Mercy Heritage Centre Brisbane facts for kids
The Mercy Heritage Centre Brisbane was a special museum that told the story of the Sisters of Mercy in Brisbane. It is now closed, but it will open again in June 2019 with a new name: Adderton: house & heart of mercy. This place helps us understand the history of care and education in Queensland.
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The Story of Adderton House
The main part of the building, called Adderton, was built way back in 1858 by John Petrie. This makes it one of the oldest buildings still standing in Queensland! It was built even before Queensland became a separate colony from New South Wales.
In 1863, the Sisters of Mercy bought this building. They renamed it the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy All Hallows' on November 1, 1863. This became the first permanent home for the Sisters of Mercy in Brisbane.
A Centre of Growth and Care
Because it was their first home, All Hallows' Convent became the "Mother House." This meant it was the main place from which new convents and schools grew all over Queensland. From this central spot, the Sisters of Mercy started many important programs. These programs helped people with health, education, and social support. The convent was made bigger several times, with important additions built in 1892, 1913, and 1919.
The All Hallows' Chapel
The Chapel was built as part of the convent's expansion in 1892. It was officially blessed on March 1, 1892. Later, in 1919, more parts were added to the Chapel.
Chapel Design and History
The older part of the Chapel shows a style called Victorian, which was popular in the late 1800s. The newer part, added later, has an early-Renaissance style. In 1968, the inside of the Chapel was updated. These changes were made to follow new guidelines from Vatican II, which brought updates to Catholic Church practices.
Today, the Mercy Heritage Centre looks after the Chapel. Inside, you can see displays, photographs, and information. These exhibits tell the story of how the building changed over time. They also show religious practices, special clothing worn by priests (called vestments), and beautiful stained glass windows.
