South Sea Islander Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Sea Islander Church and Hall |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
South Sea Islander Church and Hall, 2009
|
|
| Location | 46 Johnston Street, Millbank, Bundaberg, Bundaberg Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919–1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | c. 1920 |
| Official name: South Sea Islander Church and Hall | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 28 July 2000 |
| Reference no. | 602052 |
| Significant period | 1920s (historical) 1920s–ongoing (social) |
| Significant components | furniture/fittings, church, church hall/sunday school hall |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The South Sea Islander Church and Hall is a special historic church building. It is located at 46 Johnston Street, Millbank in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. This church and its hall were built around 1920. They are important because they served the South Sea Islander community. These buildings are now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means they are protected for their historical value.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Church
The South Sea Islander Church and Hall were built around 1920. They were first located on the Fairymead sugar plantation. This plantation was a large farm where sugar cane was grown. Many South Sea Islander people worked there. They had been brought to Queensland to work in the sugar industry. The church and hall were built to help with their spiritual needs.
In 1995, the church and hall were moved. They now stand near the Bundaberg Cemetery. Many South Sea Islander people are buried there. This move helps connect the buildings to the community's ancestors.
The Fairymead Plantation Story
The land for Fairymead plantation was once a cattle farm. It was called "Tantitha." The Young family bought this land. They started growing sugar cane in 1882. At first, the cane juice was sent to another mill. But by 1884, Fairymead had its own sugar mill. In 1912, Fairymead became a public company. It was called the Fairymead Sugar Company.
Florence Young and Her Mission
Florence Young was a sister of the Young family who owned Fairymead. She was very involved in helping the South Sea Islanders. Florence was the secretary of the Queensland Kanaka Mission (QKM). This mission aimed to provide religious and educational classes. She taught Islanders using simple English and pictures. She even used a chrysalis to explain the idea of resurrection.
The QKM officially started at Fairymead in 1886. It was a Christian mission for all denominations. Its goal was to prepare South Sea Islanders for church membership. This was important because many would return to their home islands. The mission grew quite large. By 1904–1905, it had many missionaries and teachers. Florence Young also started another mission. It was called the South Sea Evangelical Mission (SSEM). She managed this mission from Sydney and Katoomba. She visited the islands every year until 1926.
Why the Church Was Important
The church and hall were built around 1920. They replaced an older hall on the plantation. Even though Florence Young had left Bundaberg, her work continued. These buildings remind us of the lasting impact of Christian missionaries. They show how important their work was in the Bundaberg area.
The South Sea Islander Church and Hall are still used today. They are a strong link for the community. They connect current generations to their ancestors' experiences in Queensland.
What the Buildings Look Like
The South Sea Islander Church is a single-story building. It is made of timber and sits on concrete stumps. The roof has a gabled shape and is covered with corrugated iron. The outside walls are made of chamferboards. High up on the west and east ends, there are louvred timber vents.
.jpg)
On the north and south sides, there are two sets of casement windows. Each window has a simple diamond pattern. There are entry doors and timber stairs at each end of the church on the south side. A ramp has also been added recently for easier access.
Inside, the church walls are painted white. The timber frame is stained. The church still has its original timber pews. It also has a timber altar and an organ.
The hall is also a single-story timber building. It sits on concrete stumps. Its walls are covered with weatherboards. It has a gabled roof with corrugated iron. There are double-hung sash windows on the west, east, and south sides. Inside, you can see the timber framework because the walls are single-layered. The floor is made of timber. A timber staircase is on the south side.
Both buildings are in a beautiful setting. There are landscaped garden beds. These gardens are dedicated to different families.
Why This Place is Special
The South Sea Islander Church and Hall are very important. They were added to the Queensland Heritage Register on July 28, 2000.
A Link to Queensland's Past
These buildings are a great example of a simple missionary church and hall. They show how Queensland's history developed. They are strongly connected to the South Sea Islander community. This community was a large workforce in the Bundaberg area. This area was one of the richest sugar regions in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The church and hall are a strong reminder for today's South Sea Islander community. They represent the experiences of their ancestors in Queensland.
Unique Features of the Buildings
The church and hall are good, well-preserved examples of missionary buildings. They show the typical features of such places.
Beautiful and Meaningful
The church and hall are set in lovely grounds. The landscaped gardens are dedicated to various families. This adds to the beauty of the site. Inside the church, the original timber pews, altar, and organ are also very special.
Important to the Community
The church and hall were moved to be closer to the graves of South Sea Islander ancestors. This shows their strong connection to the community. They are important for continued worship and remembering their heritage.
