church became an official parish in 1891.
Planning and Building the Church
On November 29, 1890, some local men met to talk about starting a Presbyterian Church in Herberton. They decided they needed a minister first. On December 13, 1890, Reverend George Ewan arrived. He was paid about £200 a year. His church area was very large. It included towns like Irvinebank, Montalbion, Orient Camp, Muldiva, Calcifer, Newelltown, Carrington, and Martintown.
At first, church services in Herberton were held in the Herberton School of Arts hall. The church bought an organ for £30 to use during these services. On March 18, 1891, church members and the local council met. They chose a spot on Lillian Street to build the new church. Volunteers helped to level the ground. A local builder, Mr. R Petersens, was chosen to build the timber church for £170.
Opening and Early Years
The first stone of the church was laid on July 4, 1891. This was done by Mrs. Bonar, who was the Lady Mayoress of the Herberton Shire. The church building was finished in October 1891. The total cost was about £400. The church was officially opened and Reverend Ewan was welcomed on November 15, 1891. When it opened, the church had special red cedar pews and a red cedar pulpit. The organ bought earlier was also moved into the new church.
Changes Over Time
In 1911, the Tablelands railway was built. This railway went from Atherton to Ravenshoe. Part of the church's land was used for the railway. This changed the area around the church quite a lot. After the railway earthworks, the back corner of the church sank a bit. The whole building had to be moved about 30 centimeters (12 inches) to the south.
After World War I, a special Roll of Honour was put up. It was made from copper. This roll lists the names of people from the community who served in the war. During World War II, many soldiers were based in North Queensland. Many of them came to services at the Herberton Presbyterian Church. The church's visitor book shows that about 400 servicemen attended services during this time.
In 1959, the church bought new communion furniture. This included a communion table, a moderator's chair, and two elders' chairs. These were given to the church by local families. In June 1977, the Presbyterian Church joined with other churches to form the Uniting Church in Australia. This is when the Herberton Presbyterian Church became the Herberton Uniting Church.
What the Church Looks Like
The Herberton Uniting Church is a simple, rectangular building. It is made of timber and has a gabled roof. It sits next to the Atherton-Herberton railway line. The church faces Lillian Street.
Outside the Church
The church walls are made of a single layer of timber. You can see the timber frame and braces on the outside. This gives the building an interesting look. The roof is very steep and covered with corrugated iron sheets. A simple timber decoration, called a finial, is at the very top of the front roof. The church is slightly raised off the ground on concrete stumps.
The front of the church, facing Lillian Street, is balanced and neat. It has a central porch that sticks out. On each side of the porch are tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. The porch has a gabled roof that matches the main church roof. Timber posts support this roof. There are also timber balustrades (railings) from the posts to the church wall. The main entrance door is a double timber door. It has a pointed arch shape. A small concrete step is under the awning, making it easy to enter. Above the porch, there are three lancet windows grouped together.
The two sides of the church have four lancet window openings each. These match the sections inside the church. The back of the church is mostly plain. It has a small timber door near the eastern corner.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church is one simple room. It has a high ceiling that goes up into the roof space. You can see the timber trusses (support beams) that hold up the roof. The inside walls are covered with horizontal timber boards. Near the entrance door, there is a timber screen. This creates a small entrance area, or vestibule.
The church still has many old and important items inside. These items help tell the story of the church. One important item is a red cedar pulpit fixed to the back wall. A pulpit is where the minister stands to give sermons. This pulpit has carved timber panels and a stool. You reach it by climbing three timber steps. The pulpit also has decorative carved timber pieces shaped like acorns.
Other special items include:
- Marble tablets: One remembers parishioners who fought in World War I. Another remembers Reverend J.D. Marly.
- A unique Roll of Honour: This one is made from beaten copper. It also remembers those who fought in World War I.
The red cedar pews (church benches) are original to the building. They are simple seats with backs and carved ends. The organ is also very old and special. It was used even before the church building was finished, during services in the School of Arts hall. The communion furniture, including the table, moderator's chair, and two elder's chairs, are all made of timber.
Why the Church is Important
The Herberton Uniting Church is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is a very important historical place. It was added to the list on August 27, 1999.
Showing Queensland's History
This church helps us understand how the Presbyterian Church grew in Queensland. The Herberton church was where the Presbyterian Church started in the Tablelands area. It also shows how Herberton grew as a mining town in the 1880s and 1890s. This growth happened after tin and other metals were found there.
A Good Example of Church Design
The building is a great example of a simple timber church in Queensland. Its special design, with single-layer walls and an outside frame, makes it unique.
Beautiful and Special
The church is also important because of its beauty. It is a good example of a simple timber church. Its single-layer construction and outside frame make it special.
Important to the Community
The Herberton Uniting Church has been a place of worship for over 100 years. This makes it very important to the community. The early Presbyterian community paid for the land and built the first church. Since then, people in the church have given many items and decorations. This shows the strong connection between the church and the community. The two Rolls of Honour inside the church, remembering World War I, also show its strong community value.
